In the US, as many as 1% of girls, women, and other people with the potential to menstruate have a bleeding disorder. Many are unaware this condition can be serious and if left untreated could affect reproductive health and quality of life.
What is a bleeding disorder?
Bleeding disorders are conditions where blood does not clot normally, making it harder for bleeding to stop. Abnormal clotting can negatively affect your child’s overall health. The most common bleeding disorders that affect women are von Willebrand disease, a deficiency in the body’s ability to produce a certain protein that helps blood clot, and hemophilia, a rare inherited bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly.
What are common symptoms?
While heavy periods are the leading symptom, others include:
- Heavy bleeding during dental procedures
- Unusual mouth and/or gum bleeding
- Frequent or prolonged nosebleeds
- Anemia/low iron
- Bruising easily
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
What is considered a heavy period?
- Menstrual periods that routinely last more than seven days
- Soaking a tampon or pad every hour or more often on the heaviest day of bleeding
- Flooding or gushing of blood that limits daily activities
- Passing clots that are larger than a grape
Teens with heavy menstrual bleeding are at an increased risk for anemia, painful periods, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, limitations in daily activities, and time lost from work or school.
Don’t be embarrassed to chat
Because heavy bleeding during periods is the most notable symptom, it’s important to talk with your teen and make sure they know what is considered too much bleeding. As they learn about their post-pubescent body, remember menstrual bleeding is still new to them.
If your child does have a bleeding disorder, treatment is available to help them live their lives to the fullest and prevent excessive bleeding episodes.
At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, our highly trained hematologists understand how stressful living with a bleeding disorder can be for both parents and teens alike. SSM Health’s SLUCare Physician Group Dr. Christopher Hugge and Dr. John Puetz are pediatric hematologists and specialize in the advanced treatment of blood disorders. Our expert team lessens fears and provides personalized treatment plans for children of all ages through adulthood. Reach out to start the healing journey.
Learn more about bleeding disorders in girls.
Source: cdc.gov
