Heavy menstrual bleeding clinics for adolescents.

Abstract

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common symptom in adolescence, often leading to significant disruptions in daily life, such as school absences, shame caused by the stigma surrounding menstruation, and symptoms from iron deficiency. Further, HMB may be the first and/or only sign of an underlying bleeding disorder. Navigating the symptoms, effects, and treatments of HMB during adolescence requires a collaborative approach between the patient, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This work can be effectively and efficiently conducted in interdisciplinary clinics, where patients see hematology, gynecology, and adolescent providers. In these settings, healthcare providers exchange knowledge and expertise, after which they can reach a consensus for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary hematology and gynecology clinic can be challenging; however, the crucial rationale is that established clinics improve patient outcomes. Using an example interdisciplinary adolescent clinic, we outline the critical components needed to execute a successful clinic for adolescents with HMB and share key takeaways.