title: Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and experiences of affected women in a European patient survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the prevalence and impact of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) among women in Europe, and their experience of HMB assessment and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  An internet-based survey was conducted among women (aged 18-57 years) in five European countries between January and February 2012. The prevalence of HMB among the general population was determined in a short survey, and women who had been diagnosed with HMB were then asked to complete an extended survey about their diagnosis and symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 4506 women responded, of whom 1225 (27.2%) had experienced two or more predefined HMB symptoms within the previous year. Of these women, 564 (46.0%) had never consulted a physician. Among 330 women who completed the detailed survey, 208 (63.0%) had ever been diagnosed with iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms associated with iron deficiency were used to help confirm a diagnosis in 83 (39.9%) women. Only 152 (46.1%) of the 330 patients with confirmed HMB had received prescription medication for iron deficiency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many women affected by HMB do not seek medical help, and few of those who do consult physicians report that they have received appropriate treatment. HMB continues to be underdiagnosed and poorly treated.
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: ian.fraser@sydney.edu.au.
authors: Ian S
authors: IS
authors: Fraser
authors: Sexual Health Services, Newcastle Hospitals, Community Health, Newcastle, UK.
authors: Diana
authors: D
authors: Mansour
authors: Gynecology and Medical Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Breymann
authors: Vifor Pharma, Glattbrugg, Switzerland.
authors: Camille
authors: C
authors: Hoffman
authors: Vifor Pharma, Glattbrugg, Switzerland.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Mezzacasa
authors: Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
authors: Felice
authors: F
authors: Petraglia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anemia; Diagnosis; Heavy menstrual bleeding; Iron deficiency; Prevalence