Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Health Status, and Usual Source of Medical Care: Analyses Using the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, research on abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) focused on measured menstrual blood loss. However, the main burden of this symptom from the patient perspective is its impact on quality of life. Better describing the demographic characteristics, quality of life, and utilization of medical care of women with AUB could assist with health resource planning for this population. Methods: We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey from 2002 to 2010. AUB was identified by International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition (ICD-9) code group 626, disorders of menstruation and other abnormal bleeding from the female genital tract. Health-related quality of life was assessed by the Shortform 12 Health Survey (SF-12, QualityMetric) physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS). Poorer health-related quality of life was defined as PCS or MCS < 50. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of AUB with poorer SF-12 scores and having a usual source of care were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Data analyzed represented an annual average of 56.2 million nonpregnant women between ages 18 and 50 years. We estimate that 1.4 million women per year (95% CI: 1.3-1.5 million) reported AUB. Women with AUB were more likely to be younger, Caucasian, and obese than women without AUB. Compared to women without AUB, women with AUB had greater odds of a poorer PCS score (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10-1.55), a poorer MCS score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.10-1.51), and a usual source of care (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.44-2.38). Conclusions: AUB is associated with diminished physical and mental health status and having a usual source of medical care.

Traditional Dry Cupping Therapy Versus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in the Treatment of Idiopathic Menorrhagia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, the present study with larger sample size (less random error), a parallel control group, and random allocation process confirmed the findings of Sultana study. The effect size of cupping in the study was significant, similar to that of other studies, and the severity of bleeding was reduced by 4 Iran Red Crescent Med J. In Press(In Press):e60508.…”

“…From psychological perspective, severe bleeding is associated with mental confusion and various concerns (such as the possibility of incurable diseases, disorganization of ceremonies and religious rites of a person, restrictions on sexual relations with a partner, the side effects of chemical drugs prescribed, and lack of responsiveness to the classic remedies) (4). Even in 10% of cases of failure to respond to current treatments, the physician and patient are convinced to use hysterectomy, which may cause some physical and mental symptoms, such as depression and obesity (5).…”

Genomic Analysis of Uterine Lavage Fluid Detects Early Endometrial Cancers and Reveals a Prevalent Landscape of Driver Mutations in Women without Histopathologic Evidence of Cancer: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…The most frequent reason for hysteroscopic evaluation in our cohort was abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal uterine bleeding is estimated to affect up 1.4 million women annually in the United States [40] and up to 14% of all women during their lifetime [41]. The most life-threatening etiology of this common gynecologic symptom is endometrial cancer.…”

The medical management of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women

“…[1][2][3] AUB is the preferred term to describe a spectrum of symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), intermenstrual bleeding, and a combination of both heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. 4 This terminology was established by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Menstrual Disorders Working Group in 2011 and has since been adopted worldwide.…”