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Easy bruising or bleeding (needs checking)

Also called: Easy bruising, easy bleeding, bleeding disorder

Bruising from small bumps, frequent nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or heavy periods can come from medicines or a blood problem and needs a check.

Common causesBlood thinners, aspirin, aging skin
CheckBlood tests
InheritedVon Willebrand disease is common

Overview

Older skin bruises more easily.

Von Willebrand disease often shows as heavy periods and nosebleeds.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bruising easily or bleeding for a long time

Less common

  • Nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy periods

When to get medical care

Call 911Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of pressure, vomiting blood, or black stools.
Get care todayMany bruises with no cause, or tiny red dots on the skin.
See a doctor soonEasy bruising or bleeding.

Causes

Medicines, low platelets, liver disease, inherited disorders.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Blood thinners
  • Family history

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Blood tests look for causes.

Questions you may be asked

  • Medicines, supplements, family history

The exam

Skin and gum check.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood count:
  • Clotting tests:
  • Von Willebrand tests:

Treatment

Review medicines.

Self-care

  • Don't stop prescribed blood thinners on your own
  • Tell your doctor about fish oil, ginkgo, aspirin

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a hematologist (blood doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most causes are treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need clotting tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Easy bruising or bleeding (needs checking)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.