Platelet storage pool disease in women

Menstrual abnormalities in adolescents are usually diagnosed as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. It is generally regarded as characteristic of the young hypophyseal—pituitary system, which with time will stop naturally. The possibility of platelet storage pool diseases as a cause of irregular bleeding is often overlooked. We have treated five patients with proven or suspected platelet storage pool disease who had a history of adolescent hypermenorrhea and other bleeding. Patients with this type of history should have a comprehensive hematologic evaluation because platelet storage pool disease is not demonstrated by conventional coagulation studies. Our patients were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives, and an avoidance of aspirin.