It is known as thrombocytopenia, any disorder affecting the production of platelets, causing an abnormally low concentration of the same. Platelets are essential to make the blood clot. Therefore, a low concentration will make the blood flow much more liquid. Experts assure that this condition affects women much more than men, and it is good to note that any platelet disorder directly affects blood clotting, which produces changes in menstruation. Find out in this FastlyHealarticle how low platelets affect menstruation.
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Do low platelets affect menstruation?
Low platelets directly affect the blood clotting factor, making the flow less thick since it does not clot properly, as it lacks platelets or thrombocytes for this to occur. One of the main symptoms of thrombocytopenia in women is their period change, such as increased blood flow or heavy periods. It is usual for a woman with thrombocytopenia to have periods more extended than usual, exceeding five days of bleeding.
Also, one of the consequences of having thrombocytopenia is that unexpected bleeding can occur since the body does not have the necessary tools to clot the blood and thus stop internal or external bleeding. For this reason, it can also happen that low platelets affect menstruation causing irregular bleeding outside the period, which can last one or two days and must be stopped to avoid decompensation due to excessive blood loss.
These are how low platelets can affect menstruation. The most important thing is to understand that this disorder should not be treated by a gynecologist because although it involves menstrual periods, the disease is produced due to a bone marrow difficulty. To make optimal amounts of blood cells, the expert who must attend to this condition is the hematologist, who will analyze the general picture of the person and prescribe a series of tests to determine the cause of thrombocytopenia.
Other symptoms of thrombocytopenia
Many women unexpectedly experience menstrual changes or bleeding disorders without the need for low platelets. For this reason, it is necessary to know other ways in which this disorder manifests itself to identify if it is responsible for these changes in the rule. The symptoms of thrombocytopenia are:
- Bleeding in the mouth and gums.
- Nosebleeds
- Bruises that do not hurt.
- Rash or red spots on the skin, better known as petechiae.
- Depending on the cause of thrombocytopenia, the disease may suggest other symptoms.
We invite you to read the FastlyHealarticle, Low platelets: causes, symptoms, and treatment, to learn more about this condition.
Why do I have low platelets?
Three different causes can cause low levels;
- Because the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells.
- Because an increase in the elimination of platelets in the blood has occurred.
- Because the spleen or liver is removing more platelets than usual.
However, these three scenarios are usually caused by the following complications or diseases:
plastic anemia
There is damage to immature stem cells, which cause the bone marrow to produce other blood cells, including platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
Leukemia
Different types of leukemia affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, which can be evidenced in a blood test. Platelet levels are usually affected.
Cirrhosis
It occurs when all liver tissue and the liver heal, which causes this organ to eliminate more platelets from the blood than usual.
Other causes of low platelets are:
- An iron deficiency can cause anemia.
- Consumption of anticoagulant medications.
- Bone marrow infections.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Inflammation of the base.
- Immune disorder.
- Cancer.
- Chemotherapy treatment.
Treatment of low platelets will depend on the cause of the disorder. Once platelet levels have reached their target range, platelets should stop affecting menstruation. The following article explains some helpful home remedies to increase platelet levels.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Do low platelets affect menstruation? We recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.