Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Its Effects on Iron Levels and Hemoglobin

Primary Consequences of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

• Heavy menstrual bleeding leads to iron loss averaging 0.3-0.5 mg/day during menstruation, resulting in decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit values 1
• Hemoglobin levels below 120 g/L in females ≥18 years define anemia, according to the World Health Organization 2
• The primary laboratory concern with heavy menstruation is anemia assessment via complete blood count (CBC), not globulin measurement, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 3

Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

• Timing within the menstrual cycle affects CBC interpretation, particularly when evaluating borderline low hemoglobin values, as noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1