Addressing the perimenopause: what’s blood got to do with it?

A state of the art lecture titled, "Addressing the Perimenopause: What's Blood Got to Do with It?" was presented at the International Society on Haemostasis and Thrombosis (ISTH) Congress in 2024. Perimenopause is when fluctuations of previously cyclically regulated hormones occur prior to menopause, resulting in a number of symptoms that can negatively impact a woman's quality of life. Thrombosis and hemostasis experts are often approached to help investigate and manage clinical issues associated with perimenopause. This includes the safety of using menopause hormonal therapy in a past history or family history of venous thromboembolism, arterial thrombosis or thrombophilia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and iron deficiency anemia. A review of recent literature and clinical practice guidelines was undertaken to help determine the role of iron deficiency anemia in perimenopause, thrombotic risk in the setting of using menopause hormonal therapy, and indications for thrombophilia testing prior to commencing menopause hormonal therapy. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the ISTH 2024 Congress.