Definitions
| Normal menstrual bleeding | Occurs every 24-38 days with cycle-to-cycle variation of 2-20 days and lasts 4-8 days. Blood loss of 5-80ml which is roughly equivalent to no more than one pad/tampon every 3 hours.13 |
| Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) | Uterine bleeding that is abnormal in regularity, frequency, volume or duration in a non-pregnant woman.14 The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding is no longer recommended.4 |
| Chronic AUB | AUB present for the majority of the last 6 months.15 |
| Acute AUB | An episode of heavy bleeding that requires immediate action to prevent further blood loss.15 |
| Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) | Excessive volume of menstrual bleeding affecting the patient’s quality of life.8-10 |
| Intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) | Any bleeding, other than post-coital bleeding, that occurs outside of menstruation. |
| Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) | Any bleeding that occurs over one year after the last menstrual period. |
| Post-coital bleeding (PCB) | Non-menstrual bleeding that occurs immediately after sexual intercourse. |
Learning bite
Normal menstruation occurs roughly every 4 weeks and less than one pad or tampon is needed every 3 hours.
The definition of heavy menstrual bleeding is based less on actual volume, which is difficult to quantify, and more on the affect it has on the woman’s life.