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Maia Meier: Are Women With Bleeding Disorders Being Underdiagnosed?
Maia Meier/LInkedIn
May 17, 2026, 15:49

Maia Meier: Are Women With Bleeding Disorders Being Underdiagnosed?

Maia Meier, Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Maia Letitia Fitness, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Earlier this week, EHC – European Haemophilia Consortium shared an important perspective on the diagnosis gap for women with bleeding disorders – and why it matters.

Is the diagnosis gap accidental?

No – and it has a history.

For decades, haemophilia was understood as a condition affecting men only.

Women were labelled ‘carriers’ – relevant to family history, but not patients in their own right.

That framing shaped medical education, clinical pathways, and treatment centres.

Its effects are still felt today.

1 in 5 women who see a gynaecologist for heavy menstrual bleeding have a bleeding disorder – yet many remain underdiagnosed, because the question is often never asked.

The barriers are well known:


  • Symptoms are normalised
  • Family history is often missed
  • Testing isn’t guaranteed
  • Awareness is inconsistent across specialities

Change is happening – slowly.

In 2021, the ISTH updated classification, recognising women based on their own bleeding history – not just the label of ‘carrier.’

Long overdue.

When women are identified and followed, 94% of pregnancies can be managed with known carrier status before conception.

That outcome is possible – it’s just not yet the norm.

In June, I climb Mont Blanc – the first step in a journey across all seven summits, using each climb as a platform to raise awareness for earlier diagnosis and better care.

In partnership with EHC – European Haemophilia Consortium , we’ll be sharing stories and perspectives from across Europe.

Follow, donate and learn more on Project Elevate Her.

Data and insights in collaboration with European Haemophilia Consortium.”

Maia Meier

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