Heavy Periods Your Whole Life?Ask About a Bleeding Disorder Test
PeriodsArticleVon Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder, and heavy periods are often its main sign in women. The CDC says women with heavy bleeding and no gynecologic cause found should be tested. It also matters before surgery and dental work.
What counts as heavy?
The CDC1 lists signs including:1
- changing a pad or tampon in less than 2 hours, or soaking through one or more every hour for several hours
- doubling up on pads or changing during the night
- periods lasting more than 7 days
- clots the size of a quarter or larger
- feeling tired, low on energy or short of breath
What is von Willebrand disease?
It’s a condition in which blood doesn’t clot properly because a clotting protein is low or doesn’t work well. It’s the most common bleeding disorder, found in up to about 1 in 100 people in the U.S., and it affects men and women equally. Women are more likely to notice it because of heavy periods and bleeding after childbirth.2 Most people treated for it have the mildest type.2
What other signs should I think about?
- nosebleeds that start on their own, happen 5 or more times a year or last more than 10 minutes
- easy bruising larger than a quarter, often raised
- bleeding from a cut lasting more than 5 minutes
- heavy or prolonged bleeding after surgery, childbirth or dental work
- periods with flooding or clots larger than a grape
When should I ask to be tested?
The CDC1 says that if you have heavy periods and your gynecologist hasn’t found a cause, you should be tested for a bleeding disorder.1 Blood tests can check for anemia, thyroid problems and how your blood clots.1
Why does it matter in my 40s and 50s?
Perimenopause can bring heavier periods, and fibroids and polyps become more common.1 Knowing whether you also have a bleeding disorder can shape treatment choices and helps your team plan for surgery, dental work or procedures. Some medicines, such as aspirin and blood thinners, also increase bleeding.1 Our anticoagulant and heavy period checklist covers that situation.
How do I prepare?
Track your periods, including dates and how many pads or tampons you use.1 Note nosebleeds, bruising and any bleeding after dental work or surgery, and ask relatives whether anyone has a bleeding problem. Our heavy period visit checklist explains what to bring.
Try: “I’ve always had very heavy periods, I bruise easily and I bled a lot after a tooth extraction. Should I be tested for von Willebrand disease?”
Period, Handled includes a Period Scorecard and a visit script. Use them to record flow, clots, bruising and nosebleeds before your appointment. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. Soaking a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath need prompt care. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses medical conditions and federal health information. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024About Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (opens in a new tab)abcdefghij
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024About von Willebrand Disease (opens in a new tab)abc
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