A groundbreaking report published in The Lancet Haematology by Cleveland Clinic hematologist Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow and colleagues casts a vital spotlight on the global disparities faced by women and girls living with hematological conditions. These disorders—including bleeding disorders, heavy menstrual bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and thrombosis—often go undiagnosed or undertreated, resulting in severe complications and heightened mortality risks. The comprehensive commission presented at the 2026 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Congress in Paris calls for a transformative shift in diagnosis, care, and research to close these critical gaps.
Women experience unique hematological challenges due to physiological events such as menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth, yet these aspects remain woefully underrepresented in clinical studies and health policies. Delayed diagnosis of bleeding disorders is alarmingly common, with women waiting 14 to 16 years on average to receive an accurate diagnosis—vastly longer than the roughly two years observed in men. This diagnostic lag not only perpetuates unnecessary suffering but also diminishes the potential impact of early intervention.
Central to the commission’s findings is the recognition of heavy menstrual bleeding as both a significant health burden and a leading early indicator of inherited bleeding disorders. Affecting up to one-third of women globally, heavy menstrual bleeding is frequently dismissed or inadequately treated, underlining a critical need for systematic menstrual health assessments. The report advocates for widespread adoption of bleeding assessment tools in clinical practice to facilitate earlier detection and referral to specialized care.
The commission sets a bold objective: reducing the average diagnostic delay for female bleeding disorders to under 24 months by 2035. Achieving this requires integrating screening recommendations into major clinical guidelines and equipping healthcare professionals with targeted education on female-specific hematological manifestations. Personalized care models—especially regarding thrombosis management during pregnancy and postpartum—are emphasized as essential for improving maternal outcomes.
Furthermore, the report highlights severe inequities such as higher rates of anemia and complications during pregnancy linked to hematological imbalances, which underscore the urgency of standardized postpartum hemorrhage protocols. The underrepresentation of women in clinical trials emerges as a systemic flaw that hampers the development of effective, evidence-based interventions tailored to female physiology.
Dr. Samuelson Bannow points out that while the existing diagnostic tools and treatments have the capacity to transform women’s hematological health worldwide, real change hinges on coordinated global action involving clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Enhanced investment in women’s health, coupled with comprehensive prevention programs, could significantly elevate both quality of care and survival outcomes.
ISTH President Dr. Pantep Angchaisuksiri echoes these sentiments, describing the report as a pivotal resource that bridges gaps in knowledge and care delivery. As the conversation around gender-specific medical research gains momentum, this commission provides a scientifically robust roadmap for mitigating disparities and promoting equitable hematology care.
Ultimately, the commission’s work embodies a crucial step toward dismantling gender biases in medicine. Its forward-looking recommendations challenge the medical community to prioritize female hematological health, promising a future where timely diagnosis and personalized treatment become the standard rather than the exception.
Subject of Research: Female hematological conditions, including bleeding disorders and thrombosis
Article Title: Reducing mortality, improving outcomes, and establishing equity for women with classical haematological disease: a Lancet Haematology Commission
News Publication Date: July 13, 2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3026(26)00079-7
Keywords: Hematology, Blood flow, Bleeding, Thrombosis, Menstruation
