(Show Disclaimer)
Note: I copy the "definition" of something straight from the book. I find it's best to have an all-encompassing definition in order to better orient myself when I am studying.
(Definitions of Terms Related to AUB [Very Useful IMO] - Click to expand)
| Mensrual Cycle Terms | Descriptive Terms | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency (interval between the start of each menstrual cycle) | Infrequent | > 38 days |
| Normal | 24 to 30 days | |
| Frequent | < 24 days | |
| Regularity (variation of menstrual cycle length, measured over 12 months) | Regular | ± 2 to 20 days over 12 months |
| Irregular | > 20 days over 12 months | |
| Duration of Menstruation | Shortened | < 4½ days |
| Normal | 4½ to 8 days | |
| Prolonged | > 8 days | |
| Volume (total blood loss each menstrual cycle) | Light | < 5 mL |
| Normal | 5 to 80 mL | |
| Heavy | > 80 mL | |
| Other Terms Note: terms may differ from other definitions of amenorrhea. |
Amenorrhea | No bleeding for 90 days. |
| Primary Amenorrhea | Absent menarche by 15 years. | |
| Secondary Amenorrhea | Amenorrhea for 6 months with previously regular menstrual cycles. | |
| Menopause | Amenorrhea for 12 months without other apparent cause. | |
| Precocious Menstruation | Menarche before 9 years of age. |
From AAFP:Abnormal uterine bleeding is a symptom, not a diagnosis; the term is used to describe bleeding that falls outside population-based 5th to 95th percentiles for menstrual regularity, frequency, duration, and volume (see above table). Abnormal bleeding is considered chronic when it has occurred for most of the previous six months, or acute when an episode of heavy bleeding warrants immediate intervention. Intermenstrual bleeding is bleeding that occurs between otherwise normal menstrual periods. Use of imprecise terms such as menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding is now discouraged.
From CCFP:Abnormal uterine bleeding has various definitions and classifications. It can be loosely defined as a variation from the normal menstrual cycle. The variation can be in regularity, frequency, duration of flow, or amount of blood loss. Often the bleeding is “heavy,” which is “excessive menstrual blood loss which interferes with a woman’s physical, social, emotional and/or material quality of life.” The terms menorrhagia and metrorrhagia, as well as other combinations, have become outdated.
Likely not important, could not find clear source.
AUB may encompass changes in regularity, frequency, duration of flow, or amount of blood loss during menses.
Related to specific pathology.
Consider asking about patient expectations, as people will often have an idea of what they want via online, etc.
Coming soon
Initially assess for hemodynamic stability, anemia, identifying source of bleeding, pregnancy testing, ruling out endometrial carcinoma.
A universal system categorizing AUB into structural vs. non-structural causes has emerged, PALM (structural)-COEIN (non-structural).
Likely not important, however bleeding may increase initially with hormone therapy, so follow up after 1 month.
When a non-gynecologic cause is suspected.
Pregnancy discussed in another section.