Symptoms

Most cases of von Willebrand's disease are mild. Some people with type 1 von Willebrand's disease have no more bleeding than members of the general population. Mild von Willebrand's disease may not be noticed until you have excessive bleeding after an injury, dental procedure, or surgery. Severe cases (type 3) often are recognized early in childhood because of unusual bleeding, very heavy bleeding, or easy bruising.

Symptoms of mild von Willebrand's disease include:

• Frequent nosebleeds.
• Occasional bleeding from the gums.
• Heavy menstrual periods in women (menorrhagia).
• Unexplained bruises.
• Bleeding that lasts a long time after a procedure such as a tooth extraction.

Symptoms of more severe cases of von Willebrand's disease include those listed above and:

• Blood in the urine.
• Bruising easily.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Bleeding into the joints, resulting in stiffness, pain, and swelling. This symptom is rare.

The severity of symptoms of von Willebrand's disease can vary greatly, even within the same family.

A very rare form of von Willebrand's disease called acquired von Willebrand's disease, occurs in some older adults. Symptoms include nosebleeds with no previous history of bleeding abnormalities.