Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
Young Women with Bleeding Disorders Clinic

Young Women with Bleeding Disorders Clinic

Our Young Women with Bleeding Disorders Clinic is a combined hematology-gynecology clinic that addresses concerns about heavy menstrual bleeding and other bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease or low von Willebrand factor.

We see patients 18 years old and younger. The clinic takes place monthly at our Burnet Campus and monthly at our Liberty Campus.

Symptoms We Treat

Abnormal menstrual bleeding:

  • Periods that last longer than seven days
  • Irregular periods
  • Needing to change a pad or tampon more often than every one to two hours
  • Passing clots that are larger than a quarter
  • Periods that cause iron deficiency anemia, or a need for a blood transfusion
  • Periods that cause missed days of school or work due to bleeding

Other bleeding symptoms:

  • Easy bruising
  • Excessive bleeding after surgery or dental work
  • Nose bleeds

What to Expect

Our goal is to provide adolescent girls and young women with the treatment and support they need to manage their condition and enjoy their lives. Each clinic visit includes seeing a hematologist and a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, whose combined expertise can lead to more effective treatment. Patients also may meet with a nurse care manager and social worker.

The first appointment includes a physician exam and blood tests (but usually not a pelvic exam). The care team will provide a personalized treatment plan and make adjustment to it as needed.

Treatment for girls and women with abnormal menstrual bleeding typically involves prescribing hormonal medications (such as pills, patches or implants), using oral non-hormonal medications, or placing intrauterine devices to decrease the amount of bleeding.

Misconceptions about Von Willebrand Disease in Teen Girls

Read the blog.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: What’s Normal?

Listen to the Young & Healthy podcast.
Hear Margo, a patient with von Willebrand disease, talk with Maria Carter Febres, MD, a pediatric hematologist, about bleeding disorders and Margo’s journey to find answers about her health. Listen to the Podcast