Originally published October 28 2005
Physicians spread awareness of common bleeding disorder in women
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
At the National Hemophilia Foundation's 57th Annual Meeting, medical experts discussed the dangers of Von Willebrand disease, a very common hereditary bleeding disorder that often goes undiagnosed in women because it is disguised as a gynecological problem.
As many as 2.5 million women may have an undiagnosed bleeding disorder that, if not properly treated, could lead to serious health problems, medical experts told a mostly female audience at the National Hemophilia Foundation's (NHF) 57th Annual Meeting on Thursday.
Women with some forms of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) are at much higher risk for miscarriage, life-threatening bleeding following surgery and childbirth, and for undergoing unnecessary hysterectomies.
Von Willebrand disease, a very common hereditary bleeding disorder in the United States, affects between three to six million Americans, nearly half of whom are women.
Since VWD disguises itself as a gynecological problem, most are unaware they suffer from the disorder.
"Von Willebrand disease can be diagnosed from the patient's history and the results of blood tests.
A timely diagnosis is helpful in ensuring appropriate treatment and preventing complications," says Andra James, MD, director of the Women's Hemostasis and Thrombosis Clinic at Duke University, chair of Project Red Flag's Women with Bleeding Disorders Task Force, and a woman with von Willebrand disease.
"The key is awareness of the symptoms or 'red flags' that both women and their doctors should recognize and act on."
"Von Willebrand disease is a serious health issue for women.
We are pleased to hold the first-ever consumer symposium to expand awareness of this problem," says Alan Kinniburgh, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the National Hemophilia Foundation.
"We encourage all women to increase their knowledge of bleeding disorders and to see their doctor immediately if they suspect they have symptoms."
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