Gynaecological endocrinology mnemonic

Classification of abnormal uterine bleeding

The mnemonic

PALM-COEIN

What each word stands for

  • PPolyp
  • AAdenomyosis
  • LLeiomyoma
  • MMalignancy and hyperplasia
  • CCoagulopathy
  • OOvulatory dysfunction
  • EEndometrial
  • IIatrogenic
  • NNot yet classified

Why it matters clinically

PALM is structural and COEIN is non-structural, guiding the investigation.

Where it stops being reliable

A classification only. It does not give treatment or tell which cause is commonest at each age.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Gynaecological endocrinology mnemonic?

PALM-COEIN. It helps you recall: Classification of abnormal uterine bleeding.

What does "P" stand for?

Polyp

What does "A" stand for?

Adenomyosis

What does "L" stand for?

Leiomyoma

What are all the parts of the PALM-COEIN mnemonic?

P: Polyp; A: Adenomyosis; L: Leiomyoma; M: Malignancy and hyperplasia; C: Coagulopathy; O: Ovulatory dysfunction; E: Endometrial; I: Iatrogenic; N: Not yet classified.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Gynaecological endocrinology in OBG.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A classification only. It does not give treatment or tell which cause is commonest at each age.

How is this useful clinically?

PALM is structural and COEIN is non-structural, guiding the investigation.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a OBG question about Gynaecological endocrinology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.