Key points
- Many tweens and teens have an undiagnosed bleeding disorder.
- Some may have heavy periods or other symptoms they are embarrassed to talk about.
- Join CDC in spreading awareness of bleeding disorders among adolescents.
Bleeding disorders in tweens and teens may go undiagnosed
In the United States, as many as 1% of women, girls, and other people with the potential to menstruate have a bleeding disorder, and many are unaware of their condition. Bleeding disorders are conditions where blood does not clot normally, making it harder for bleeding to stop. Some examples of bleeding disorders include von Willebrand disease and hemophilia.
Heavy bleeding during periods (also called heavy menstrual bleeding) is often one of the most noticeable symptoms of a bleeding disorder. Yet it can be hard for tweens and teens to know whether their periods are heavy, especially if they feel that is normal for their bodies. They may not realize there is a medical reason behind heavy periods, such as having a bleeding disorder.
Other signs of a bleeding disorder include frequent or hard to stop nosebleeds, bruising often with little to no injury, bleeding from a cut or scrape that takes a long time to stop, and heavy bleeding after a medical or dental procedure.
It is important that tweens and teens
- Learn the signs of a bleeding disorder;
- Feel empowered to talk to a trusted adult if they suspect that they might have one; and
- Work with a doctor to find out what is causing their symptoms.
If it is a bleeding disorder, treatment is available to help them live their lives to the fullest and prevent excessive bleeding episodes!
Help us raise awareness
Join CDC in raising awareness of bleeding disorders among tweens and teens by sharing resources and information on your social media channels, blogs, podcasts, and more. Share the sample social media messages and graphics below to help promote awareness of this important topic.
By sharing our materials, you can help tweens and teens with bleeding disorders understand their symptoms and feel empowered to reach out for help.
In your social media posts, please use
- #HeavyPeriods
- #BleedingDisorders
- #HeavyBleeders
Remember to follow @CDC_NCBDDD on X (formerly Twitter) for more messages to retweet.
What is a bleeding disorder and what are the signs?
Sample message
Do you have frequent nosebleeds and heavy periods? Dr. Meera Chitlur, a pediatric hematologist, shares the signs and symptoms of a bleeding disorder. If you have a bleeding disorder, treatment is available.
Take a quiz to learn if you may be at risk for a bleeding disorder: bit.ly/3YTqlBA
#HeavyPeriods
#BleedingDisorders
#HeavyBleeders
Heavy periods and bleeding disorders
Sample message
Do you think you have heavy periods? Dr. Charletta Ayers, an OB/GYN, shares four signs of heavy periods. They can be caused by many medical conditions, including a bleeding disorder. If you experience any of the signs, talk with your doctor to learn what might be causing your heavy periods.
Learn more: http://bit.ly/3lEYXt3
#HeavyPeriods
#BleedingDisorders
#HeavyBleeders
Family history of heavy periods and bleeding disorders
Sample message
It can feel embarrassing to talk about your period, but it's important to learn what is happening with your body. Heavy periods can be a sign of a bleeding disorder. Hear from Daniela, a teen living with a bleeding disorder.
Learn more: http://bit.ly/3lEYXt3
#HeavyPeriods
#BleedingDisorders
#HeavyBleeders
Graphic #1
Sample message for graphic #1
If you have a bleeding disorder, it's better you know so you can get the help you need. Learn more: http://bit.ly/3lEYXt3 #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Graphic #2
Sample message for graphic #2
If you have heavy periods, talk to your doctor to find out what is causing them! Think you might have a bleeding disorder? Take a quiz and find out your risk today: bit.ly/3YTqlBA #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Animated graphic #1
Sample message for animated graphic #1
If you have heavy periods, it could be a sign that you have a bleeding disorder. Take a quiz and find out your risk today: bit.ly/3YTqlBA #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Animated graphic #2
Sample message for animated graphic #2
Do you have heavy periods? It's important to talk to someone about what is happening with your body. Not sure who to talk to? Here are some tips: https://bit.ly/3R9bAtv #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders
Animated graphic #3
Sample message for animated graphic #3
Test your knowledge of bleeding disorders. #HeavyPeriods #BleedingDisorders #HeavyBleeders