The relationship between menorrhagia, iron deficiency, and anaemia in recreationally active females: An exploratory population based screening study.
J Sci Med Sport
; 27(7): 437-450, 2024 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38749874
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
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.DESIGN:
An observational, cross sectional survey study was employed.METHODS:
1042 active females (aged 18-65) completed a comprehensive screening questionnaire and 887 (85â¯% compliance) provided a fingerprick blood sample for haemoglobin (Hb) concentration measurement. Women that presented as anaemic (defined as a [Hb] <â¯120â¯g/L) or deemed to be at risk of iron deficiency (120â¯<â¯[Hb]â¯<â¯130â¯g/L) were asked to complete follow-up blood tests to screen for iron studies.RESULTS:
Average [Hb] was 134.2⯱â¯12.1â¯g/L, with 94 individuals considered anaemic (10.6â¯%). Of the sample, 104 underwent follow-up blood tests; 51 (~49â¯%) presented with iron deficiency (defined as ferritin <30⯵g/L). Based on survey responses, 274 (30.9â¯%) 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 pâ¯<â¯0.05). Participants reporting a history of anaemia or iron deficiency were more likely to have heavy menstrual bleeding (anaemia 39.7â¯%; iron deficiency; 36.9â¯%; both pâ¯<â¯0.05).CONCLUSIONS:
In this cohort of exercising females of reproductive age, the prevalence of anaemia was 10.6â¯%. 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.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
/
Menorrhagia
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
J Sci Med Sport
Journal subject:
MEDICINA ESPORTIVA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Country of publication:
Australia