Abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding
Other namesAtypical vaginal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), abnormal vaginal bleeding
SpecialtyGynecology
SymptomsIrregular, abnormally frequent, prolonged, or excessive amounts of uterine bleeding[1]
ComplicationsIron deficiency anemia[2]
CausesOvulation problems, fibroids, lining of the uterus growing into the uterine wall, uterine polyps, underlying bleeding problems, side effects from birth control, cancer[3]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, blood work, medical imaging, hysteroscopy[2]
Differential diagnosisEctopic pregnancy[4]
TreatmentHormonal birth control, GnRH agonists, tranexamic acid, NSAIDs, surgery[1][5]
FrequencyRelatively common[2]

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), also known as atypical vaginal bleeding (AVB), is vaginal bleeding from the uterus that is abnormally frequent, lasts excessively long, is heavier than normal, or is irregular.[1][3] The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding was used when no underlying cause was present.[3] Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is excluded.[3] Iron deficiency anemia may occur and quality of life may be negatively affected.[2]

The underlying causes may include ovulation problems, fibroids, the lining of the uterus growing into the uterine wall, uterine polyps, underlying bleeding problems, side effects from birth control, or cancer.[3] More than one category of causes may apply in an individual case.[3] The first step in work-up is to rule out a tumor or pregnancy.[5][3] Medical imaging or hysteroscopy may help with the diagnosis.[2]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[3][2] Options may include hormonal birth control, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, tranexamic acid, NSAIDs, and surgery such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.[1][5] Over the course of a year, roughly 20% of reproductive-aged women self-report at least one symptom of AUB.[2]

As adenomyosis is a common disorder with a prevalence of 20-35% it is often causative related. Recent research suggests that abnormal angiogenesis is associated to conditions of adenomyosis leading to abnormal uterine bleeding.[6][7] This suggests options for therapeutic intervention with angiogenesis inhibitors.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include vaginal bleeding that occurs irregularly, at abnormal frequency, lasts excessively long, or is more than normal.[1] Normal frequency of periods is 22 to 38 days.[1][3] Variation in the length of time between cycles is typically less than 21 days.[3] Bleeding typically last less than nine days and blood loss is less than 80 mL.[1][3] Excessive blood loss may also be defined as that which negatively affects a person's quality of life.[2] Bleeding more than six months after menopause is also a concern.[4]

Causes

The causes of AUB are divided into nine groups: uterine polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, cancer, blood clotting disorders, problems with ovulation, endometrial problems, healthcare induced, and not yet classified.[3] More than one category of causes may apply in an individual case.[3] Healthcare induced causes may include side effects of birth control.[3]

Mechanism

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AUB starts with a medical history and physical examination.[2] Normal menstrual bleeding patterns vary from woman to woman, so the medical history covers specific details about the woman's individual menstrual bleeding pattern, such as its predictability, length, volume, and whether she experiences cramps or other pain. The healthcare provider will also check to see whether she or any family members have any potentially related health conditions, and whether she is taking medication that might increase or decrease menstrual bleeding, such as herbal supplements, hormonal contraceptives, over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, or blood thinners.[8]

Medical tests include a blood test, to see whether the abnormal bleeding has caused anemia, and a pelvic ultrasound, to see whether the abnormal bleeding is caused by a structural problem, such as a uterine fibroid.[2] Ultrasound is specifically recommended in those over the age of 35 or those in whom bleeding continues despite initial treatment.[4] Laboratory assessment of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), pregnancy, and chlamydia is also recommended.[8]

More extensive testing might include an MRI and endometrial sampling.[2] Endometrial sampling is recommended in those over the age of 45 who do not improve with treatment and in those with intermenstrual bleeding that persists.[2] The PALM-COEIN system may be used to classify the uterine bleeding.[8]

Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[3][2] Options may include hormonal birth control, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, tranexamic acid, NSAIDs, and surgery such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.[1][5] Polyps, adenomyosis, and cancer are generally treated by surgery.[2] Iron supplementation may be needed.[2]

Terminology

The terminology "dysfunctional uterine bleeding" is no longer recommended.[3] Historically dysfunctional uterine bleeding meant there was no structural or systemic problems present.[3] In AUB underlying causes may be present.[3]

Epidemiology

About one-third of all medical appointments with gynecologists involve AUB, with the proportion rising to 70% in the years around menopause.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding". ACOG. March 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Whitaker L, Critchley HO (July 2016). "Abnormal uterine bleeding". Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 34: 54–65. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.11.012. PMC 4970656. PMID 26803558.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Bacon JL (June 2017). "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Current Classification and Clinical Management". Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 44 (2): 179–193. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.02.012. PMID 28499529.
  4. ^ a b c "Vaginal Bleeding". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d Cheong Y, Cameron IT, Critchley H (1 September 2017). "Abnormal uterine bleeding". British Medical Bulletin. 123 (1): 103–114. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldx027. PMID 28910998.
  6. ^ Harmsen MJ, Wong CF, Mijatovic V, Griffioen AW, Groenman F, Hehenkamp WJ, Huirne JA (September 2019). "Role of angiogenesis in adenomyosis-associated abnormal uterine bleeding and subfertility: a systematic review". Human Reproduction Update. 25 (5): 647–671. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmz024. PMC 6737562. PMID 31504506.
  7. ^ Middelkoop MA, Don EE, Hehenkamp WJ, Polman NJ, Griffioen AW, Huirne JA (February 2023). "Angiogenesis in abnormal uterine bleeding: a narrative review". Human Reproduction Update. 29 (4): 457–485. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmad004. PMC 10320491. PMID 36857162.
  8. ^ a b c d Khafaga A, Goldstein SR (2019). "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding". Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 46 (4): 595–605. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2019.07.001. PMID 31677744. S2CID 207891429.

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