What differentiates abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) from dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)?

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is primarily characterized as a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that DUB is diagnosed after other potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) have been ruled out. AUB is a broader term that encompasses any bleeding that is considered abnormal in quantity, duration, or timing, and it can have a variety of underlying causes, including structural anomalies, hormonal imbalances, or systemic conditions.

Given that DUB is recognized specifically when other identifiable causes (such as fibroids, polyps, hormonal disorders, malignancies, and other systemic diseases) have been excluded, it is essential to understand the diagnostic criteria involved. The emphasis on DUB being a diagnosis of exclusion highlights its distinct classification in relation to AUB, which includes a much wider range of potential etiologies.

In contrast, other answers focus on more general characteristics of AUB or specifics that don't encapsulate the exclusivity of DUB as a diagnosis. Understanding this distinction is crucial for medical professionals when evaluating patients with bleeding disorders, guiding appropriate management and further investigation.