Hemophilia is a blood disorder that causes a person to bleed more than usual. In normal conditions, there are proteins called clotting factors that work with the platelets to stop bleeding at the site of an injury. People with hemophilia produce lesser amounts of Factor VIII or Factor IX, which makes them bleed more and longer after an injury. They are susceptible to internal bleeding, which becomes fatal if it occurs in vital organs like brain. Although the disease is most common for males, females can suffer from it too. In females, either both the X chromosomes are affected, or she is a carrier of hemophilia with one affected X chromosome. The symptoms and treatment of hemophilia in women are a bit different from that of men, as discussed in detail here.

• Menorrhagia is caused by hemophilia in women

Some women have unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, and this seems to be a result of a blood disorder. Heavy and prolonged bleeding is the most common symptom of the disease and when this happens throughout a woman’s period, it is referred to as menorrhagia. This can, in itself, be a painful condition, and it is accompanied by chronic fatigue, severe menstrual pain, mood changes and so on. Knowing about the symptoms and treatment of hemophilia is important because this bleeding disorder can actually lead to more serious consequences, necessitating hysterectomies. The clotting factor levels are measured and genetic tests conducted to detect the problem in women.

• Hemophilia leads to problems during puberty

If a woman has a family history of Hemophilia, then she will have certain problems during her puberty or the onset of the menstrual cycle. This will include excessive bleeding and menstrual cramping. Along with being aware of the symptoms and treatment of hemophilia during this stage, observing the signs and having a medical team that includes a gynecologist, a hematologist, and a family physician or pediatrician is crucial.

• Hemophilia affects pregnancy and childbirth

Bleeding is a natural occurrence in pregnancy and childbirth, but a woman with hemophilia will be prone to bleeding more anyway. So, plans and arrangements for a safe delivery should be in place beforehand. As for precautionary treatments, drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid should be avoided and special safety measures should be taken during childbirth. This would prevent potential injuries from affecting both the mother and the newborn baby.

• The extent of hemophilia in women varies
  The extent of bleeding in women who are carriers of hemophilia varies. Those with a clotting level between 30% and 70% of normal usually do not suffer from severe bleeding, though heavy menstrual bleeding is common. Some carriers, on the other hand, have less than 30% of the normal of Factor VIII or IX and they are considered to have mild hemophilia. Up to 60% of carriers have bleeding problems.

It is essential for one to be aware of the symptoms of hemophilia to avoid any untoward incidences and avail treatment for the condition at the earliest.