Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Iron Deficiency in Teens: Recognition and Workup

Heavy menstrual bleeding is common in adolescents, with about 15% to 40% of teens experiencing heavy bleeding, but many teens don’t recognize that their bleeding is abnormal. Heavy menstrual bleeding frequently interferes with a patient’s physical, social and emotional health and negatively impacts their quality of life.

In this video, Tricia Huguelet, MD, provides an overview of normal menstrual flow, screening for heavy menstrual flow in teens, and identifying red flags for an underlying bleeding disorder. She also explains why it is important to check ferritin levels for iron deficiency and discusses the etiology of abnormal uterine bleeding, with most heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents and young adults due to ovulatory dysfunction or inherited bleeding disorders.

For more information, please visit childrenscolorado.org/gynecology

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