It’s Women’s Health Week! To celebrate we’re diving into a variety of topics from knowing your body and tackling taboos, to advocating for yourself. This year’s theme is Your voice. Your choice. Help us make women’s health a priority from 2-6 September. Join us on Facebook and Instagram to join in the conversation each day.
Courageous Conversations
It takes courage to start talking about your bleeding disorder and advocating for yourself. Sharron, Cheryl and Jo share their experiences and tips for starting this courageous conversation.
Talking to health professionals
Although bleeding disorders in females are becoming more well-known, many doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the wider community still do not realise that girls and women can have bleeding disorders. It can make conversations with your health professionals even more challenging.
Tackling taboos
Sharing stories is an important way to connect with other women with bleeding disorders. To know you’re not alone and discover the warmth of others who understand what it’s like. Jo reflects on living with mild haemophilia in her youth, while Lauren talks about opening up with her local women’s peer support group.
How are women and girls affected by bleeding disorders?
How are women and girls affected by bleeding disorders? Haemophilia, VWD, rare clotting factor deficiencies and inherited platelet disorders can all cause bleeding symptoms in women such as:
- Bruising easily
- Heavy and/or painful periods
- Frequent/prolonged nosebleeds
- Mouth/gum bleeds
- Anaemia
- Bleeding/oozing after surgery, dentistry, medical procedures, injuries
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding after childbirth
- Joint, muscle and organ bleeds (more common in severe disorders)
Because girls start having periods in puberty, symptoms of a mild or moderate bleeding disorder are often more obvious from an earlier age in girls than in boys.
Women bleed too!
Women bleed too! Sharron, Cheryl, Shauna, Susie and Robyn talk about their experiences with bleeding disorders. They share what they have learned about advocating for themselves, particularly when they are dealing with doctors and nurses outside of their HTC.