Exploring the Physical, Psychological, Social and Medical Needs of Young Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Pain

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Dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) are common menstrual problems amongst teenagers and young adults. It can have a substantial impact on quality of life (QOL) as symptoms are often dismissed or normalised even when severe, leading to delayed diagnosis and underutilisation of effective treatment. Many young women self-manage their symptoms and report high unmet needs surrounding health education, access to adequate care, including care provided by the school nurse or school physician, and the availability of school screening and management programs. The main aim of this study is to explore the physical, psychological, social, and medical needs of young women (16-24y) with HMB and dysmenorrhea. The impact of COVID-19 on needs will also be assessed. Young women will be recruited using a variety of methods; the study will be advertised on social media and in newsletters via the networks of women’s health organisations and community-based organisations in Australia. Unmet needs will be explored using anonymous online surveys. With this information, we can then develop strategies and tools to address needs and thus improve their QOL.

WORKING PARTY:

​A/Prof Michelle Peate  (University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital), Dr Jennifer Marino  (University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital), A/Prof Elisha Riggs (University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute), Ms Shiva Pourali Roudbaneh  (University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital)

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