Researchers from the Centre for Reproductive Health recommend collecting information on menstruation as standard at hospital appointments, regardless of which clinical speciality to which they present. An assortment of period product options Women and those who menstruate currently experience health inequalities. They experience different health problems to men, and they experience the same problems differently – many ‘common symptoms’ for conditions are based on how they present in men and many treatments have mainly been studied in men. This leads to longer diagnosis times than men and often less effective treatment options. In an article in the British Journal of Hospital Medicine, CRH researchers Marianne Watters and Jackie Maybin, and Anna Glasier, Women’s Health Champion for Scotland, outline recommendations to include discussions about menstrual health as a relevant and key health indicator at any hospital or doctor visit, regardless of the specialty reported to. I believe that any encounter with a healthcare professional should be an opportunity to discuss and record menstrual symptoms. This editorial outlines the importance of these discussions and provides a framework for clinicians to follow. Dr Marianne Watters Gynaecologist and researcher at the Centre for Reproductive Health, IRR Menstruation can have a significant impact on wider health. As an example, one in three women of reproductive age experience abnormal uterine bleeding, including heavy menstrual bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause iron deficiency and anaemia, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. The editorial also provides information on treatments which can be initiated to improve the symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding, reduce menstrual blood loss and prevent anaemia. Despite having large health implications, questions about menstruation are not common in patient history outside of gynaecological appointments. The article recommends that a standardised approach should be used to improve scientific progress, communication across clinical specialties and to provide the holistic clinical care that women require and deserve. Dr Marianne Watters is a Wellbeing of Women Clinical Research Fellow in the Centre for Reproductive Health. With a clinical background in obstetrics and gynaecology, Marianne's research interest lies in improving the diagnosis and treatment of problematic menstrual bleeding. During her PhD fellowship, Marianne is exploring the use of menstrual fluid as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Dr Jackie Maybin is a Wellcome Research Fellow, Reader and Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist at the Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for problematic menstrual bleeding. HOPE - Healthy Optimal Periods for Everyone Jackie Maybin's research Incorporating Menstruation Across Hospital Specialties to Improve Care for Wome… Tags CRH Publication date 26 Mar, 2025
