Heavy menstrual bleeding awareness among Saudi female population and clinical implications

Abstract

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common clinical problem. However, seeking medical advice might be delayed until patients develop several clinical consequences.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and awareness of HMB among the Saudi female population and measures that are commonly used to control the bleeding.

Method: This is a cross-sectional study where a trained study team member carried out a survey. The survey includes patient demographics and medications history, comorbidities, blood transfusion, and patient perception about her period. HMB was defined as bleeding lasting >7 days, flooding or changing protection more than every 2 hours, and passing clots >1 in. in diameter.

Results: Four hundred and thirty-one women were evaluated for HMB with a median age of 27.72 ± 7.75. Out of the total number, 281 (65.2%) females were identified to have HMB. Among these 281 females, only 35.6% were aware of having HMB, whereas 64.4% either unaware or unsure about having it. For those who were aware of having HMB, only 32% seek medical advice, particularly gynecology clinic though 46.6% were not satisfied with offered management. On the other hand, 28% and 3.9% of those unaware of having HMB did required iron supplementation and blood transfusion, respectively.

Conclusion: HMB is a major clinical problem though awareness about having HMB lacks regardless of the age and education level. Raising awareness and a multidisciplinary approach may result in early diagnosis, early intervention, and reduction of clinical consequences.

Keywords: heavy menstrual bleeding; hysterectomy; iron deficiency.

FIGURE 1

Perceptions of participants about their menstrual bleeding

FIGURE 2

Strategies used for heavy menstrual bleeding management