Does heavy bleeding during my period mean I have a bleeding disorder?
Not always. Research shows that bleeding disorders are the cause of heavy periods for about one in five women. In other cases, heavy periods may be caused by: • Gynecological diseases • Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control • Taking some medicines Roughly 20 percent of women who see their doctors for heavy periods have a bleeding disorder, most often von Willebrand disease. It is important to keep in mind that even if heavy periods run in your family, it might still be a sign of a problem. So, if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, be sure to ask your doctor about testing for bleeding disorders. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests testing for von Willebrand disease when: • A woman is having heavy periods with no known cause • An adolescent is having heavy periods with no known cause • A woman is considering surgery to stop heavy periods Testing should be done before hormone therapy like birth control pills is started. How Would I Know If I
Not always. Research shows that 5 – 20 percent of women with heavy periods have a bleeding disorder, usually VWD. In other cases, heavy periods may be caused by: • hormonal changes • diseases or disorders of the reproductive system • use of an intrauterine (IN-truh-YOO-tur-in) device (IUD) for birth control • use of some medicines Even if heavy periods run in your family, it might still be a sign of a problem. So, if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, ask your doctor about testing for bleeding disorders.
