An evidence-based guideline for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Working Party for Guidelines for the Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of regular heavy menstrual bleeding in women with no detectable pathology.

Methods: A multidisciplinary working party was formed which met on four occasions over a 12 month period. The evidence from randomised controlled trials was summarised into evidence tables and guidelines were developed. A draft report was circulated in November 1997 prior to the final report which was published in July 1998.

Results: A diagnostic and treatment algorithm was produced (Figure 1) as well as a full text report. The cost of implementing the guideline was considered and overall net savings of $6 million were likely.

Conclusions: An explicit evidence-based guideline on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding was produced. Both the Royal New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners endorsed this guideline.