Menstrual Health: Insufficient blood clotting is a symptom of the inherited bleeding disorder known as hemophilia. This can lead to both spontaneous bleeding and bleeding after an accident or surgery. Several clotting proteins found in the blood can help stop bleeding. Hemophiliacs have low levels of factor VIII or factor IX. The severity of a person’s hemophilia is based on the number of factors in their blood.
Although men are more likely to get this disease than women, they still fall prey to it. Hereditary hemophilia can cause complications during menstruation, labor, and delivery.
According to the most recent survey published by the World Federation of Hemophilia, with data provided by the Hemophilia Federation of India, only 13,448 patients are registered, acknowledging that there is a lack of diagnosis with an estimate of 80% of people with hemophilia in developing countries. lives in; In India, experts believe that roughly one in 5,000 people have the condition.
Apart from the lack of awareness, Dr Vidya Shah, a gynecologist at Motherhood Maternity Clinic, Mumbai, mentioned in a digital magazine, The Swaddle, that there is a lack of knowledge about how to openly discuss periods and define normal and abnormal periods. There are social stigmas due to lack of it, which create it. It is difficult to identify the problem.
Dr Vijaya Meenakshi, Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Varthur spoke to Zee English about the effects of haemophilia on menstrual cycle, treatment and preventive measures.
Uncontrolled menstrual bleeding can be experienced by women with hemophilia, and this can have negative effects. To avoid additional complications, it may be important to manage excessive menstrual bleeding. If bleeding occurs during or after delivery, it can be dangerous if not properly controlled. “Bleeding women should be aware of the risks and seek medical help immediately if they experience discomfort or abnormal bleeding during menstruation,” says Dr. Vijaya.
How can hemophilia affect your menstrual cycle?
Other warning signs include bleeding for more than a week and changing pads or tampons every hour, iron deficiency, and regular nighttime bed-wetting. Iron deficiency or particularly heavy menstrual bleeding are early symptoms of the disease, but they are also ones that are often overlooked.
Treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
“Depending on the diagnosis and reproductive status and the severity of monthly bleeding, a variety of medications can be used to treat it. Individuals with hemostasis may benefit from treatment with injectable or oral hemostatic drugs such as desmopressin or tranexamic acid. Maybe. To reduce or stop bleeding, these drugs work by increasing blood coagulation,” comments Dr Vijaya.
Hemophiliacs may occasionally require factor VIII or IX concentrates to address extremely heavy menstrual bleeding. These infusions are meant to replace clotting factors that have been lost in the patient’s blood and promote coagulation. Depending on the needs of the patient, these infusions may be administered as needed or on a regular basis.
“A hormone-filled intrauterine device or an endometrial balloon tamponade may be necessary if these treatments are unsuccessful for a patient. These devices are meant to help stop bleeding by applying pressure to the uterus or releasing hormones that are associated with menstruation.” Can help regulate the cycle.” comments Dr Vijaya Meenakshi.
to take preventive measures
Regular check-up with a hematologist or gynecologist for excessive menstrual bleeding in patients with hemophilia is one of the preventive measures. These visits are used to evaluate bleeding patterns and clotting factor levels. Patients are advised to eat a nutritious diet and take iron supplements or syrups to maintain their hemoglobin levels and manage blood loss during menstruation.
It is important for women who have hemophilia to be aware of the dangers of excessive menstrual bleeding and to seek help from a doctor if they experience unusual bleeding or discomfort. Hemophilic female patients can work closely with their health practitioners to control their disease and lead active, healthy lives.
“In conclusion, women with hemophilia may experience severe menstrual bleeding, which, if not addressed, can be of considerable concern. Depending on the patient’s age and child-bearing potential, the risk of disease by female patients varies. can be treated in a number of ways,” concluded. Dr. Vijaya.
To help patients manage blood loss during menstruation, nutritionists advise them to eat a balanced diet and take iron supplements. In addition, patients are advised to visit a gynecologist or hematologist frequently to assist in monitoring clotting factor levels and bleeding patterns. Women with hemophilia can control their condition and lead active, healthy lives with regular consultations with their doctors.