World Haemophilia Day 2025 — Facts You Didn’t Know About Haemophilia In Women And Girls

{Inputs By: Dr. Mrinalini Chaturvedi, Medical Director at Cryoviva Life Sciences}

World Haemophilia Day 2025: Haemophilia has traditionally been regarded as a bleeding disorder that is rare and predominantly found in men. Yet, this account tends to leave out women and girls, who are frequently symptomatic but underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This year's global attention by the WHO and World Federation of Hemophilia appropriately brings focus to the special challenges for women with haemophilia — and increased equity in care.

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Haemophilia In Women And Girls Is Real, and Often Overlooked:

Although haemophilia is genetically more common in males because of its X-linked pattern of inheritance, females can also develop haemophilia. Females can express low levels of clotting factors because of uneven X-chromosome inactivation or co-inheritance of faulty genes. Yet, too often, they are brushed off as just carriers, with consequent late diagnosis and poor management. It's time we acknowledge haemophilia in women and girls as a real medical issue.

Many Remain Undiagnosed for Years:

Women who live with bleeding symptoms like excessive bruising to prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery and are often misdiagnosed or ignored altogether. Their symptoms are frequently mistaken for hormonal or gynecological problems. Research has indicated that women's underdiagnosis can hold up effective care for years, significantly affecting their quality of life.

Heavy Periods May Be a Warning Sign:

A common but underrecognized symptom is menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding. In young women and adolescent girls, this is all too commonly accepted, although it is a strong indicator of a hidden bleeding disorder. Chronic heavy menses may cause iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue and lost school or workdays yet few are ever sent for hematologic assessment.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Come with Extra Risks:

Female patients with haemophilia are at high risk during pregnancy and childbirth. These risks also encompass postpartum hemorrhage, intra-partum bleeding, and complications for the neonate. Multidisciplinary management involving experts in the field of hematology, obstetrics and genetic counseling is required to control and manage such risk factors to ensure safer deliveries in mother as well as neonate.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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