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Book

Menorrhagia(Archived)

Matthew H. Walker  1 , William Coffey  2 , Judith Borger  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
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Free Books & Documents
Book

Menorrhagia(Archived)

Matthew H. Walker et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the name given to describe any deviation from the normal menstrual cycle. The average cycle lasts 29 days with a range of 23-39 days with bleeding episodes lasting 2-7 days. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the American Congress of Obstetricians-Gynecologist have endorsed the PALM-COEIN classification system that divides AUB into structural and non-structural causes. The PALM-COEIN table is available for review under the etiology section of this article and has led to the terms menorrhagia (prolonged or excessive bleeding), oligomenorrhea (bleeding greater than 35 days), intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between cycles), and postmenopausal bleeding to fall out of favor. At least 30% of hysterectomies performed in the USA are for heavy menstrual bleeding.

This activity will discuss the aspects of acute AUB in non-pregnant reproductive-age women when it is of sufficient quantity to require prompt intervention to prevent further blood loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Matthew Walker declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: William Coffey declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Judith Borger declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, Fraser IS, FIGO Working Group on Menstrual Disorders FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2011 Apr;113(1):3-13. - PubMed
    1. ACOG committee opinion no. 557: Management of acute abnormal uterine bleeding in nonpregnant reproductive-aged women. Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr;121(4):891-896. - PubMed
    1. Kjerulff KH, Erickson BA, Langenberg PW. Chronic gynecological conditions reported by US women: findings from the National Health Interview Survey, 1984 to 1992. Am J Public Health. 1996 Feb;86(2):195-9. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nicholson WK, Ellison SA, Grason H, Powe NR. Patterns of ambulatory care use for gynecologic conditions: A national study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001 Mar;184(4):523-30. - PubMed
    1. Warner PE, Critchley HO, Lumsden MA, Campbell-Brown M, Douglas A, Murray GD. Menorrhagia I: measured blood loss, clinical features, and outcome in women with heavy periods: a survey with follow-up data. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 May;190(5):1216-23. - PubMed

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