Michael Norwood

“I love helping people. The patient connection is my favorite part. Finding opportunities to impact communities while challenging myself to learn something new every day.”
You’re not alone.
You deserve a diagnosis and treatment options for your hemophilia—but women with hemophilia A may not always be diagnosed. That’s why we’ve developed a Self-Advocacy Guide to help you share symptoms with your doctor and get the right treatment for you.
of the women and girls who had hemophilia or were carriers who visited a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) were diagnosed with hemophilia.a
aIn a real-world study of data collected from people receiving care in HTCs from 2012-2020.
According to the NBDF, as many as 50% of girls and women who are carriers for hemophilia A or B have factor 8 or 9 levels are below 50% and are at risk for bleeding symptoms or heavy bleeding related to menstruation of pregnancy. All people with inherited bleeding disorders should have access to care within a Hemophilia Treatment Center or other clinical program with expertise in bleeding disorders.
If you are experiencing bleeding symptoms, it’s time for you and your doctor to talk about it.
HTC=hemophilia treatment center; MASAC=Medical and Scientific Advisory Council; NBDF=National Bleeding Disorders Foundation; WFH=World Federation of Hemophilia.
felt women with inherited bleeding disorders experience less access to care as compared to men
&
felt women experienced delays with a hemophilia diagnosis when their primary or only symptom was heavy period
bIn a 2019 survey of 70 HCPs that aimed to assess perceptions around inequities in care for patients with inherited bleeding disorders.
HTC=hemophilia treatment center; MASAC=Medical and Scientific Advisory Council; NBDF=National Bleeding Disorders Foundation; WFH=World Federation of Hemophilia.
Your symptoms matter. Nearly 2 out of 3 hemophilia “carriers” had heavy menstrual bleeding in one study— periods lasting longer than 7 days, changing pads after less than 2 hours, and/or passing blood clots larger than 1 inch or the size of a quarter. This can be linked to:
Signs and symptoms of hemophilia in women and girls should not be dismissed. Remember, you know your body best. You can use the Self-Advocacy Guide to record any pain, swelling, and bruising you feel, which could be signs of a bleed. Bring these records with you to your doctor to help guide your conversation.
Start tracking: Know your symptoms to better advocate for yourself
Recurring bleeds in joints can also cause long-term damage, including:
Signs and symptoms of hemophilia in women and girls should not be dismissed. Remember, you know your body best. You can use the Self-Advocacy Guide to record any pain, swelling, and bruising you feel, which could be signs of a bleed. Bring these records with you to your doctor to help guide your conversation.
Start tracking: Know your symptoms to better advocate for yourself
Flexxibility Factors on your termsc
Explore 2 options for women, girls, and people assigned female at birth with hemophilia A.
cPrior to reconstitution, Esperoct® and Novoeight® can be stored from 36 °F to 46 °F for up to 30 months, at room temperature up to 86 °F for up to 12 months, or up to 104 °F for up to 3 months. See Prescribing Information for complete product storage information.
You’re In Charge
If you are experiencing bleeding symptoms, don't let your healthcare provider gloss over it. Provide your doctor with documentation of your symptoms. Make sure you follow up and ask questions—if something doesn’t make sense, say so. Prepare for your appointment so you can feel confident speaking up for yourself.
Check out more tips in your Self-Advocacy Guide!
According to WFH guidance, women, girls, and people assigned female at birth with hemophilia A should be treated the same as men and boys—but when it comes to treatment, they may not have been. That’s why we’ve developed the Self Advocacy Guide to help you talk to your doctor about your hemophilia symptoms, receive the correct diagnosis, and get the right treatment for you.
Learn more: These treatment options could fit your lifestyle
Life with a bleeding disorder can bring challenges, questions, and the occasional bump in the road. That’s why Novo Nordisk goes beyond treatment to provide information, education, and resources that might help. Our Rare Blood Community Liaisons (RBCLs) are experienced, active in the hemophilia community, and ready to provide you with one-on-one support, including:
Information about Esperoct®, Novoeight®, and trial prescriptions
Bleeding disorder and lifestyle education
Updates on local events
Tools to help you manage your bleeding disorder
Contact a Novo Nordisk Rare Blood Community Liaison (RBCL)
Life with a bleeding disorder can bring challenges, questions, and the occasional bump in the road. That’s why Novo Nordisk goes beyond treatment to provide information, education, and resources that might help. Our Rare Blood Community Liaisons (RBCLs) are experienced, active in the hemophilia community, and ready to provide you with one-on-one support, including:
Information about Esperoct®, Novoeight®, and trial prescriptions
Bleeding disorder and lifestyle education
Updates on local events
Tools to help you manage your bleeding disorder