Anne H Kalinowski1, Elisabeth H Quint2, Angela C Weyand3. 1. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Electronic address: annekal@umich.edu. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemochromatosis typically presents in adulthood with organ damage secondary to iron overload. In women, menstrual periods are a protective mechanism allowing for monthly loss of iron stores. CASE: We report the case of a female adolescent whose family history, clinical presentation, and laboratory investigation revealed a diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis and von Willebrand disease. For control of heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual suppression was started with a subsequent increase of her ferritin levels. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: No significant data exist regarding the management of women with hereditary hemochromatosis who require menstrual suppression. This case highlights the difficulty in balancing the need for hormonal menstrual suppression with its effect on treatment choices, monitoring, and managing iron levels.
BACKGROUND:Hereditary hemochromatosis typically presents in adulthood with organ damage secondary to iron overload. In women, menstrual periods are a protective mechanism allowing for monthly loss of iron stores. CASE: We report the case of a female adolescent whose family history, clinical presentation, and laboratory investigation revealed a diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis and von Willebrand disease. For control of heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual suppression was started with a subsequent increase of her ferritin levels. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: No significant data exist regarding the management of women with hereditary hemochromatosis who require menstrual suppression. This case highlights the difficulty in balancing the need for hormonal menstrual suppression with its effect on treatment choices, monitoring, and managing iron levels.