Von Willebrand disease: more than just a bleeding disorder

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in the world. It is characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding, with heavy menstrual bleeding affecting the vast majority of girls and women with this condition. However, while bleeding episodes are the hallmark of VWD, there are marked psychological and socioeconomic ramifications of this chronic disorder, which may impact patients throughout their lifetimes, as well as additional medical issues, which may affect women with VWD preferentially. In this review, we discuss the evidence in support of nonbleeding complications of VWD and the key importance of providing a holistic approach to patient care.