OBJECTIVES: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) affects up to 30% of women of reproductive age. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively estimate the impact of AUB on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: A systematic literature review of studies reporting the impact of AUB or its treatment on HRQoL published from 1980 to 2005 was conducted from the PubMed database. We conducted a meta-analysis of eight studies providing HRQoL scores derived from the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36); only baseline SF-36 scores prior to treatment were analyzed. Both random-effect and fixed-effect models were created and used. The scores were compared with US national norms (weighted average across age groups 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54, obtained from the SF-36 Health Survey Manual & Interpretation Guide). A subgroup analysis was conducted to examine whether or not the SF-36 scores differ according to the mean age of each subgroup. RESULTS: Women with AUB had lower SF-36 scores (worse health) in all eight subscales; the most significantly affected were Physical Role Functioning and Emotional Role Functioning subscales, which relate to work productivity and other daily activities. The scores in these two dimensions were approximately 20 points lower than the US population norms (60.3 vs. 84.0 and 62.3 vs. 81.1; highest score = 100). In 6 of the 8 subscales, the scores for AUB were below the 25th percentile of those for US national norms (Physical Functioning, Physical Role Functioning, Pain, Vitality, Social Functioning, and Emotional Role Functioning). The subgroup analysis suggested that older women had lower SF-36 scores than younger women; however, the small number of studies precludes the forming of a definitive conclusion. CONCLUSIONS: AUB has a significant impact on women's HRQoL. Treatment for AUB should consider improving HRQoL status.