Key issues in the management of adolescents and young women with heavy menstrual bleeding

Abstract

Despite high prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in adolescents and young women, most recommendations are not specific for this population, which makes the diagnosis and management challenging. Gynecologists should be able to establish underlying causes of HMB, which most common are nonstructural in adolescents, and the severity of bleeding, to provide early diagnosis, using appropriate therapy for improving quality of life and iron deficiency prevention. First line management consists of hormonal therapy approved for HMB treatment, capable to normalize menstrual blood loss and iron metabolism parameters.

Keywords

• heavy menstrual bleeding
• adolescents
• young women
• menstrual blood loss
• iron deficiency anemia
• quality of life
• hormonal therapy