Reproductive medicine

Decidualization

Obstetrics

Menstruation

Disease

Biology

Intensive care medicine

Endometriosis

Endometrium

Gynecology

Internal medicine

Physiology

Pregnancy

Genetics

Medicine

Nature Reviews Endocrinology

Menstruation is a physiological process that is typically uncomplicated. However, up to one third of women globally will be affected by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) at some point in their reproductive years. Menstruation (that is, endometrial shedding) is a fine balance between proliferation, decidualization, inflammation, hypoxia, apoptosis, haemostasis, vasoconstriction and, finally, repair and regeneration. An imbalance in any one of these processes can lead to the abnormal endometrial phenotype of AUB. Poor menstrual health has a negative impact on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional and financial well-being. On a global scale, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are closely linked with AUB, and are often under-reported and under-recognized. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics have produced standardized terminology and a classification system for the causes of AUB. This standardization will facilitate future research endeavours, diagnosis and clinical management. In a field where no new medications have been developed for over 20 years, emerging technologies are paving the way for a deeper understanding of the biology of the endometrium in health and disease, as well as opening up novel diagnostic and management avenues. Abnormal uterine bleeding affects many individuals who menstruate and can have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health. This Review discusses endometrial physiology and the causes underlying abnormal uterine bleeding (including heavy menstrual bleeding).

Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health