A study by researchers from Finland found that diagnosis and
treatment of Anemia is important to improve quality of life among women with
heavy periods.
The findings suggest that clinicians screen for anemia and
recommend iron supplementation to women with heavy menstrual bleeding
(menorrhagia).
Led by Dr. Pirkko Peuranpaa from the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hyvinkaa Hospital in Finland, this study assessed
the impact of anemia and iron deficiency on health-related quality of life in
236 women treated for heavy menstrual bleeding. The participants were
randomized to either hysterectomy or treatment with a levonorgestrel –releasing
intrauterine system.
The team separated the participants into two groups. Women with hemoglobin levels less than 120
g/L were defined as anemic and those with levels greater than 120 g/L were in
the non-anemic group. Researchers also
measured levels of ferritin in the blood to assess iron stores in both
groups.
Results show that at the start of the study, 27 percent of
women were anemic and 60 percent were severely iron deficient with feritin
levels less than 15 ug/L. In those women
who were anemic, only 8 percent took an iron supplement. One year following treatment, hemoglobin
levels had increased in both groups, but women who were initially anemic still
had significantly lower levels compared to those in the non-anemic group.
One year after treatment women in the anemic group had
significant increase in energy, along with physical and social function, and a
decrease in anxiety and depression compared to the non anemic group. It took five years for the iron stores to
reach normal levels.
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