Inadequate heavy bleeding care costs NHS millions a year, analysis finds

Mismanaged heavy bleeding care is costing the NHS millions each year, a new analysis suggests.

Experts say thousands of patients could be treated earlier in the community rather than in hospital.

Heavy periods, affecting at least one in three women, are defined as blood loss that disrupts daily life.

Symptoms can be linked to conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Treatment options include hormonal contraception or tranexamic acid, a medicine that helps blood to clot and reduce bleeding.

Severe blood loss can lead to anaemia, a lack of red blood cells, sometimes requiring transfusion.

Janet Lindsay, chief executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: “This study shows that we cannot afford to dismiss heavy menstrual bleeding as just a period. The impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on women’s lives is real and it can be debilitating.”

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University analysed 1,332 hospital visits from 98 NHS gynaecology units between January and June 2024, during which 3,025 units of red blood cells were used.

The mean cost per admission was £2,972, with post-discharge care averaging £1,735. Scaled across a year, this equates to a little over £13m.

The average hospital stay was two days, and one in five patients were discharged while still anaemic.

Dr Bassel Wattar, associate professor of reproductive medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “This is a silent crisis in women’s health.

“We are seeing thousands of women admitted to hospital for a condition that could often be managed earlier and more effectively in the community.”

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health at NHS England, added: “It’s vital that women experiencing heavy bleeding seek help from the NHS before it leads to serious conditions such as chronic anaemia, so please do come forward for support.”