Bleeding disorders
1 Sep 2006
One in five women worry that their periods are not normal, however, nearly 70% of these women have not spoken to a doctor about their concerns and less than 50% have ever confided in a friend or family member.
The reality is that many women don’t talk to any one in detail about their periods and therefore how do we know what is normal and what isn’t. This is perhaps one of the reasons why bleeding disorders, remain relatively undiagnosed.One of the most common symptoms in women with a bleeding disorder is heavy and prolonged periods and in fact systematic worldwide reviews have shown that between 5 -25% of women presenting with heavy periods will have von Willebrand’s disease, which is the most common bleeding disorder to affect women. von Willebrand’s disease is estimated to affect 1% of the population, it is usually inherited and affects both men and women. However for women the problems are intensified due to menstruation and childbirth. Unfortunately, little is known about bleeding disorders in women and it can take up to 16 years for a woman to obtain a diagnosis. In fact of the 300,000 women thought to be affected only 5000 have so far been diagnosed.
Many women themselves do not realise that their heavy periods could be a sign of a bleeding disorder and simply put it down to their bad luck. If they do seek help unfortunately many health care professionals are also unaware of the condition which makes obtaining a diagnosis difficult. A recent study showed that only 12% of gynaecologists would arrange testing for a bleeding disorder in an 18 year old girl with heavy periods and no pelvic pathology, while only 2% would do the same in a 35 year old presenting in the same way.
Could I have a bleeding disorder?
If you have more than one of the following symptoms it is possible you may have a bleeding disorder:
- Have heavy and prolonged periods
- Have frequent or heavy nosebleeds
- Bruise easily or have prolonged bleeding from small cuts and scratches
- Have experience of heavy or prolonged bleeding after having a tooth removed, surgery or giving birth
- Have a family member with heavy periods or any of these symptoms
If you think you might have a bleeding disorder consult with your GP and ask him to refer you to a haematologist for investigation. Alternatively the Haemophilia Society’s Women Bleed Too project aims to raise awareness of and provide support for women with a bleeding disorder and you can contact them on womenbleedtoo@haemophilia.org.uk or 0800 0186068 to discuss your symptoms further or visit www.womenbleedtoo.org.uk for more information.
There is no cure for von Willebrand’s disease. However, a diagnosis may mean more appropriate treatment to better manage your symptoms and is also vital to prevent complications during surgery, after childbirth or following an accident.
