Young women

Female Factors information for young women

FEMALE FACTORS: INFORMATION FOR YOUNG WOMEN WITH BLEEDING DISORDERS

Information about how bleeding disorders affect young women and teenage girls, with FAQs and personal stories. This resource includes explanations about heavy periods and other bleeding symptoms in females. It looks at haemophilia – and why bleeding patterns are different in females – von Willebrand disease (VWD), rare clotting factor deficiencies and inherited platelet disorders. It also covers other key questions for young women, including inheritance, diagnosis/testing, treatment and support, and tips for self-advocacy from other Australian women.

Download full booklet 8.5MB [large file]

Read the booklet online (ISSUU)

FEMALE FACTORS Sections

What is a bleeding disorder?

An overview of the types of bleeding disorders and symptoms in females.

Download PDF  459KB

Women's bleeding explained

What is 'normal' with periods and period pain?
This section looks at gynaecological problems for girls and women with bleeding disorders – heavy and painful periods, mid-cycle pain, anaemia, bleeding after sex, endometriosis. 
Includes diagrams explaining the menstrual cycle.

Download PDF  2.1MB

Von Willebrand disease (VWD)

What is VWD? How common is it? How serious is it? Explains the different types of VWD, bleeding symptoms in females, genes and how you inherit VWD and can pass it on.

Download PDF  1.4MB

Haemophilia A and haemophilia B

Carrying the gene for haemophilia and having haemophilia if you are a girl or woman. Genes, inheritance, and how haemophilia is passed on down the generations, by both males and females. Bleeding symptoms in females and why your bleeding pattern is different to your father, brother, mother or sister (lyonization and random X inactivation)!

Download PDF  1.1MB
 

Other bleeding disorders

Rare clotting factor deficiencies, inherited platelet function disorders, acquired haemophilia and VWD

Download PDF 873KB

Working with your Haemophilia Treatment Centre

Going to a Haemophilia Treatment Centre – the HTC team. Diagnosing a bleeding disorder in girls and women, including factor level and genetic testing for haemophilia, treatment plans and types of treatment.

Download PDF  1.3MB
 

What do I tell my other doctor or dentist?

Tips and personal strategies to manage your health care with health care services outside the Haemophilia Treatment Centre.

Download PDF 429KB

You are not alone

How you can connect to other girls and women with bleeding disorders and share experiences
Download PDF  436KB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to two common questions from young women with bleeding disorders:

  • 'I have a bleeding disorder and I'm really scared by the amount of blood I lose in a period. When should I go to the emergency department in my hospital? When would I need a blood transfusion?'
  • 'I don't want to have a hysterectomy to control my bleeding issues because I might want to have children one day. What are my other options?'

Download PDF   1.8MB

More information

How to contact Haemophilia Foundations and Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs)
References and further reading, acknowledgements of those who contributed to this resource and the expert reviewers.

Download PDF  301KB
 

Female Factors published – October 2018
 

New section!

Sport and exercise for girls and young women with bleeding disorders

Answering common questions about sport and exercise:
How can I best participate?
What types of sport or exercise should I do?
How can I manage my periods?
What about injuries?
What should I tell my coach or club?

Download PDF – 1.6MB

Sport and exercise for girls and young women with bleeding disorders published – May 2021

 

 

 

Date last reviewed: 14 May 2021

Important Note: This information was developed by Haemophilia Foundation Australia for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a treating health professional. Always see your health care provider for assessment and advice about your individual health before taking action or relying on published information. This information may be printed or photocopied for educational purposes.

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