Signs and Symptoms
of von Willebrand Disease
The bleeding that occurs in vWD is not usually into joints and deep muscles as in hemophilia. Symptoms of vWD are mucosal bleeding, that is, bleeding in the nose, mouth, and gums; easy bruising anywhere on the body; and heavy menses. Due to this more mild type of bleeding, the diagnosis sometimes does not get made until later in life; perhaps after a dental extraction or surgical intervention when bleeding continues longer than normal. Many people have such mild symptoms that they don't know they have the disorder.
vWD and Women
Sometimes vWD is not easily spotted in woment because the only bleeding problem they have is heavy menses (or menorrhagia). Prolonged menstrual periods may seem normal because they have no other experience. However, just because a woman has heavy menstrual bleeding doesn't mean she has vWD.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined 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
Type I and II Symptoms
If you or your child have type I or type II vWD, the following mild-to-moderate bleeding symptoms may be apparent:
- Frequent large bruises from minor bumps or injuries
- Frequent or prolonged mucosal bleeding (bleeding in the nose, mouth or gums)
- 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 an injury or other accident
- Heavy bleeding after surgery or childbirth
Type III Symptoms
People with type III vWD may have all of the symptoms listed above, as well as severe bleeding episodes for no reason, especially into joints, muscles or soft tissue. These types of bleeding episodes can cause severe pain and swelling. Head bleeds can be life threatening if not treated right away.
