About Us
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.
Clarity Disclaimer
“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.
Why We Focus on Women
Decades of Misdiagnosis
For decades, Hemophilia was mistakenly labeled a "male disease." This dangerous misconception led to millions of women being misdiagnosed or dismissed.
The 16-Year Gap
On average, it takes 16 years from the onset of symptoms for a woman to receive an accurate bleeding disorder diagnosis.
Systemic Barriers
Many women are prescribed hormonal birth control for "heavy periods" without ever being screened for underlying clotting deficiencies.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common indicators of an underlying bleeding disorder. Click on each symptom for more clinical context and when to seek specialist advice.
Education
Common Bleeding Disorders We Support. Understanding your blood health is the first step toward empowerment.
Von Willebrand Disease
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.
Inheritance
Autosomal dominant or recessive; it affects men and women equally but women experience more clinical symptoms.
Key Deficit
A deficiency or dysfunction of the Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), a protein that helps platelets stick together.
Hemophilia A & B
Historically viewed as a male disease, we now know that women can be symptomatic carriers or have clinical Hemophilia levels, requiring specialized care.
Women's Health
Low factor levels in women often go untreated because they fall into the "carrier" range rather than "clinical" range.
Difference
Type A is a deficiency in Factor VIII (8), while Type B is a deficiency in Factor IX (9).
Rare Factor Deficiencies
These include deficiencies in Factors I, II, V, VII, X, XI, XII, and XIII. Because they are rare, diagnosis often takes significantly longer.
Difficulty in Testing
Standard screening tests like PT and aPTT may not always catch these rare deficiencies.
Support
We provide a specialized network for "rare bleeds" who often feel isolated in the larger community.
Meet the Founder
Learn about Tracye Hamler's journey from military service to healthcare advocacy.
Read Tracye's StoryBecause She Matters
A movement dedicated to reframing the narrative around women with Hemophilia.
Learn More