Symptoms

Many people with von Willebrand disease don't know it because the signs are mild or absent. The most common sign of the condition is abnormal bleeding.

There are three main types of the disease. The amount of bleeding varies from one person to another, depending on the type and severity of the disease.

If you have von Willebrand disease, you might have:

• Excessive bleeding from an injury or after surgery or dental work
• Nosebleeds that don't stop within 10 minutes
• Heavy or long menstrual bleeding
• Blood in your urine or stool
• Easy bruising or lumpy bruises

Menstrual signs and symptoms may include:

• Blood clots greater than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter in your menstrual flow
• The need to change your menstrual pad or tampon more than once an hour
• The need to use double sanitary protection for menstrual flow
• Symptoms of anemia, including tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you have bleeding that lasts a long time or is hard to stop.