A survey of gynecologists concerning menorrhagia: perceptions of bleeding disorders as a possible cause

Abstract

We sought to determine perceptions and practices of American gynecologists when treating with a woman complaining of menorrhagia, specifically with regard to an underlying bleeding disorder as a potential cause. A mail survey of Georgia members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists was conducted. The survey response was 52%, and the analysis includes 376 physicians who reported seeing at least one gynecological patient per week. On average, respondents were in practice 20 years and reported that 8% of their patient population complain of menorrhagia. Virtually all physicians reported employing a menstrual history as a starting point for the workup for menorrhagia, and 95% order a hemoglobin/hematocrit determination. About 50% of physicians considered saturating three tampons/pads per 4 hours as excessive, although the criterion varied widely (range 0-24 per 4 hours, SD = 3). The diagnoses considered most likely among reproductive age women were anovulatory bleeding or benign lesions or that the heavy bleeding was within normal limits. Only 4% of physicians would consider von Willebrand disease (VWD) for this age group (women of reproductive age). Among girls near menarche, physicians overwhelmingly consider anovulatory bleeding or bleeding within normal limits the likely diagnoses, and 16% would consider VWD in this age group. Only rarely (3%) do surveyed physicians refer menorrhagia patients to other specialists. Most respondents believe that most menorrhagia is caused by anovulation or is within normal limits. Bleeding disorders are believed to be a rare cause of menorrhagia.