BRIDGING THE DIAGNOSIS GAP
Free Bleeders is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Atlanta, GA. Founded in 2019, we serve as a dedicated resource for advocacy, clinical education, and peer-to-peer networking for women diagnosed with inherited bleeding disorders and their caregivers.
"Free Bleeders" is a medical advocacy group for women living with clinical bleeding disorders (such as Hemophilia and VWD). We are not affiliated with the "Free Bleeding" menstrual movement. Our focus is exclusively on hematological health and life-saving medical advocacy.
For decades, Hemophilia was mistakenly labeled a "male disease." This dangerous misconception led to millions of women being misdiagnosed or dismissed.
On average, it takes 16 years from the onset of symptoms for a woman to receive an accurate bleeding disorder diagnosis.
Many women are prescribed hormonal birth control for "heavy periods" without ever being screened for underlying clotting deficiencies.
Common indicators of an underlying bleeding disorder. Click on each symptom for more clinical context and when to seek specialist advice.
Periods lasting more than 7 days or requiring pad/tampon changes every hour.
Prolonged nosebleeds that occur without injury and take over 10 minutes to stop.
Excessive or unexpected bleeding following dental work or minor surgeries.
Bruising easily without a known cause, or bruises that are larger than a quarter.
Common Bleeding Disorders We Support. Understanding your blood health is the first step toward empowerment.
VWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting about 1% of the world's population. In women, it often manifests as severe heavy menstrual bleeding.
Autosomal dominant or recessive; it affects men and women equally but women experience more clinical symptoms.
A deficiency or dysfunction of the Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), a protein that helps platelets stick together.
Historically viewed as a male disease, we now know that women can be symptomatic carriers or have clinical Hemophilia levels, requiring specialized care.
Low factor levels in women often go untreated because they fall into the "carrier" range rather than "clinical" range.
Type A is a deficiency in Factor VIII (8), while Type B is a deficiency in Factor IX (9).
These include deficiencies in Factors I, II, V, VII, X, XI, XII, and XIII. Because they are rare, diagnosis often takes significantly longer.
Standard screening tests like PT and aPTT may not always catch these rare deficiencies.
We provide a specialized network for "rare bleeds" who often feel isolated in the larger community.
Learn about Tracye Hamler's journey from military service to healthcare advocacy.
Read Tracye's StoryA movement dedicated to reframing the narrative around women with Hemophilia.
Learn More