Symptoms of Bleeding Disorder
Symptoms of bleeding disorders include:
Very heavy bleeding with menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
Unusual bleeding after injury or surgery
Bleeding from small cuts that starts and stops over several hours
Frequent or prolonged nosebleeds
Unusual bleeding from the mouth or gums after a tooth extraction
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should discuss them with your health care provider. Your doctor may order tests to rule out a bleeding disorder, including a test for VWD. Be aware that your test results could be affected by your menstrual cycle. Because of this, tests may need to be done at different points in your menstrual cycle. Also know that just because your mother or your sister may also have had heavy periods, this may not be normal for you. If you are having heavy periods with no known reason, you need to be tested for VWD. Not all health care providers test for VWD when a woman is having heavy bleeding. In December 2001, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a report to health care providers to consider VWD as a possible cause for heavy menstrual bleeding in women. ACOG now recommends testing for VWD when:
a woman is having heavy menstrual bleeding with no known cause;
an adolescent is having heavy menstrual bleeding without other cause (testing should be done before starting any hormone therapy like birth control pills);
hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding is being considered.

Why is it important to know if I have a bleeding disorder?
When a bleeding disorder is not diagnosed and treated, it can cause serious problems, some of which can be life threatening. Women can have severe bleeding during and after childbirth or with a miscarriage. Severe bleeding can also happen during or after dental or other kinds of surgery, and after an injury or accident. A person can suffer internal bleeding, as well as bleeding in the brain. If you know that you have a bleeding disorder, be sure to tell your health care providers, especially before dental procedures, surgery, pregnancy and childbirth.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}