Centenary researchers aim to improve diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding

Despite its prevalence, heavy menstrual bleeding remains under-recognised and under-treated. Of the 1.7 million Australian women affected, an estimated 340,000 may have an underlying bleeding disorder that remains undiagnosed. Many women do not seek medical help, and among those who do, underlying causes are often overlooked, leading to diagnostic delays of many years.

This gap in care reflects a combination of stigma surrounding menstruation, limited awareness among healthcare providers and a lack of practical screening tools, leaving many patients with ongoing symptoms, reduced quality of life and complications such as iron deficiency and anaemia.

Led by the Centenary Institute’s Dr Aster Pijning and Dr Mark Schreuder, and overseen by Professor Phil Hogg, the research program will involve a network of collaborators and aims to improve how clinicians identify and diagnose bleeding disorders in individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding.

The study will collect detailed health information and blood samples from participants, applying assessment tools and advanced laboratory testing to determine whether heavy menstrual bleeding is linked to an underlying bleeding disorder or some other cause.

Cellular, protein and genetic analysis of blood samples will be used in the investigation. As part of this work, the researchers aim to develop a simple, practical screening approach to help identify patients who may need further investigation.

Dr Pijning said the program addresses a critical and under-recognised gap in care. “Heavy menstrual bleeding is often normalised or dismissed, which means underlying causes can go undetected for years,” she said.

“By combining detailed clinical information with advanced laboratory testing, we aim to better understand the biological drivers of heavy menstrual bleeding and support earlier, more accurate diagnosis and enable personalised treatments.”

The researchers say this work is expected to improve health outcomes and quality of life for women affected by this common but often overlooked condition.