Haematological causes of menorrhagia

Abstract

Menorrhagia is common, affecting 50% of the female population. It is becoming more apparent that haematological causes, many often under-diagnosed, may be responsible. With increasing laboratory sophistication, platelet functional defects, von Willebrand disease (vWD) and clotting factor deficiencies are diagnosed more frequently. Menorrhagia may be the first clinical manifestation of a bleeding disorder therefore timely diagnosis and management are essential especially if surgery is to be considered as a definitive treatment for menorrhagia not responding to medical management.