If your periods last longer than seven days, or you have frequent nosebleeds or bruise easily, you’re not alone. Many women, girls, and people who menstruate experience these symptoms without realizing they could be signs of a bleeding disorder. Getting the right diagnosis and care can make a big difference in your health and quality of life. The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) is here to help you take the first step toward the treatment and support you deserve.
What Is a Bleeding Disorder?
A bleeding disorder affects how your blood clots, making it harder to stop bleeding after an injury, surgery, or during your period. Most are inherited and run in families.
Some common types include:
von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
Signs You Might Have a Bleeding Disorder
Not everyone with a bleeding disorder has the same symptoms. In women, girls, and people who menstruate, look out for:
- Periods lasting more than 7 days
- Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots the size of a quarter or bigger
- Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or needing to double up
- Having to change pads or tampons more than once during the night
- Frequent nosebleeds or easy bruising
- Extra bleeding after dental work, surgery, or childbirth
- Feeling tired from iron deficiency or anemia
You might not have all these symptoms, but even one or two of these signs could mean you’re at risk. Our screening tool can help you figure it out. Some people think that long or intense periods are “normal” because other family members experience the same thing. But bleeding disorders run in families, so they might have a bleeding disorder too.
Take the NBDF Risk Assessment
The first step is to take NBDF’s short, anonymous risk assessment. It asks about your symptoms and provides guidance on whether you may be at risk for a bleeding disorder.
Take the risk assessment here.
This screening tool does not give you a diagnosis, but it can help you understand whether or not you should be tested for a bleeding disorder, or if not, how to find out what other issues could be causing your symptoms.
Why Getting Checked Matters
If your blood doesn’t clot properly, it can lead to further complications. People with untreated bleeding disorders can experience:
- Iron deficiency or anemia
- Heavy bleeding after childbirth
- Dangerous bleeding after surgeries or dental procedures
- Reduced quality of life
These problems can be prevented or controlled with treatment, so getting a diagnosis is important for your overall health and quality of life.
What Happens After the Screening Tool?
If your results suggest a possible bleeding disorder, the next step is to see a doctor. This could be:
- A hematologist (blood specialist)
- An OB-GYN
- A hemophilia treatment center (HTC)
- Your primary care doctor
- A nurse practitioner
Our Better You Know website shows you what to expect — from finding the right doctor to understanding test results. We also have a series of videos that guide you through the diagnostic journey.
How NBDF Can Help You
It is NBDF’s mission to make sure all people with bleeding disorders can connect with resources and support so they can lead full and healthy lives. We provide:
- A local chapter network to connect with others who understand
- Educational resources for every stage of life
- The Neil Frick Resource Center for specific questions
- Webinars, conferences, advocacy programs, and research initiatives
Join our mailing list to stay up to date on what NBDF can offer you and your family.
Make a Difference
Your support helps us reach more women and girls who may be living with undiagnosed bleeding disorders, fund research for better treatments, and provide education and advocacy so everyone can get the care they deserve.
FAQ: Quick Answers About Bleeding Disorders
A: Conditions like von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, platelet disorders, or rare clotting factor deficiencies make it harder for blood to clot, leading to heavy periods. There are other health conditions not related to bleeding disorders that also could cause heavy periods. If you’re not at risk, you can learn more here.
A: Yes! Some notice heavy periods from the start of puberty. Other symptoms like bruises or nosebleeds might start even earlier in childhood. Early care helps prevent anemia and improves daily life.
A: Doctors will ask you about your bleeding symptoms and may ask you to document how you bleed by filling out forms or showing pictures. They also might draw blood to run lab tests. Tests may include clotting factor levels, platelet function tests, and a blood count (CBC) to check for your levels of white and red blood cells. Learn more details about all the different types of tests here.
A: A hematologist, OB-GYN, nurse practitioner, or hemophilia treatment center (HTC) can provide the right care. This directory can help you find one near you.