Excessive menstrual breeding is common and treatable

AORN Journal, Feb, 2006

Despite the fact that excessive menstrual bleeding (ie, menorrhagia) greatly affects quality of life and is easily treated, most women who suffer from this condition do not seek treatment, according to a Nov 15, 2005, news release from the National Women's Health Resource Center. A survey of 653 women between the ages of 35 and 49 years found that

* 58% of women who experience menorrhagia had not discussed their condition with a health care provider,

* 82% of women who sought treatment had to initiate the dialogue with their health care provider, and

* 62% waited more than one year to do so.

Although menorrhagia is not fatal, women with the condition can suffer fatigue and anemia caused by the extreme loss of blood and may experience embarrassing accidents and restricted activity that can significantly affect their personal and professional lives. Key results from the survey include the following.

* Due to menorrhagia, 20% of women surveyed missed one week or more of work in the past year, approximately 50% missed a social or athletic event, and 80% reported a negative affect on their sexual relationships.

* Most women surveyed regularly experienced severe symptoms, including fatigue, depression or moodiness, bad cramps, headaches, and anemia.

* One in four women had heavy periods for more than five years before seeking medical treatment, and nearly every respondent who spoke with a physician about her condition was the one who introduced the topic.

* Most women (ie, 67%) do not seek treatment, but instead self-medicate with over-the-counter remedies (ie, nearly 50%) or try to manage the situation with more rest (ie, 92%).

Previously, hysterectomy has been a common treatment option for menorrhagia. Over the years, however, other treatment options have evolved, including hormone therapy, dilation and curettage, and second-generation endometrial ablation.

Majority of Women Do Not Seek Treatment for Health Condition Affecting I in 5 (news release, Washington, DC: Notional Women's Resource Center, Nov 15, 2005,).