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Bleeding disorders may go undiagnosed
In the United States, as many as 1% of women, girls, and other people with the potential to menstruate have a bleeding disorder, and many are unaware of their condition. Bleeding disorders are conditions where blood does not clot normally, making it harder for bleeding to stop. Some examples of bleeding disorders include von Willebrand disease and hemophilia.
Heavy bleeding during periods (also called heavy menstrual bleeding) is often one of the most noticeable symptoms of a bleeding disorder. Yet it can be hard for tweens and teens to know whether their periods are heavy, especially if they feel that is normal for their bodies. They may not realize there is a medical reason behind heavy periods, such as having a bleeding disorder.
Other signs of a bleeding disorder include frequent or hard to stop nosebleeds, bruising often with little to no injury, bleeding from a cut or scrape that takes a long time to stop, and heavy bleeding after a medical or dental procedure.
It is important that tweens and teens
Learn the signs of a bleeding disorder;Feel empowered to talk to a trusted adult if they suspect that they might have one; and
If it is a bleeding disorder, treatment is available to help them live their lives to the fullest and prevent excessive bleeding episodes!
Help us raise awareness
Join CDC in raising awareness of bleeding disorders among tweens and teens by sharing resources and information on your social media channels, blogs, podcasts, and more. Share the sample social media messages and graphics below to help promote awareness of this important topic.
By sharing our materials, you can help tweens and teens with bleeding disorders understand their symptoms and feel empowered to reach out for help.
In your social media posts, please use
#HeavyPeriodsRemember to follow @CDC_NCBDDD on X (formerly Twitter) for more messages to retweet.
Videos to share What is a bleeding disorder and what are the signs?
Sample message Do you have frequent nosebleeds and heavy periods? Dr. Meera Chitlur, a pediatric hematologist, shares the signs and symptoms of a bleeding disorder. If you have a bleeding disorder, treatment is available. Take a quiz to learn if you may be at risk for a bleeding disorder: https://bit.ly/3YTqlBA #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders Heavy periods and bleeding disorders
Sample message Do you think you have heavy periods? Dr. Charletta Ayers, an OB/GYN, shares four signs of heavy periods. They can be caused by many medical conditions, including a bleeding disorder. If you experience any of the signs, talk with your doctor to learn what might be causing your heavy periods. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lEYXt3 #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders Family history of heavy periods and bleeding disorders
Sample message It can feel embarrassing to talk about your period, but it's important to learn what is happening with your body. Heavy periods can be a sign of a bleeding disorder. Hear from Daniela, a teen living with a bleeding disorder. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lEYXt3 #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Graphics to share "Know the signs" graphic View Larger
Know the signs of a bleeding disorder
As many as 1.6 million women and girls in the U.S. have a bleeding disorder and many don't know it.
Symptoms of bleeding disorders include:
Heavy periods
Easy bruising
Nosebleeds
Heavy bleeding after a medical dental procedure
Show Text Description Sample message If you have a bleeding disorder, it's better you know so you can get the help you need. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lEYXt3 #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Heavy periods can be a sign of a bleeding disorder
If you have heavy periods, you are not alone. 1 in 5 women have heavy periods.
Heavy periods can be caused by many medical conditions including having a bleeding disorder.
Show Text Description Sample message If you have heavy periods, talk to your doctor to find out what is causing them! Think you might have a bleeding disorder? Take a quiz and find out your risk today: https://bit.ly/3YTqlBA #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders "Heavy periods" animated graphic View Larger
Heavy periods can be a sign of a bleeding disorder
Illustration of a heavy period.
Heavy periods can be a symptom of a bleeding disorder.
Do you have a heavy period?
Signs include
Your pad or tampon is soaked through every 1 to 2 hours or less on the heaviest days
You experience flooding that interferes with your daily life
Your period lasts longer than 7 days
You have periods with blood clots that are bigger than a grape
Illustration of a mother and daughter talking and scheduling an appointment with a phone.
If you have signs of a heavy period talk to a trusted adult and make an appointment with your doctor.
Illustration of a teen girl meeting with her doctor.
Work with your doctor to not only treat your heavy periods but to find out what is causing them.
To learn if you are at risk for a bleeding disorder, take a quiz at www.BetterYouKnow.org
Show Text Description Sample message Sample message If you have heavy periods, it could be a sign that you have a bleeding disorder. Take a quiz and find out your risk today: https://bit.ly/3YTqlBA #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders "How to get help" animated graphic View Larger
How to get help for a possible bleeding disorder
Illustration of a teen girl thinking about heavy periods.
Heavy periods can be caused by many medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder.
It can be embarrassing to talk about your period to others, but it's important to learn what is happening with your body.
Not sure how to get help or to talk about this? Try
Talking to your parent or other trusted adult
Tracking your period and other bleeding symptoms using a chart at www.BetterYouKnow.org
Talking to your doctor
Show Text Description Sample message Do you have heavy periods? It's important to talk to someone about what is happening with your body. Not sure who to talk to? Here are some tips: https://bit.ly/3R9bAtv #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders "Family history" animated graphic
Learn whether your family has a history of heavy periods
Illustration of a family tree.
True or False.
Bleeding disorders can be inherited (passed down) from your mother, father, or both parents.
True. If your mother or sister has told you heavy periods are normal in your family... it's possible you and other female family members have an undiagnosed bleeding disorder.
Show Text Description Sample message Test your knowledge of bleeding disorders. #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleedersWhile bleeding and clotting disorders affect men and women, these conditions pose unique problems for women because of the impact the disorders can have on their reproductive health and quality of life.
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