Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and experiences of affected women in a European patient survey.

The authors conducted an internet-based survey to examine the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) among women in five European countries. 27% reported HBM symptoms within the previous year; of these, 46% had never consulted a physician. Among 330 women who completed a more detailed survey, 63% had been previously diagnosed with iron deficiency; only 46% with confirmed HMB had received prescription medication for iron deficiency.

The authors conclude that HMB is underdiagnosed and poorly treated. This survey underscores the problem that iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia remain unmet medical needs in the field of women’s health.

– Lawrence Tim Goodnough