Glossary

Glossary


Von Willebrand's disease
An inherited bleeding disorder that affects women and men. This disorder is the most common bleeding disorder in women and girls and is caused by a deficiency in a blood-clotting protein called von Willebrand factor. This deficiency causes bleeding into the skin from the mucous membranes of the mouth, gum, gastrointestinal tract and genital-urinary tract. Symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, skin that's easily bruised and heavy menstrual periods. Treatment is available, but there is no cure.
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