Daily Menstrual Blood Loss and Quality of Life in Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abstract

Highest daily MBLs occurred on days 2 and 3 of menstrual cycles. Women's perceptions of daily MBL were consistent with objective measures of MBL. Higher daily MBL was related to increased limitations in physical activities and limitations in social/leisure activities. Daily MBL values were consistent with women's perceptions of MBL. Reduced daily MBL was associated with improvements in health-related quality of life.

Anti-Müllerian hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, and risk of menopause within 5 years

“…Such symptoms include menorrhagia, which in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation affected almost one-third of late reproductive-stage women [25] and which lowers quality of life [26]. The choice of therapy for such symptoms, including intrauterine device insertion, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy, and systemic hormone and anti-platelet therapy, are informed by expected length of time with symptoms, i.e.…”

Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and experiences of affected women in a European patient survey

“…In view of the substantial impact that iron deficiency has on quality of life [10] and the relative ease of treatment [17], the failure to identify HMB in the study population needs to be addressed. Clinicians need to remain vigilant and should consider appropriate investigations and treatments for HMB and related iron deficiency among women of reproductive age presenting with symptoms of fatigue, tiredness, and exhaustion in daily practice.…”

“…HMB has been shown to have a profound negative impact on many aspects of a woman's quality of life, affecting energy levels, mood, work productivity, social interactions, family life, and sexual functioning [7–12]. The reduced quality of life for women with HMB also arises from the clinical consequences of prolonged, excessive blood loss [9].…”

Severe anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding requires heightened attention

“…30 It is not clear that women themselves reliably recognize that their bleeding is excessive and that it places themselves at risk for such serious health consequences. [31][32][33][34][35] Among 300,359 women in one large database who were hospitalized with gynecological conditions associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, more than 25% were diagnosed with anemia; nearly one quarter of these women were transfused. 36 Isolated case reports of severe anemia describe the considerable challenges in managing such patients, 37 but no recent studies have investigated the acute presentations and follow-ups of women with severe anemia because of heavy menstrual bleeding.…”