What is abnormal uterine bleeding and heavy menstrual bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding (or AUB) refers to any bleeding from the womb that is abnormal in amount, regularity or timing and that has been present for 6 months or more. Heavy periods or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), previously referred to as menorrhagia, is one type of abnormal uterine bleeding in which, excessive blood loss interferes with a woman’s quality of life.