Menorrhagia(Archived)

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.