Women's Health

You could be at a higher risk for certain blood conditions at different times throughout your life, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. Therefore, you should be aware of the common blood conditions that can affect your health.

Anemia and Women

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Because the body loses iron through blood loss, you could be at greater risk for this type of anemia if you experience heavy bleeding during your period.

Bleeding Disorders and Women

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 2.5 million women in the U.S. have bleeding disorders but are unaware of it. If you have a bleeding disorder, it means that your blood platelets or clotting factors are not working properly.

Von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder in women. You should ask your doctor about von Willebrand disease if you have gums that bleed easily, heavily, and for long periods, or if you bruise easily or bleed heavily from small cuts or dental work.

Hemophilia is perhaps the most well-known bleeding disorder, although it is relatively rare. It affects mostly males; however, because it can be inherited, women should also be aware of this disease, especially if they have a family member with the disorder. Hemophilia is a condition caused by a shortage of the clotting factors needed to stop bleeding. Signs include easy bruising, heavy bleeding after cuts or dental work, and blood in your urine or stool.