Prescribing Advice for GPs

NICE Guideline on heavy menstrual bleeding

January 31, 2007 on 4:29 pm | In Prescribing Extra - Other |  Print |

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a clinical guideline on heavy menstrual bleeding.

The Quick Reference Guide provides a clinical definition of heavy menstrual bleeding as covered by the guideline and a care pathway for individuals presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding.

The guideline also details the place in therapy for several pharmacological interventions including:

• Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (First Line)
• Tranexamic acid (Second Line)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Second Line)
• Combined oral contraceptives (Second Line)
• Oral and Injected progestogen only contraceptives (Third Line)

Additionally, the guideline provides referral criteria for procedures such as endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.

Action: All clinicians and healthcare professionals who provide care to women presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding will find this guideline a useful reference and evidence summary.