Giving women their life back
Heavy menstrual bleeding is common, but it isn’t normal.
It should never be accepted as simply “part of being a woman.”
The Women’s Blood Health Initiative is helping Australian women recognise the signs, seek answers sooner, and provide access to the care they deserve.
What is the Women’s Blood Health Initiative (WBHI)
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) affects almost one in four women, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and under-diagnosed health issues facing Australian women today. For many, the impact extends far beyond their monthly cycle, affecting their health, work, education, relationships and quality of life.
Led by the Perth Blood Institute (PBI), the Women’s Blood Health Initiative is a world-first project created to improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency, anaemia and underlying blood disorders. Developed by leading clinicians, researchers and women with lived experience, WBHI exists to help women be heard, understood and supported earlier.
The evidence generated through WBHI has the potential to inform new international protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of HMB, anaemia and bleeding disorders, changing the guidelines that shape clinical care around the world.
A true legacy initiative, WBHI aims to create lasting change for all women, everywhere, for generations to come.
Why does it matters
Changing your pad or tampon every hour or two.
Bleeding through to your clothes or sheets.
Planning your day around where the nearest bathroom is. Feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not something you should have to put up with. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also be a sign of iron deficiency, anaemia or an underlying bleeding disorder, yet many women live with symptoms for years without answers.
Understanding your symptoms is the first step.
Creating lasting change in women’s blood health.
WBHI brings together awareness, screening, research and clinical education to change how heavy menstrual bleeding is recognised and treated in Australia.
Bridging this with awareness will help women recognise the signs and know when to seek help, while MyFlowCheck™, a simple online tool, helps you understand your symptoms and gives you a summary to take to your GP.
Behind the scenes, we’re building Australia’s first real-world dataset on women’s blood health to find better ways to diagnose heavy bleeding, anaemia and bleeding disorders, and supporting doctors with the knowledge and tools to identify and treat heavy menstrual bleeding sooner.
Powered by the Perth Blood Institute
WBHI is led by the Perth Blood Institute, one of Western Australia’s leading haematology research organisations.
Since 2013, PBI has delivered research, clinical trials and innovative treatments for blood disorders, combining scientific excellence with patient-centred care.
Founded by Professor Ross Baker, PBI has become a respected centre for innovation, collaboration and progress in blood disorder research and treatment.
Funding is our lifeblood
Too many women are still told heavy periods are just something to live with. Your donation helps us change that, by reaching more women, improving diagnosis and treatment, and making sure every woman is heard sooner.
Help us create lasting change for women’s health.
Keep in touch
Subscribe for updates from WBHI, including campaign news, research progress, women’s stories and information about MyFlowCheck™.