SRP 058 Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (including uterine fibroids)

Policy number: SRP 058
Policy name: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (including uterine fibroids) 
Status: Hysterectomy/Endometrial Ablation/Myomectomy /Uterine Artery Embolisation – Group Prior Approval
Effective date: 1 April 2024
Next review date: 1 April 2026

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss which interferes with the woman’s physical, emotional, social and material quality of life, and which can occur alone or in combination with other symptoms. This policy does not apply to post-menopausal, inter-menstrual or post-coital bleeding. 

Mid and South Essex ICB will routinely fund the following pathway taking into account NICE guidance¹ as to appropriateness of procedures: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88/resources/diagnosis-care-pathway-pdf-4783791277  

Women should be provided with information about HMB and its management. Follow the principles in the NICE guidelines on patient experience in adult NHS services and shared decision making in relation to communication, information and shared decision-making. A NICE endorsed shared decision aid is available. 

If the woman’s history and/or examination suggests a low risk of fibroids, uterine cavity abnormality, histological abnormality or adenomyosis, GPs should only refer to secondary care when: 

• There has been a trial with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system LNG-IUS, e.g. Mirena®, unless contraindicated, for at least 12 months and this has not successfully relieved symptoms or has produced unacceptable side effects. Contraindications to the levonorgestrel intrauterine system are:
  • Distorted or small uterine cavity (with proven ultrasound measurements; uterocervical canal length < 5cm) 
  • Genital malignancy 
  • Active trophoblastic disease 
  • Active pelvic inflammatory disease 
  • Large cavity over 10cm length 

AND

• At least two of the following drug treatments (for at least 3 months each) have failed to relieve symptoms (unless contraindicated or inappropriate): 
  • Alternative hormonal treatment in keeping with NICE guidance e.g. combined or progestogen only oral contraceptives, injected progesterone, Gn-RH analogues 
  • NSAIDs 
  • Tranexamic Acid 

For those who for ethical or clinical reasons cannot accept the use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system LNG-IUS they should have tried at least two of the alternative treatments. 

Following referral, women should have a full discussion with specialist about all possible treatment options for HMB and including implication of the different procedures before a decision is made. The discussion should include sexual feelings, fertility impact, bladder function, need for further treatment, treatment complications, the woman’s expectations, alternative surgery and psychological impact and must be fully documented in patient’s clinical record. 

Discussions should cover:  

• the benefits and risks of the various options  
• suitable treatments if she is trying to conceive.  
• whether she wants to retain her fertility and/or her uterus. 

When agreeing treatment options for HMB with women, take into account:  

• the woman’s preferences  
• any comorbidities  
• the presence or absence of fibroids (including size, number and location), polyps’ endometrial pathology or adenomyosis  
• other symptoms such as pressure and pain. 

A NICE endorsed shared decision aid is available. 

Relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone acetate is recommended by NICE, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids in adult women of reproductive age. 

Prescribing of Relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone acetate has been restricted to secondary care only (RED) within MSE  

Ulipristal acetate 5mg should no longer be prescribed for controlling symptoms of uterine fibroids while waiting for surgical treatment. It should be used only for intermittent therapy of moderate to severe uterine fibroid symptoms before menopause and when surgical procedures are not suitable or failed.  See updated MHRA safety advice on the risk of serious liver injury.   

Women offered hysterectomy should be informed of the increased risk of serious complications (such as intraoperative haemorrhage or damage to other abdominal organs) associated with hysterectomy when uterine fibroids are present. Taking into account the need for individual assessment, the route of hysterectomy should be considered in the following order: first line vaginal; second line abdominal or laparoscopic. 

Women should be informed of the risk of possible loss of ovarian function and its consequences, even if their ovaries are retained during hysterectomy. 

NICE guidelines state that removal of healthy ovaries at the time of hysterectomy should not be undertaken; however prophylactic removal of fallopian tubes may be considered to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Ovary removal should be discussed with the patient on an individual basis and the age of the patient should also be taken into account.  Ovary removal should only be undertaken with the expressed wish and consent of the woman.

Heavy menstrual bleeding management (pdf, 122kb)

Interventions not funded by MSE ICB

NICE has issued interventional procedures guidance on various interventions related to HMB. Each procedure will be subject to the MSE overarching policy on interventional procedures guidance or this policy.  

MSE ICB does not fund procedures where NICE IPG recommends the intervention should not be used in the NHS or that Special Arrangements apply or only undertaken in the context of Research. * see MSE ICB Commissioning policy 

Other procedures not noted either in the pathway or not listed in the ‘not funded’ interventions list, will not be funded. See also D&C Policy.

There is limited evidence on the role of other interventions such as uterine artery ligation and myolysis which are not funded by the ICB. 

²MRgFUS appears comparable with myomectomy and UAE in the short term (up to 36 months) with a lower than 30% re-intervention rate, the re-intervention rate increased to 49% in the 60^th month. This procedure is not funded as not considered to be cost-effective by the ICB.

Funding for patients not meeting the above criteria will only be made available in clinically exceptional circumstances. Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.

References: 

1. NICE Heavy Menstrual Bleeding –Clinical Guideline March 18
2. The comparison of myomectomy, UAE and MRgFUS in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a meta analysis