IMPACT OF HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN WOMEN

Abstract

Hematological diseases, which include iron deficiency anemia, hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease and thalassaemia major, and congenital coagulopathy like von Willebrand disease and haemophilia, present a substantial but underrated threat to female reproductive health. IDA continues to be the most common nutritional illness in women of reproductive age worldwide, with high incidences found in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. It is linked with poor pregnancy outcomes such as premature delivery, small-for-gestational-age infants, and delayed cognitive development. Women with excessive menstrual blood loss and coexisting anaemia have an evident decline in their health-related quality of life. With regard to hemoglobinopathies, thalassaemia major negatively affects ovarian reserve via gonadotoxicity from iron overload, severely impacting spontaneous pregnancy, whereas SCD alone correlates with low ovarian reserve, sexual dysfunction, and lower median life expectancy. Inheritable bleeding disorders may be responsible for causing menorrhagia, gynaecological morbidities, and complications during peripartum period, hence negatively contributing to overall reproductive health of the woman. In all cases, fertility preservation is an important yet often neglected method with supportive data confirming its usefulness in patients undergoing treatment for diseases that have potential to cause gonadotoxicity. The current review will highlight the scientific literature concerning the detrimental impact of hematooncologic disorders on menstruation, ovarian follicular stock, fertility, pregnancy, and quality of life of females.