Menorrhagia Associated with Anemia Is Underrecognized in Adolescents

Menorrhagia is surprisingly common and associated with higher risk for anemia and bleeding symptoms.

Menorrhagia is defined as blood loss >80 mL per cycle or menstrual flow lasting longer than 7 days. To examine menorrhagia in adolescents, investigators in Israel surveyed 705 high-school girls who attended a lecture on menarche. All girls were initially asked whether they thought they had heavy periods. A subset of 94 girls completed the more detailed Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) bleeding questionnaire or a pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC).

Overall, 105 girls (15%) reported heavy periods on the initial questionnaire. Among the girls who underwent further study, 34 (36%) were diagnosed with menorrhagia. A significantly greater proportion of girls with menorrhagia than without menorrhagia had a history of anemia (29% vs. 8%). …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Menorrhagia Associated with Anemia Is Underrecognized in Adolescents

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Reviewing Author