%0 Journal Article
%T The relationship between menorrhagia, iron deficiency, and anaemia in recreationally active females: An exploratory population based screening study.
%A Dugan C
%A Peeling P
%A Davies A
%A MacLean B
%A Simpson A
%A Lim J
%A Richards T
%J J Sci Med Sport
%V 27
%N 7
%D 2024 Jul 2
%M 38749874
%F 4.597
%R 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.04.012
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Iron deficiency, anaemia, and menorrhagia - or heavy menstrual bleeding - are interrelated conditions that are highly prevalent and commonly underrecognised in exercising females of reproductive age. This study utilised a screening tool to identify risk factors and symptoms associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency, and anaemia in this population.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An observational, cross sectional survey study was employed.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>1042 active females (aged 18-65) completed a comprehensive screening questionnaire and 887 (85 % compliance) provided a fingerprick blood sample for haemoglobin (Hb) concentration measurement. Women that presented as anaemic (defined as a [Hb] < 120 g/L) or deemed to be at risk of iron deficiency (120 < [Hb] < 130 g/L) were asked to complete follow-up blood tests to screen for iron studies.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Average [Hb] was 134.2 ± 12.1 g/L, with 94 individuals considered anaemic (10.6 %). Of the sample, 104 underwent follow-up blood tests; 51 (~49 %) presented with iron deficiency (defined as ferritin <30 μg/L). Based on survey responses, 274 (30.9 %) participants were determined to have heavy menstrual bleeding. Those presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding were younger, exercised fewer hours per week, and were more likely to have a history of iron deficiency or anaemia (all p < 0.05). Participants reporting a history of anaemia or iron deficiency were more likely to have heavy menstrual bleeding (anaemia: 39.7 %; iron deficiency; 36.9 %; both p < 0.05).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In this cohort of exercising females of reproductive age, the prevalence of anaemia was 10.6 %. There is a strong association between heavy menstrual bleeding and a self-reported history of iron deficiency and anaemia. Greater awareness of heavy menstrual bleeding and its relationship with iron deficiency and anaemia is needed in this population. Non-invasive screening should be conducted to raise awareness and further understand the associated risk factors and symptomatology.