According to the CDC, it takes a woman on average 16 years from the onset of symptoms to be diagnosed with VWD. Additionally, the most common bleeding disorder affecting women is von Willebrand disease (VWD), which results from a deficiency or defect in the body’s ability to produce a certain protein that helps blood clot. Although VWD occurs in men and women equally, women are more likely to notice the symptoms because of heavy or abnormal bleeding during their menstrual periods and after childbirth.
Each March, the community calls attention to inheritable blood and bleeding disorders during Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This month lets patients and families with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare factor disorders, and more, share their lives, stories, struggles, and successes.
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month has been observed each March since 2016, after being designated as a national health observance by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. BDAM aims to increase awareness of inheritable blood and bleeding disorders among the public, as well as bring them to the attention of policymakers, public authorities, industry representatives, scientists, and health professionals. Prior to BDAM, March was known “Hemophilia Awareness Month” – a designation confirmed by President Ronald Reagan in March 1986.
If you suspect you might have a bleeding disorder, please visit betteryouknow.org for more resources and to take a risk assessment.
Also, be sure to join our 16 Minutes A Day Challenge Facebook Group to stay connected to others who are taking up this challenge to raise awareness and improve diagnosis for women, girls, and those with the potential to menstruate during Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month!
WPBDF strives to enrich the lives of those with bleeding disorders in Western Pennsylvania and respond to the needs of the community in a dynamic environment.
The Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation is a nonprofit consumer advocacy and service organization founded in the 1950’s and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1976.
We were founded to help meet the vast education and support needs of the bleeding disorders community in Western Pennsylvania.
WPBDF serves families with bleeding disorders in 26 counties of Western Pennsylvania. Membership is free for people with bleeding disorders. We provide patient assistance to our members with bleeding disorders as well as hold a variety of educational events that cover a wide range of topics. Because bleeding disorders impact nearly every area of our members lives, we strive to provide relevant and timely information about everything from raising affected children to dealing with financial stress to joint health and treatment concerns and much more.
Get The Word Out