On 29 February, researchers from the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM) hosted a Menstrual Health research day at the Wellcome Collection in central London. The day was part of an ongoing research project, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to improve the evidence for treatments for heavy periods.
The researchers are looking at a range of treatments including hormones, drug treatments, surgery and other procedures that have been included in clinical trials. They aim to bring together all of the existing data from these trials in a large evidence synthesis to inform and improve treatments for women who have heavy periods. Crucially, the day gave an opportunity to hear from those with lived experience of heavy periods about their experiences, concerns and priorities for research.
As many as 1 in 3 women experience heavy periods at some stage in their life, and around 1 in 20 women speak to their doctors about their heavy periods each year. Heavy periods can interfere with every aspect of a woman’s quality of life. They can be linked to diagnosis of other conditions, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, but for many women the cause is unknown.
Claire Vale, one of the research team, from the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL said “We were so lucky to host so many inspiring women at this at times emotional but really engaging event! In particular, the panel led by fibroids advocate and campaigner, Dawn Heels, and endometriosis advocates, and founders of the Menstrual Health Project charity, Anna and Gabz, opened our eyes to the need for good quality evidence to inform women about treatment options and improve clinical practice. Their personal stories and experiences not only inform our research, but act as a huge motivation to the team to succeed. Hopefully our results will have a positive impact on the lives of so many who live with heavy periods, their side-effects and stigma.”
Full results from the research are expected later this year.
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