Hematoma Signs in Women 65+: When to Worry & When It’s Serious

Hematoma Signs in Women 65+: When to Worry & When It's Serious

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, usually caused by injury to a blood vessel wall. In many cases, a hematoma looks and feels like a bruise. In others—especially in older adults—it can signal a more serious medical issue. For women aged 65 and older, understanding hematoma signs is especially important because aging, medications, and underlying health conditions can change how the body responds to bleeding.

This guide explains what a hematoma is, common signs in women over 65, when it's usually harmless, and when it may be serious or life‑threatening.

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What Is a Hematoma?

A hematoma forms when blood leaks out of damaged blood vessels and pools in nearby tissue. Unlike a simple bruise, which involves tiny blood vessels near the skin, a hematoma can be:

• Larger
• Deeper
• More painful
• Slower to heal

Hematomas can occur anywhere in the body, including:

• Under the skin
• In muscles
• In the abdomen
• Inside the skull (intracranial hematoma)

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Why Women Over 65 Are at Higher Risk

As women age, several factors increase the risk of developing a hematoma or having one become serious:

• More fragile blood vessels
• Thinner skin and less protective fat
• Balance issues or falls
• Blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or daily aspirin)
• Conditions affecting clotting, including liver disease or vitamin deficiencies

Because of these factors, even a minor bump or fall can sometimes lead to a significant hematoma in older women.

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Common Hematoma Signs in Women 65+

Many hematomas are visible and easy to recognize. Others develop internally and may be harder to detect.

Typical Signs of a Hematoma

• Swelling or a raised lump
• Skin discoloration (red, purple, blue, or dark brown)
• Tenderness or pain at the site
• Warmth over the area
• Tight or stretched skin

These signs often appear within hours or days after an injury.

Signs That May Be Subtle in Older Women

• Increasing pain without obvious injury
• Stiffness or limited movement
• Weakness near the affected area
• Skin that feels firm or rubbery rather than soft

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When a Hematoma Is Usually Not Serious

Many hematomas in women over 65 are mild and improve on their own.

A hematoma is often less concerning if:

• It is small and not growing
• Pain is mild and improving
• There is no numbness or weakness
• Skin color slowly fades over 1–3 weeks
• There are no new symptoms

For these cases, doctors often recommend rest, gentle movement, and monitoring. However, even mild hematomas should be watched closely in older adults.

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When to Worry About a Hematoma

Certain signs suggest a hematoma may need medical evaluation.

Call a Doctor Promptly If:

• The hematoma keeps getting larger
• Pain is worsening instead of improving
• The area becomes very hard or tense
• There is numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Skin over the area becomes shiny or very tight
• You are taking blood thinners

These signs can indicate ongoing bleeding, pressure on nearby tissues, or impaired circulation.

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When a Hematoma Is Serious or Life-Threatening

Some hematomas require urgent or emergency care, especially when they occur internally.

Red Flags That Need Immediate Medical Attention

• Sudden or severe headache
• Confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
• Trouble speaking or understanding words
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Vision changes
• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling

These symptoms may point to an internal hematoma, such as a subdural hematoma, which involves bleeding around the brain. Older women are at higher risk, even after a mild fall or head bump that seemed harmless at the time.

If you have had a head injury—no matter how minor—and later develop these symptoms, seek emergency care.

To help determine if your symptoms may be related to bleeding around the brain, you can use a free Acute Subdural Hematoma symptom checker to quickly assess whether immediate evaluation is needed. This tool does not replace medical care but can help guide next steps.

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Special Considerations for Women Taking Blood Thinners

Blood-thinning medications are common in women over 65 for conditions like atrial fibrillation or prior blood clots. While these medications are often lifesaving, they increase the risk that a hematoma can:

• Form more easily
• Grow larger
• Take longer to stop bleeding

If you are on blood thinners:

• Any new hematoma should be reported to a doctor
• Head injuries should always be evaluated
• Sudden swelling or pain should not be ignored

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Internal Hematomas: Harder to Detect

Not all hematomas are visible. Internal hematomas can develop in muscles, the abdomen, or the brain.

Possible Signs of an Internal Hematoma

• Deep or worsening pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Fatigue or weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath

Because these signs can be vague, they are sometimes mistaken for normal aging. This is why speaking to a doctor is critical if symptoms are unexplained or persistent.

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How Doctors Evaluate a Hematoma

A doctor may use:

• A physical exam
• Review of recent injuries or falls
• Medication history
• Imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
• Blood tests to assess clotting

Treatment depends on the size, location, and cause of the hematoma. Some resolve on their own, while others may require drainage, medication adjustment, or surgery.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor about any hematoma that:

• Appears without a clear cause
• Is painful, growing, or persistent
• Occurs after a fall or head injury
• Is associated with neurological symptoms
• Happens while taking blood thinners

If symptoms are sudden, severe, or involve the brain, call emergency services immediately.

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Key Takeaways

• A hematoma is a collection of blood outside blood vessels and can range from mild to life-threatening.
• Women over 65 are at higher risk due to fragile vessels, medications, and fall risk.
• Many hematomas are harmless, but some require urgent care.
• Head injuries and neurological symptoms should never be ignored.
• Tools like an Acute Subdural Hematoma symptom checker can help guide decisions but do not replace medical care.
• Always speak to a doctor about anything that could be serious or life-threatening.

Staying informed and acting early can make a meaningful difference in outcomes—without unnecessary worry.