<p>Normally, if you get hurt, your body forms a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodclots.html">blood clot</a> to stop the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bleeding.html">bleeding</a>. 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 <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/plateletdisorders.html">platelets</a> or clotting factors or they don't work the way they should. </p> <p>Bleeding disorders can be the result of other diseases, such as severe <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/liverdiseases.html">liver disease</a> or a lack of <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/vitamink.html">vitamin K</a>. They can also be inherited. <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/hemophilia.html">Hemophilia</a> is an inherited bleeding disorder. Bleeding disorders can also be a side effect of medicines such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodthinners.html">blood thinners</a>.</p> <p>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 <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodtransfusionanddonation.html">blood</a>, platelets, or clotting factor.</p>