Bleeding Disorder Statistics

It has been reported that 1 out of every 5 women who went to see their doctors because of heavy bleeding during their periods was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. (Kadir et al, The Lancet, February 14, 1998)

Keep in mind this study evaluated only women who went to their doctor. I believe there are many more women who, like me, think heaving bleeding is normal and don’t seek medical help. In addition, the study did not fully evaluate platelet function. So this number is likely higher.

The CDC has reported that, as many as 2 million women may have a bleeding disorder and not even know it. That means there are too many women who suffer monthly, have unnecessary hysterectomies and are not living a quality of life that they can.

Please remember heavy, prolonged periods are NOT normal. The cause may not be a bleeding disorder but it does need to be evaluated.

Signs to be aware of

If you have any of the following symptoms please discuss them with your doctor. If you don’t feel they are doing everything they can to identify the reason, go to another doctor.

· Very heavy periods
· Regular bleeding from the mouth or gums
· Frequent nosebleeds or nosebleeds that last a long time
· Easy bruising
· Excessive bleeding after injury or surgery
· Bleeding from small cuts for a long time

Signs of bleeding disorders in women are often mild.

Research shows that diagnosing bleeding disorders in women is difficult. One study found that women had symptoms for an average of 16 years before they were diagnosed.
Tests for bleeding disorders are not always accurate. The test can come out normal even when a woman has a bleeding disorder.

Hormonal changes, aspirin, hormone therapies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, exercise, and stress can affect the blood results.