Heavy periods shouldn't keep your child from being a kid. Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause iron deficiency or anemia, disrupt daily life and sometimes signal an underlying condition. At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, pediatric gynecology and hematology specialists work together to find answers and create a treatment plan tailored to your child.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinic
Why choose the heavy menstrual bleeding clinic?
No Diagnosis Needed
Our team evaluates heavy menstrual bleeding whether or not your child has a diagnosis.
Multiple Specialists One Coordinated Visit
Pediatric gynecology and hematology experts work together for coordinated care.
Earlier Answers Earlier Treatment
We find what's behind heavy bleeding and connect families with treatment options.
Specialized Pediatric Expertise
From their first period through adolescence, our experts provide care tailored to your child’s unique age.
What is heavy menstrual bleeding?
Heavy menstrual bleeding means having periods that are unusually heavy or prolonged. It can lead to iron deficiency and anemia, causing fatigue, low energy and difficulty concentrating.
When should heavy periods be evaluated?
Not every child with heavy menstrual bleeding has an underlying bleeding disorder. Evaluation helps determine what may be contributing to the bleeding and if treatment is needed.
An evaluation may be helpful if your child or teen:
- Soaks a pad or tampon every one to two hours
- Bleeds for more than seven days
- Frequently bleeds through clothes or bedding
- Passes unusually large blood clots
- Misses school, sports or activities because of bleeding
- Often feels tired, weak or short of breath
- Has iron deficiency or anemia
- Bruises easily or has prolonged bleeding after injuries
Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding can have many causes. A thorough evaluation can help determine what's behind your child’s bleeding and guide treatment.
Hormonal Conditions
In adolescents, hormonal changes can affect ovulation and lead to irregular or heavy bleeding, particularly during the years after your child’s first period.
Potential causes may include:
- Irregular or absent ovulation
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
- Thyroid conditions
Bleeding Disorders
Some children and teens with heavy periods have an underlying bleeding disorder that affects how their blood clots.
Potential conditions include:
- Von Willebrand disease
- Platelet function disorders
- Other inherited clotting or bleeding disorders
Other Contributing Factors
Heavy menstrual bleeding can also be associated with other conditions or factors, including:
- Certain medications
- Structural abnormalities of the reproductive system
- Liver or other systemic conditions
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What to Expect at Your Visit
Your child's first visit will focus on understanding their bleeding and overall health, including their symptoms, age and medical history.
Depending on your child’s individual needs, the visit may include:
- A detailed medical and menstrual history
- Questions about how heavy bleeding affects daily life
- A review of family and personal bleeding history
- A physical examination
- Blood tests to check blood counts and iron levels
- Testing for possible bleeding disorders
- Discussion of treatment options and next steps
