Bleeding Disorders in Girls

Bleeding disorders are conditions that make it difficult for blood to clot and stop bleeding. They’re caused by defects in blood components such as platelets or clotting proteins. Girls with bleeding disorders are particularly prone to abnormal menstrual bleeding, anemia, and iron deficiency. Learn more about menstrual periods.

The highly-trained SLUCare Physician Group hematologists at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon understand how stressful living with a bleeding disorder can be for both parents and children alike. Our goal is to lessen those fears by providing innovative health care treatments for adolescents at every age, into adulthood.

Signs & Symptoms of Girls with Bleeding Disorders

Abnormal bleeding can affect multiple body sites (gums, skin, nose) and it also commonly includes heavy menstrual bleeding. Signs of heavy menstrual bleeding include:

• Menstrual periods that routinely last more than seven days
• Changing pads or tampons every 2 hours or less on heaviest day
• Passing clots more than one inch in size
• Feeling like blood is pouring out
• Anemia/low iron
• Hospitalization or blood transfusion due to menstrual bleeding

Signs of abnormal bleeding affecting other body sites include:

• Frequent or prolonged nosebleed
• Easy bruising
• Unusual mouth/gum bleeding
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Unexpected bleeding after surgery or dental work
• Bleeding into muscles, joints and internal organs
• Blood in stools

If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with a SLUCare pediatric hematologist. While there is no cure for bleeding disorders, advanced treatment options can help your child live a full life.

Treating Girls with Bleeding Disorders

Depending on the type of bleeding disorder your child has, our multidisciplinary treatment team may recommend the following therapies:

• Desmopressin (DDAVP): synthetic hormone that increases clotting factors
• Clot stabilizers such as tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid
• Clotting factor replacement
• Hormonal therapy including estrogen, progesterone, or combination medications
• Medications that constrict blood vessels
• Iron replacement

Bleeding Disorders Center

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital houses the oldest federally recognized Hemophilia Treatment Center in the region and is also a Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders Center of Excellence. Together with families, we develop personalized, regularly monitored treatment plans for children and prepare them for adulthood. Additionally, a nurse coordinator is always available to set up home care treatments, coordinate medical and dental procedures, and educate your child’s school about their condition.

If you think your child may have a bleeding disorder, we are ready to serve you. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment call us at 314-268-4000 or fill out a specialist appointment request. You can also contact us by emailing  CGBleedingDisorders@ssmhealth.com or Lydia.johnson@ssmhealth.com, our nurse coordinator.