Estrogens and surgery in women with von Willebrand's disease.

While receiving estrogen therapy, three women with classic type I von Willebrand's disease showed significantly less bleeding and improved hemostasis. One took estrogens to prevent menopausal symptoms, and two used oral contraceptives. These women underwent major surgery without excessive bleeding and without requiring cryoprecipitate or other blood components. Prior to estrogen therapy, each woman had received cryoprecipitate or fresh frozen plasma to stop bleeding from dental extractions or other surgical procedures. Furthermore, two other women with type I von Willebrand's disease also exhibited improved hemostasis while taking oral contraceptives. These experiences suggest a short course of estrogen therapy may effectively prepare some women with von Willebrand's disease for elective surgery.