The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has today issued guidance on the diagnosis, treatment and management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) currently the leading cause of lower quality of life amongst women of childbearing age. One in four women in England suffer from menstrual problems during lifetime, and it is estimated that 6.5% of all women aged 12-51 have heavy menstrual bleeding.5 Despite this high figure, only 50% of these women are coming forward to seek help from their GP.5 The guidelines make recommendations on a range of effective treatments that should be discussed with women prior to considering irreversible and radical surgical operations such as hysterectomy.

The guideline is based on the need for good communication between women and the doctors and nurses caring for them. It promotes the need to provide women with evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions about their care and treatment, in partnership with their doctors and nurses

The NICE National Institute for Clinical Excellence , Press Officer for this guideline & for Fibroid Network Bridgette York is Kristin O’Leary 020 7067 5871 or kristin.oleary@nice.org.uk , for all press enquiries.