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Bleeding Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders occur when the body fails to form proper blood clots due to insufficient or dysfunctional platelets and clotting factors.

Overview

Normally, if you get hurt, your body forms a blood clot to stop the bleeding. For blood to clot, your body needs cells called platelets and proteins known as clotting factors. If you have a bleeding disorder, you either do not have enough platelets or clotting factors or they don't work the way they should.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bleeding disorders can be the result of other diseases, such as severe liver disease or a lack of vitamin K. They can also be inherited. Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. Bleeding disorders can also be a side effect of medicines such as blood thinners.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Various blood tests can check for a bleeding disorder. You will also have a physical exam and history. Treatments depend on the cause. They may include medicines and transfusions of blood, platelets, or clotting factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all bleeding disorders are inherited. While conditions like hemophilia are genetic and passed down through families, many bleeding disorders are acquired later in life. These can be caused by other medical conditions such as severe liver disease, kidney disease, certain cancers, or a deficiency in vitamin K. They can also be a side effect of medications, most commonly blood thinners (anticoagulants) or certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) to check platelet count, and specific coagulation tests. These include the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which measure how quickly your blood clots. Further tests might include a bleeding time test, platelet function tests, and specific factor assays to measure the levels and activity of individual clotting factors (e.g., Factor VIII for hemophilia A or von Willebrand factor).
Common warning signs include frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, easy bruising, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, excessive bleeding after minor cuts or dental work, and blood in urine or stool. You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, uncontrolled bleeding, bleeding into joints (causing pain and swelling), severe headaches with bleeding symptoms, or any bleeding that doesn't stop with direct pressure after several minutes.
Daily precautions often include avoiding activities with a high risk of injury, especially contact sports, and using protective gear during any physical activity. It's crucial to inform all healthcare providers, including dentists, about your condition before any procedures. Avoiding medications that can worsen bleeding, such as aspirin or NSAIDs, is also important unless specifically approved by your doctor. Regular dental hygiene is vital to prevent gum bleeding, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on joints.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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