Abnormal uterine bleeding
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. The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding was used when no underlying cause was present. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is excluded. Iron deficiency anemia may occur and quality of life may be negatively affected.
| Abnormal uterine bleeding | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Atypical vaginal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), abnormal vaginal bleeding |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | Irregular, abnormally frequent, prolonged, or excessive amounts of uterine bleeding |
| Complications | Iron deficiency anemia |
| Causes | Ovulation problems, fibroids, lining of the uterus growing into the uterine wall, uterine polyps, underlying bleeding problems, side effects from birth control, cancer |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, blood work, medical imaging, hysteroscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Ectopic pregnancy |
| Treatment | Hormonal birth control, GnRH agonists, tranexamic acid, NSAIDs, surgery |
| Frequency | Relatively common |
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. More than one category of causes may apply in an individual case. The first step in work-up is to rule out a tumor or pregnancy. Medical imaging or hysteroscopy may help with the diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include hormonal birth control, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, tranexamic acid, NSAIDs, and surgery such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. Over the course of a year, roughly 20% of reproductive-aged women self-report at least one symptom of AUB.
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. This suggests options for therapeutic intervention with angiogenesis inhibitors.