title: What to do when she's bleeding through: the recognition, evaluation, and management of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews the current understanding and management of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in adolescents. The readers will learn a practical approach to the evaluation and treatment of mild-to-severe uterine bleeding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 2011, a new classification system was proposed to standardize the terminology used to describe AUB. This system is based on the pattern and etiology of bleeding and has been adopted by other organizations. The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding has been replaced by AUB. The negative effect of AUB on adolescents' quality of life is now well established. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is considered a first-line treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and should be considered, especially in those adolescents who may also need contraception.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AUB is a common adolescent complaint that can vary from mild to life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. This article reviews the appropriate assessment and management of AUB and proposes a practical algorithm that can be used in an office or hospital setting.
authors.affiliation: Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Alyssa R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Susan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Gray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined