(HealthDay News) - While bruises are a common result of minor injury, frequent or easy bruising may signal a more serious health problem.

Here are warning signs, from the University of Cincinnati's Net Wellness program, that you may need to discuss your tendency to bruise with your doctor:

• If you bruise often without a significant injury, or you can't remember how you got bruised.
• If frequent bruises include raised lumps.
• If you get frequent, excessive nosebleeds.
• If you have abnormally heavy menstrual periods.
• If you had excessive bleeding after surgery or childbirth.
• If you have a family history of bleeding disorders.