5 things to know about hemophilia and your period

Last updated June 11, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by Joana Carvalho, PhD

Hemophilia can make your period challenging, and even stressful. Because hemophilia affects blood clotting, it may also affect the severity and duration of menstrual bleeding.

Understanding these five facts about hemophilia’s impact on your period may help you better manage it.

1. Heavy periods are common with hemophilia.

It is not unusual for women with hemophilia or symptomatic carriers to have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (often called a period), especially if they have low clotting factor levels —  less than 40% of normal. Periods may also be particularly heavy for girls with the condition when they first begin to menstruate.

A period is considered heavy when it:

• lasts more than seven days
• prevents you from doing things you would normally do
• soaks through a tampon or pad in two hours or less
• causes clots that are bigger than a quarter.

Losing a lot of blood from heavy periods can lead to low levels of iron in the blood. This can cause anemia, as well as fatigue and weakness. In this case, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements.

If heavy periods are an issue, discuss them with your doctor, such as your hematologist or gynecologist, and ask for their guidance.

2. Periods with hemophilia can be painful.

Living with hemophilia may increase the likelihood of having painful periods. Ask your doctor what they can do to help address the pain.

Research has shown that women’s pain is often not taken seriously by doctors, so don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself if needed.

To make it easier to share information with your care team and give them insight into what you are experiencing, keep a record of your pain’s duration and intensity, such as on a scale of 1 to 10. You should also note any other issues related to your period. There are many apps available that can help you with tracking your menstrual cycle and symptoms.

During ovulation, which is around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, some women have pain in the abdomen and pelvis, referred to as mittelschmerz.

For most women, it would not typically require seeing a doctor. But for those with hemophilia, it can cause severe or even potentially life-threatening bleeding.

If you are experiencing intense, persistent abdominal or pelvic pain around ovulation time, call your hematologist or go to the emergency room.

3. Menstrual bleeding can become heavier during perimenopause.

During perimenopause, which is the time when the body is transitioning to menopause, women with hemophilia may notice that their periods are much heavier.

Other gynecological problems may also become more of an issue. For example, some women may develop polyps or fibroids, which are growths in the uterus that can contribute to heavy bleeding.

If you are dealing with perimenopausal symptoms, including heavy bleeding, ask your gynecologist and hematologist about your options for managing them.

4. Periods can affect your work and personal life.

When hemophilia causes heavy or prolonged periods, it can interfere with your daily life during those times of the month.

The intense pain or fear of staining clothes can make some people want to avoid socializing or being in public. Some may have to miss school or work because menstrual symptoms are so severe and debilitating.

It can also be hard to know where to get help, since menstruation is not typically discussed openly.

While your gynecologist or hematologist may be sympathetic, they may not always know how to address the social and emotional impact that hemophilia has on your periods.

You may want to consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. Many hemophilia treatment centers offer counseling to help you learn how to manage these kinds of issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local center, which you can find through the Hemophilia Federation of America.

5. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be treated.

Dealing with heavy periods can be really hard, but fortunately, there are some treatment options to consider. These include hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills, and medications that try to stop the breakdown of blood clots to prevent or reduce bleeding.

In very severe cases, surgical procedures may be recommended.

While it is not always possible to know how hemophilia will affect your period, work with your care team to get support and to find treatment options that are right for you.

Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.