Incorporating Menstruation Across Hospital Specialties to Improve Care for Women of Reproductive Age.

Abstract

Women and those who menstruate currently experience health inequalities. Menstruation should be viewed as a vital sign in women of reproductive age and can be useful when assessing overall health. Menstrual parameters should be part of the routine systemic enquiry when taking a history from those who menstruate, regardless of the clinical speciality to which they present. This will facilitate prompt detection and appropriate treatment of those with iron deficiency, a common finding in those who experience heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. A standardised approach should be used during history taking and documentation to improve scientific progress, aid communication across specialties and to provide the holistic clinical care that women require and deserve.