The Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in 2024

Authors

  • Christine Lett, MD, FRCSC Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, SK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cwht.2024.1318

Abstract

Heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency are both commonly underrecognized and undertreated conditions. In fact, over 2 billion people globally are iron deficient. Iron deficiency disproportionately impacts reproductive-aged women and negatively impacts their quality of life. The most common etiology of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women is excessive menstruation. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss, which interferes with a woman’s quality of life. Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common reasons for gynecologic consultation, and impacts one-third of reproductive-aged women. Improving the quality of life for women with heavy menstrual bleeding requires recognizing the condition, identifying its cause, ruling out iron deficiency, and tailoring treatment to reduce menstrual blood loss and replenish iron stores.

Author Biography

Christine Lett, MD, FRCSC, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, SK

Dr. Christine Lett, is an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan. She is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in community practice in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she is also the department head. She has a passion for quality improvement. When she started learning about iron deficiency, she recognized that a significant number of her patients were iron deficient and had the opportunity for better care.  

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Published

2024-11-11

How to Cite

Lett, C. (2024). The Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in 2024. Canadian Women’s Health Today, 1(3), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.58931/cwht.2024.1318

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