Symptoms of VWD

von Willebrand disease (VWD) symptoms can differ from patient to patient, even within the same family. VWD symptoms can also change over time. Some people with VWD have mild symptoms and may not even know they have the disease, while others may have severe bleeding.

The following are among the most common VWD symptoms:

• Easy bruising
• Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums
• Heavy menstrual periods in women
• Prolonged bleeding after cuts or surgery (including dental work)
• Bleeding in the stomach, intestines, muscles or joints in severe cases

The symptoms of VWD depend on the type and severity of the condition. If you have type 1 or 2 VWD, your symptoms may be mild to moderate. However, if you have type 3 VWD, you may have any or all of the symptoms listed above, as well as the following:

• Severe bleeding episodes for no reason. Without immediate treatment, these episodes can be life threatening.
• Bleeding into soft tissue or joints, which can cause severe pain and swelling.

Even if you notice only mild symptoms, it is still very important that you get tested for VWD and definitively diagnosed. Your treatment will depend on your condition. Why is this important? Consider this: If a person with VWD has an accident or needs surgery, he or she may bleed more than normal. To treat this person, the doctor needs to know if the extra bleeding is caused by VWD or by the injury. People with VWD may need special medicine to control bleeding, even if the bleeding is the result of only a minor injury or dental surgery.