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OBJECTIVE: There has been increasing recent recognition of the worldwide confusion in the terminology and definitions for abnormalities of menstrual and uterine bleeding. The present review was undertaken to objectively explore some of the origins and current uses of terms for symptoms, signs, and causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and to demonstrate the international lack of uniformity. DESIGN: A detailed, but not systematic, search of the huge current and historical literature across the range of menstrual terminology, definitions, and some causes, with an emphasis on “menorrhagia” and “dysfunctional uterine bleeding.” SETTING: An international collaboration to study ways of reaching worldwide agreement on descriptive terms and definitions for abnormal bleeding. RESULT(S): A large number of synonyms and overlapping terms for heavy menstrual bleeding have been identified, as well as smaller …