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.