The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a clinical report to help providers educate adolescents and their parents on menstruation. The report emphasizes the need for girls, their parents and doctors to be able to recognize what constitutes a “normal” menstrual cycle and what should be considered irregular or excessive bleeding. Proper evaluation, asserted the study authors, will allow doctors to better assess the health status of patients and make the necessary clinical decisions.

The report also discusses the association between acute menorrhagia—heavy bleeding and prolonged periods--with von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders.

“von Willebrand disease is the most common medical disorder associated with menorrhagia at menarche (first menstrual period). As many as 1 in 6 girls presenting to an emergency department with acute menorrhagia may have von Willebrand disease. Therefore, hematologic disorders should be considered in patients presenting with menorrhagia—especially those presenting acutely at menarche,” the study stated.      

The report, “Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign,” was published in the November 2006 issue of Pediatrics, AAP’s journal.

Read the entire report

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics news release dated November 6, 2006