Assessing Disparities in Evaluation of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Patients with Iron Deficiency
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Publication Date
4-30-2025
Keywords
oregon, oaa, oregon gme, ppmc gme
Disciplines
Hematology | Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abstract
Background: • Iron deficiency (ID) rates are high in lower income populations and minoritized groups • IDA is often underrecognized and undertreated • Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common yet unrecognized cause for iron deficiency anemia amongst menstruating patients Discussion: • White patients with iron deficiency have less documentation of menstruation than non-white patients • Only about half of all patients have documentation of menstruation or receive additional workup • Of the charts that mention menstruation, most do not document additional details for duration, frequency between periods, and number of products used • Using a questionnaire set (figure 1) may provide more clarity on light versus "normal" versus heavy periods • Referrals to gynecology or hematology are often underutilized Conclusion: • More thorough discussions of menstruation may provide more diagnostic clarity for iron deficiency • ID is always secondary to an underlying cause, so further workup may be warranted
Area of Special Interest
Women & Children
Specialty/Research Institute
Hematology
Specialty/Research Institute
Obstetrics & Gynecology
