What Are the Signs and Symptoms of von Willebrand Disease?

The signs and symptoms of von Willebrand disease (VWD) depend on the type and severity of the disease. Many people have such mild symptoms that they don't know they have the disorder.

If you have type 1 or type 2 VWD, you may have the following mild-to-moderate bleeding symptoms:

• Frequent large bruises from minor bumps or injuries
• Frequent or hard to stop nosebleeds
• Extended bleeding from the gums after a dental procedure
• Heavy or extended menstrual bleeding in women
• Blood in your stools from bleeding in your intestines or stomach
• Blood in your urine from bleeding in your kidneys or bladder
• Heavy bleeding after a cut or other accident
• Heavy bleeding after surgery

People with type 3 VWD may have all of the symptoms listed above, as well as severe bleeding episodes for no reason. These bleeding episodes can be life threatening if not treated right away. They also may have bleeding into soft tissues or joints, causing severe pain and swelling.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is often the main symptom of VWD for women. Doctors call this menorrhagia (men-o-RA-je-a). They define it as:

• Bleeding with clots larger than about 1-inch in diameter
• Anemia or low blood iron
• The need to change pads or tampons more than every hour

However, just because a woman has heavy menstrual bleeding doesn't mean she has VWD.