Sometimes, inherited bleeding disorders can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and clotting disorders can occasionally lead to recurrent (repeated) miscarriages. In many cases, though, these complications are caused by other factors.
To accurately identify a connection between a blood disorder and heavy menstrual bleeding or recurrent miscarriages, you need the right expertise. At the Penn Medicine Center for Women’s Thrombosis and Hemostasis (hemostasis refers to bleeding control), we find answers. We ask the right questions, provide the appropriate evaluation, and take a sensitive approach to bleeding disorder treatment and blood clotting disorder care.
Clotting Disorders and Multiple Miscarriages
An inherited blood clotting disorder can sometimes cause recurrent miscarriages by blocking blood supply to the placenta. Taking preventive medication can help increase the chances of reaching full term and having a safe delivery.
If you’ve had multiple miscarriages, our team can help you decide whether a comprehensive evaluation makes sense.
Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstruation)
Inherited bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease can lead to menorrhagia — longer or heavier menstrual bleeding. Symptoms of menorrhagia include:
- Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
- Needing a new pad or tampon every hour or more
- Feeling of flooding—blood flow overwhelming sanitary products
- Passing an unusually high number of blood clots or large clots
Heavy menstrual bleeding is often the first sign of an inherited bleeding disorder, though not all people with inherited bleeding disorders have heavy periods. For some with mild inherited bleeding disorders, it may be the only symptom.
An inherited bleeding disorder can also increase menstrual bleeding to levels that don’t quite reach menorrhagia. You may have more significant menstrual bleeding at times, along with other symptoms such as frequent nosebleeds.
Diagnosing Inherited Bleeding Disorders With Heavy Periods
In the past, if you had heavy menstrual bleeding, you were often told you just had to live with the condition. People who wanted treatment were offered a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and end menstruation.
Besides inherited bleeding disorders, other causes of menorrhagia include growths in the uterus or cervix, hormonal imbalances, and use of certain medications. When other doctors can’t find a non-inherited reason, consider seeing a hematologist. Our team has the expertise to determine if a bleeding disorder is contributing to heavy menstrual bleeding and provide treatment options.
Our center’s principal hematologist works closely with Penn Medicine gynecologists, as well as other specialists at the Penn Blood Disorders Center. To determine why you’re experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, we’ll:
- Discuss your medical history and your family’s, including your experiences with periods and other bleeding
- Run blood work, including possible genetic testing, if needed
- Recommend you schedule a pelvic exam and pelvic imaging with your gynecologist
Menorrhagia Treatment at Penn Medicine
If your medical team confirms heavy menstrual bleeding, you may need treatment. Many treatments — such as birth control pills and devices — are the same no matter the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
An inherited bleeding disorder diagnosis may change your care in other ways. The diagnosis can help you and your doctors safely prepare for pregnancy or surgery. A hematologist may also need to prescribe medications that help the body form blood clots.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or make an appointment.