Classification and the diagnostics of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age: The PALM-COEIN classification system adopted by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

A nomenclature applied invariably and non-standardized investigation methods for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) complicate comparison of studies by different researchers. To design a universally accepted system for describing bleeding problems in reproductive-aged women, a new classification system was created named for the acronym PALM-COEIN (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia; coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic and not yet classified). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) adopted and published this classification in 2011 , and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists adopted it in 2012 . Subsequently, all publications, recommendations and guidelines have used the PALM-COEIN classification in their methodology . Journal editors and editorial boards are advised to request that the materials, methods and reporting sections of the manuscripts dealing with AUB be designed in accordance with the PALMCOEIN classification . The Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Serbia, Montenegro and the Republic of Srpska presented the information about this new classification at the Congress in Belgrade in 2015 . The aim of this paper was to present the PALM-COEIN classification and the recommendations referring to nonpregnant women in their reproductive age suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding in relation to the currently used classification in Serbia.