Bleeding disorders among young women: a population-based prevalence study

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Gynecology

Background:

• Bleeding problems are common and can signal underlying bleeding disorders.
• Perceived bleeding symptoms, including heavy menstruation (menorrhagia), are often underdiagnosed in young, healthy females.
• Understanding the prevalence of these symptoms is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of perceived bleeding symptoms in young, healthy females.
• To investigate the occurrence of menorrhagia and related treatments in this demographic.
• To assess the impact of family history on bleeding symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to 1,410 first-grade upper secondary school girls in Malmö, Sweden.
• 1,019 (72%) girls responded to a 17-question survey on bleeding habits and family history.
• Data analysis focused on general bleeding problems, menstrual bleeding, and family history of bleeding issues.

Main Results:

• The average age of participants was 16.7 years.
• 73% of girls reported at least one bleeding symptom, with 43% experiencing more than one.
• 37% experienced heavy menstruation, and 22% of those used medication for menorrhagia; 38% had a family history of heavy menstruation.

Conclusions:

• Bleeding symptoms are notably prevalent among young, healthy females.
• The findings align with previous population-based studies on bleeding symptom prevalence.
• This study underscores the importance of recognizing bleeding symptoms in adolescent females.