[Quantitative determination of menstrual blood loss using the clinical whole-body counter]

In 20 females the whole-body retention test using 59Fe was carried out for quantitative determination of menstrual blood loss. In hypomenorrhoea blood loss ranged from 10 to 40 ml and in normal menstruation from 70 to 150 ml. Blood losses in excess of 150 ml should be considered as hypermenorrhoea. This method constitutes an extension of diagnostic facilities with respect to confirmation of data given in the history of the patients concerning blood loss at menstruation and with particular problems (e.g. undisclosed cases of anaemia, bleedings with uterus myomatosus or with an indwelling endouterine pessary).