Could Von Willebrand disease cause heavy menstruation?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter is 16 years old, and she was told that she has borderline Von Willebrand’s disease 13 years back. She has frequent bruising that we do not know where it came from as well as a heavy menstrual cycle.

Is there any chance for her condition to worsen? Please help me, doctor.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. I would like to know which investigations you have done in the past to diagnose Von Willebrand's disease. As she is having heavy menstruation problems and bruising, coagulation abnormalities like Von Willebrand’s disease and platelet disorders have to be ruled out. So for the primary workup, I suggest you do the following investigations:

PT (prothrombin time).
APTT (partial thromboplastin time).
BT (bleeding time).
CBC (complete blood count).

To confirm Von Willebrand’s disease apart from the above investigations, Von Willebrand factor antigen assay, Ristocetin cofactor, or Von Willebrand factor activity testing can be done.According to the type of Von Willebrand’s disease, treatment is planned.For heavy menstrual bleeding, I suggest antifibrinolytic agents like the tablet Tranexamic acid 650 milligrams thrice daily for five days can be prescribed and if needed, for vaginal bleeding hormonal pill can be prescribed.

If Von Willebrand's disease is confirmed, then drugs like Desmopressin or Von Willebrand factor therapy can be started according to the type and severity of the disease. Consult a physician and take the medications only after their consent.

Hope your concern is solved.

Thank you.