Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Case Study

Mercy Hospital for Women sees an increase in Heavy Menstrual Bleeding with severe anaemia referrals. This case study underlines the preferred method of handling these cases.

Patient information:

  • 46yo Female patient
  • Pt passing clots and changing pads 6x daily during the first few days of the period
  • Presents to GP with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, feeling unwell and being tired

GP orders the following tests: FBE and iron studies.

Results:

  • Hb 72
  • Ferritin 4

The patient was prescribed oral iron supplements and sent home.

Pt presents 3 months later feeling fatigued and unwell. She states she is fainting semi-regularly, short of breath on exertion and unable to work.

GP sends a referral to Mercy Hospital for Women for management of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Preferred Management:

  • Pelvic ultrasound to identify potential cause of heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Referral to Gynaecology for follow-up
  • Advice patient to present to the closest emergency department

For referring to the Mercy Hospital for Women Gynaecology Department, please use HealthLink eReferrals.

Last reviewed December 10, 2024.

Iron infusion GP Memo

About: Werribee Mercy Hospital provides intravenous iron infusions through the Medical Day Stay (MDS) unit. Referral guidelines: ADULTS >=18 years Low serum ferritin < 30 Serum ferritin <300 and Tsat <20% in patients with a chronic disease (e.g. chronic kidney disease, heart failure) Trialled oral iron supplementation for 3 months (or is intolerant of oral...
Iron infusion GP Memo

Statewide Referral Criteria

The Statewide Referral Criteria are developed by the Department of Health and guide referring clinicians on which patients will be seen in adult public specialist clinics and what investigations are required to support triage.

Statewide Referral Criteria

HealthPathways

HealthPathways offers primary care clinicians locally agreed-upon information to help them make the right decisions with patients at the point of care. HealthPathways is designed and written for use during a primary care consultation. Each pathway provides clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition in primary care. Pathways also include referral information.

HealthPathways