It can be unsettling to notice a new bruise on your arm or leg and have no idea how it got there. For some patients I see in my St. Louis office, bruises appear so frequently that they start to wonder if something more serious is going on. While bruising is often harmless, in certain cases it can be a sign of an underlying condition that deserves attention.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we help patients uncover why they bruise easily and determine whether it’s simply a normal tendency or a signal from the body that something deeper needs support.

What Causes a Bruise?

A bruise, or contusion, forms when small blood vessels under the skin break, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This leads to the familiar blue, purple, or greenish discoloration as the body gradually reabsorbs the blood.

The ease with which someone bruises depends on many factors, including the strength of their blood vessels, the thickness of their skin, and how well their blood clots.

Common Reasons Some People Bruise Easily

1. Fragile Blood Vessels

With age, blood vessels naturally become more fragile, and the skin becomes thinner. This makes older adults more prone to bruising, even with minor bumps.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

Several vitamins and minerals play a role in blood vessel strength and clotting:

• Vitamin C is critical for collagen production, which supports blood vessel walls. Low levels may lead to more frequent bruising.
• Vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting. A deficiency can prolong bleeding under the skin.
• Zinc and bioflavonoids also help maintain capillary integrity.

In our functional medicine evaluations, we often uncover hidden deficiencies that explain easy bruising.

3. Medications

Blood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin), certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and even some supplements (such as high-dose fish oil) can increase the likelihood of bruising.

4. Hormonal Factors

Women, especially those on birth control or hormone replacement therapy, may bruise more easily due to changes in estrogen levels. Estrogen can affect the elasticity of blood vessels, making them more fragile.

5. Genetics

Some people inherit naturally thinner skin or weaker connective tissue, which makes bruising more common in certain families.

6. Medical Conditions

Occasionally, easy bruising can be a sign of a more serious issue such as:

• Platelet disorders
• Clotting factor deficiencies
• Liver disease (since the liver makes clotting proteins)
• Certain autoimmune conditions

That’s why it’s important not to ignore frequent or unexplained bruises, especially if they appear alongside other symptoms like fatigue or bleeding gums.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most bruising is harmless, you should seek professional evaluation if you notice:

• Frequent, large, or unusually dark bruises without injury
• Bruises that appear in unusual places (like the trunk or back)
• Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or prolonged bleeding from small cuts
• Sudden increase in bruising without a clear cause

These signs may indicate an underlying clotting or health issue that requires further testing.

How to Reduce the Risk of Bruising

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we combine aesthetic care with functional medicine strategies to support vascular and skin health. Steps that may help reduce bruising include:

• Optimizing nutrition: Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc, and protein.
• Strengthening circulation: Vein health treatments, exercise, and red light therapy improve blood vessel resilience. Learn more about our vein treatments.
• Protecting skin: Moisturizing and using sunscreen help keep skin healthy and reduce fragility.
• Reviewing medications: Evaluating whether certain drugs or supplements may be increasing bruising risk.
• Hormone balancing: Supporting optimal estrogen, thyroid, and testosterone levels for healthier skin and vessels.

For patients with stubborn bruising or visible vessels, aesthetic treatments such as laser therapy can help reduce discoloration and strengthen skin appearance over time.

A Functional Medicine Perspective

Bruising can sometimes be an external clue to an internal imbalance. In functional medicine, we ask:

• Are nutrient deficiencies weakening blood vessels?
• Is inflammation or autoimmune activity contributing?
• Could liver or hormone imbalances be playing a role?

By addressing these questions, we move beyond just covering up bruises to truly supporting the body’s resilience.

Final Thoughts

If you bruise easily, you’re not alone. While it may be harmless for many, it can also point to nutrient deficiencies, medication effects, or medical conditions that deserve attention.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we help patients get to the root of their symptoms—whether that’s fragile blood vessels, circulation issues, or deeper health concerns. With the right evaluation and support, you can reduce unnecessary bruising and improve your confidence in your body’s health.

👉 Call our office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help.

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