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Semin Reprod Med 2011; 29(5): 423-435
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1287666
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Structured Menstrual History: Developing a Tool to Facilitate Diagnosis and Aid in Symptom Management

Kristen A. Matteson1 , Malcolm G. Munro2 , Ian S. Fraser3
  • 1Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
  • 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 November 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a prevalent symptom that encompasses abnormalities in menstrual regularity, duration, frequency and/or volume, and it is encountered frequently by both primary care physicians and obstetrician-gynecologists. Research on AUB has used numerous methods to measure bleeding and assess symptoms, but the lack of universally accepted outcome measures hinder the quality of research and the ability of clinical investigators to collaborate in multicenter trials. Similarly, clinical care for women reporting heavy, prolonged, or irregular menstrual bleeding is not optimized because standard ways of evaluating symptoms and change in symptoms over time do not exist. This article describes (1) the current methods of evaluating women with AUB, both in research and clinical care; and (2) offers suggestions for the development of a standardized structured menstrual history for use in both research and clinical care.

KEYWORDS

Abnormal uterine bleeding - heavy menstrual bleeding - structured menstrual history - patient-based outcome measures

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Kristen A MattesonM.D. 

Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University

101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905

Email: KMatteson@wihri.org