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How I manage heavy menstrual bleeding
Author(s) -
Pai Menaka,
Chan Anthony,
Barr Ronald
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.12447
Subject(s) - medicine , menstrual bleeding , etiology , intensive care medicine , clinical research , population , menstruation , pediatrics , gynecology , environmental health
Summary Heavy menstrual bleeding ( HMB ) is a common clinical problem; population‐based studies estimate that approximately 10–35% of women report this symptom during their lifetime, while about 5% of women consult a physician for evaluation of HMB . Patients with HMB account for 15% of all referrals to gynaecologists and are frequently seen by haematologists in bleeding disorder clinics as well. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by a wide variety of local and systemic factors, so a careful clinical and laboratory evaluation is often necessary to determine the aetiology and guide appropriate management. This review discusses the definition, causes and clinical outcomes of HMB . It outlines a diagnostic approach and focuses on medical (as opposed to surgical) treatments. Throughout, areas of controversy and opportunities for further research are highlighted.