1- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Flashcards
When is bleeding considered abnormal? (5)
- Bleeding/ spotting between periods or after sex
- Heavy bleeding during period
- Menstrual cycles > 38 days or < 24 days
- “Irregular” periods (cycle length varies > 7-9 days)
- After menopause
What is the definition for abn menstrual bleeding?
Abn quantity, duration, schedule; cycle < 24 days or > 38 days, bleeding > 8 days, blood loss > 80mL, intermenstrual bleeding
What is AUB/ HMB?
What is AUB/ IMB?
AUB/ HMB- heavy menstrual bleeding
AUB/ IMB- intermenstrual bleeding
What are the most common etiologies of AUB?
Anovulation, structural uterine pathology, bleeding disorders, uterine neoplasia
What is the current etiology classification system for AUB?
PALM-COEIN
What does the PALM in PALM-COEIN stand for? (classification for etiologies of AUB)
Structural causes
P- polyp
A- adenomyosis
L- leiomyoma (uterine fibroid)
M- malignancy and endometrial hyperplasia
What does the COEIN in PALM-COEIN stand for? (classification for etiologies of AUB)
Nonstructural causes
C- coagulopathy
O- ovulatory dysfunction
E- endometrial
I- iatrogenic
N- not otherwise classified
What is included in the initial eval of AUB besides determining the pattern, severity, and etiology?
Confirm uterus is the source and exclude pregnancy
What is the most common cause of AUB in 13-18 yo?
Anovulation (immature HPO axis)
What is the most common cause of AUB in 19-39 yo?
Pregnancy, then structural lesions (leiomyoma, polyp)
What is the most common cause of AUB in 40 yo to menopause?
Anovulatory bleeding
(also consider endometrial hyperplasia and carcinomas)
What is the most common etiology of anovulatory AUB in nonpregnant reproductive-aged women?
Unpredictable bleeding (related to hypothalamic abns or PCOS)
What is the most common etiology of ovulatory AUB in nonpregnant reproductive-aged women?
Menorrhagia (a/w structural lesions), coagulation disorder, or intermenstrual bleeding (due to cervical pathology- dysplasia/ infection)
Abn bleeding how long prior to menopause is common?
5-10 year prior
(anovulation due to declining numbers of ovarian follicles)
Although perimenopausal bleeding can be common, what is considered abn and how is this evaluated?
Frequent, heavy, prolonged
Eval w/ endometrial bx (EMB) to exclude endometrial hyperplasia or CA
Is postmenopausal bleeding normal or abn?
ABN (concerning for endometrial carcinoma)- assess w/ pelvic US and/or EMB
What should be evaluated on PE of pt with AUB? (3)
Signs of bleeding disorder, enlarged thyroid, evidence of hyperandrogenism
What should be evaluated on pelvic exam of pt with AUB?
Source of bleeding, IUD strings (if applicable), uterine size/ contour
What is the first diagnostic study that should be performed on a pt with AUB?
Pregnancy test
If you suspect anovulatory bleeding as the cause of AUB, what diagnostic tests should be ordered?
CBC
(consider TSH, prolactin, androgen levels)
If you suspect ovulatory bleeding due to menorrhagia as the cause of AUB, what diagnostic tests should be ordered?
CBC, pelvic US, consider EMB
Pt presents with AUB and you suspect the cause to be intermenstrual ovulatory bleeding. What diagnostic tests should be ordered?
Pap smear + cervical cultures