Hemoglobin levels predict quality of life in women with heavy menstrual bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) on the quality of life (QoL).


METHODS
A prospective, observational study was conducted including 58 patients with HMB, aged 35 years or older, with a negative pregnancy test result, menstrual blood loss >80 ml, uterine volume up to 200 cc and negative endometrial biopsy. The QoL was evaluated by interview using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Blood loss, measured by Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC), and hemoglobin levels were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson coefficient correlation test.


RESULTS
The age of the patients ranged from 35 to 52 years (42.8+/-0.2 years). Increase in monthly expenses, negative implications in conjugal life, work impairment and health-care utilization due to HMB were seen in 96.5, 94.7, 66.7 and 59.6% of the patients, respectively. Hemoglobin levels correlated to SF-36 physical and mental composites scores (p=0.020 and p=0.027, respectively). PBAC score was not correlated with the QoL (physical composite score: p=0.222 and mental composite score: p=0.642) or with hemoglobin levels (r=-0.065; p=0.278). Hemoglobin and QoL showed significant improvement after treatment (p<0.001). Hemoglobin level was the only independent predictor of the QoL measured by SF-36 physical (p=0.03) and mental (p=0.04) composites scores.


CONCLUSIONS
HMB had significant repercussions in the social, medical and economic aspects of women. The impact on the QoL was associated with the hematimetric parameters.
de Souza
Sérgio Simões
SS
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 190, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130100, Brazil.
Camargos
Aroldo F
AF
Ferreira
Márcia Cristina França
MC
de Assis Nunes Pereira
Francisco
F
de Rezende
Carolina Passos
CP
Araújo
Cícero Augusto Alves
CA
Silva Filho
Agnaldo Lopes
AL
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life
D006454:Hemoglobins