Women’s experiences of heavy menstrual bleeding and medical treatment: a qualitative study in primary care

Abstract

Background Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and can affect women’s lives. Evidence on women’s experiences and their treatment of this problem after seeking primary care is lacking. Aim To explore women’s experiences of HMB and their medical treatment up to 10 years after initial management in general practice. Design and setting This was a qualitative study in UK primary care. Method Semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of 36 women who had participated in the ECLIPSE trial of medical treatments for HMB in primary care (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or other usual medical treatments — oral tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, combined oestrogen–progestogen; or progesterone alone). Data were analysed thematically and a process of respondent validation was undertaken. Results Women reported the wide-ranging and debilitating impact of HMB on their lives. They had often normalised their experience underlining persisting societal taboos about menstruation and reflecting low general awareness of HMB as treatable. Women commonly delayed seeking help for several years. They could then be frustrated by lack of a medical explanation for HMB. Women who had pathology identified felt able to make better sense of their HMB. Experiences of medical treatments varied considerably but were strongly influenced by the perceived quality of healthcare interactions with clinicians. Other influences on women’s treatment included considerations for their fertility, health concerns, family and peers, and views when approaching menopause. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of the considerable challenges faced by women with HMB; widely differing experiences of, and influences on, their treatment; and the value of patient-centred communication in this context.