Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are sex–steroid responsive benign tumors primarily composed of smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix that develop in the wall of the uterus.1 They are one of the most common neoplasms in reproductive-aged women. Lifetime prevalence estimates in premenopausal women range from 40% to 89%, depending on the method of detection, the study population, and the ages of those studied. Fibroids can range in size from less than 1 cm to more than 20 cm. Although not all individuals with fibroids have symptoms, typical symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding/heavy menstrual bleeding (AUB/HMB), pelvic bulk symptoms (protruding abdomen, pressure on bladder and bowels), pain, and reproductive morbidity (ie, infertility). Due to their high prevalence and associated symptoms, fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the US and account for up to $34 billion annually in direct and indirect costs.

Author/s:

Marsh, E.E., Wegienka, G., Williams, D.R.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive-Age Women

Tracy Ashby — Mon, 13 May 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

May 13, 2019

Journal/Publication:

JAMA

Publisher:

American Medical Association

Publication Date:

May 9, 2019

URL:

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive-Age Women

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2019.5248

Keywords

women

abnormal uterine bleeding

quality of life

menstrual bleeding

PMID (1):

31070673

MeSH

A concise review of the causes and management of women with abnormal menstrual bleeding during their reproductive years. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in reproductive-age women (defined as abnormal in duration, quantity, or timing) is experienced by approximtely one-third of all women throughout their lifetime, impairs quality of life, and can be effectively managed medically in most cases.1

To minimize confusion associated with previously used terms including menorrhagia and meno-metrorrhagia, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics introduced updated terminology for AUB in nonpregnant women in 2011. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) refers to ovulatory (cyclic) bleeding exceeding 8 days’ duration or heavy enough to interfere with a woman’s quality of life, a pattern of AUB distinct from the irregular bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O).1

Author/s:

Kaunitz, Andrew M.