Heavy Menstrual Bleeding During Menopause May Cause Fatigue: Study
New Delhi: Middle-aged women are two to four times more likely to experience fatigue, and a new study suggests that heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (HMB/PMB) during the menopause transition could be a key factor. The research calls for greater clinical attention to tiredness among women in this life stage.
While hot flashes, sleep disturbances, pain, and depression are widely recognized as menopause symptoms, the study highlights that abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), which includes heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, may also significantly contribute to fatigue.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Michigan, revealed that one in three women going through menopause transition experience AUB episodes. Despite being highly common, AUB has been understudied, with no prior research directly linking it to fatigue or reduced quality of life, the researchers noted.
“Heavy menstrual bleeding, in particular, is linked to iron deficiency anaemia, a well-recognized cause of fatigue,” the researchers explained in their paper, published in the journal Menopause.
For the study, the team analysed daily menstrual calendar data from over 2,300 midlife women, assessing whether they experienced fatigue symptoms such as feeling worn out, tired, low on energy, or lacking vitality in the six months following episodes of heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. The findings revealed that both HMB and PMB were significantly associated with an increased risk of fatigue, even after accounting for other possible causes.
The study suggests that greater clinical awareness is required to monitor and address menstrual bleeding changes during menopause, especially when fatigue is also reported. “This study highlights the need for greater clinical awareness of abnormal uterine bleeding, particularly given the increased frequency during the menopause transition and its association with low energy or fatigue symptoms,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director for The Menopause Society.
Faubion also emphasized the importance of educating women about the possibility of prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding in this phase of life. Since iron deficiency and anemia are treatable, early assessment and intervention in affected women could help improve energy levels and overall well-being, the researchers concluded.
(with inputs from IANS)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.