Basic FIGO classification system for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years.
Basic system includes four categories that are defined by objective macro- or microstructural criteria (PALM: polyp; adenomyosis; leiomyoma; and malignancy and hyperplasia), four that are unrelated to structural anomalies (COEI: coagulopathy; ovulatory dysfunction; endometrial; iatrogenic), and one reserved for entities that are not otherwise classified (N). Leiomyoma category (L) is subdivided into patients with at least one submucous myoma (LSM) and “others” that do not distort the endometrial cavity (LO).
FIGO = Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétrique.
Reprinted from International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 113(1), Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, Frazzer IS; FIGO Working Group on Menstrual Disorders, FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age, 3–13, ©2011 Apr, with permission from Elsevier.