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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

By Dr. Anuradha Kapur in Obstetrics And Gynaecology

Jun 01 , 2020 | 1 min read

AUB is the commonest menstrual problem in perimenopause - it can be acute or chronic.

At least one third of women will have AUB in their life. It has a significant impact on the physical and emotional quality of life of women. Higher incidence is seen around menarche and perimenopause.

The normal length of the menstrual cycle is typically between 24 days and 38 days. A normal menstrual period generally lasts from 4 to 8 days with 5 to 80 ml of blood loss.

When to report to the doctor?

Bleeding or spotting between periods
Bleeding or spotting after sex
Heavy bleeding during your period
Menstrual cycles that are longer than 38 days or shorter than 24 days
Duration more than 8–9 days
Bleeding after menopause

Some of the common gynaecological causes of abnormal bleeding are

ACRONYM -PALM COEIN in the non pregnant women:

P-POLYPS
A-ADENOMYOSIS
L-LEIMYOMA .i.e fibroids
M-MALIGNANCY and hyperplasia
C- Bleeding disorders known as coagulopathy
O-Ovulation Problems
E-Endometrial problems
I-Iatrogenic that is linked to exogenous therapy
N -Not otherwise classified,
Any abnormal bleeding which occurs more than once should be investigated
However postmenopausal bleeding should be evaluated even if it occurs for the first time.

Common investigations which are done after a detailed history and examination are

Ultrasound TVS
Pap Smear
Blood Tests
MRI pelvis (in some cases)
Endometrial sampling in all women above 45 years and in select cases below 45 years
Hysteroscopy and D&C when indicated

Increased availability of medical options has expanded the choice for women and many will not need surgery. Surgery is only done when medical management fails, is contraindicated or cannot be tolerated or there is a malignancy in an operable stage.

Treatment has to be individualized depending on symptoms ,desire for fertility ,age, parity and other co morbidities

Some of the treatment options include :

Tranexamic acid and NSAIDS
Hormonal tablets - low dose hormonal contraceptives are the mainstay of treatment for adolescents upto age 18 years
Either low dose ocps or progesterone therapy is generally effective in women aged 19 to 39 years
Mirena insertion e,g for simple hyperplasia of endometrium or for adenomyosis
Mifepristone tablets or ulipristal as medical management of fibroids in select patients
(GnRH) Analogues as short term therapy
Lifestyle modifications for ovulatory dysfunctions like PCOS or obesity are first line therapy
Interventional radiological services like uterine artey embolization or MRgFUS for select cases of fibroids
Endometritis can be treated with antibiotics
Polypectomy at the time of D&C and hysteroscopy
Surgery

Also Read: difference between pcos and pcod