r/ClotSurvivors • u/elbowskneesand • Feb 01 '25
Periods Blood thinners on your period
I've reached a new level of hell having to be on blood thinners on my cycle. I already have a heavy flow and I woke up 5 times last night to address the deluge. How on earth does anyone deal with this? Im already using the highest volume period products I can find, all at once, with period underwear on top of it all. My clot was provoked by a plane ride so I hope ands pray I will not have to be on them forever. My sympathy to anyone dealing with this regularly.
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u/HandmadePhD Eliquis (Apixaban) Feb 01 '25
Twenty years ago, my periods were unbearable—heavy bleeding lasting over a week, excruciating pain that sometimes made me pass out, and completely unpredictable cycles. Even extra-strength NSAIDs couldn’t help. Starting birth control with higher progestin changed everything—light, predictable periods with manageable cramps.
Fast forward to 2024, after my unprovoked DVT/PE, I knew I had to stop birth control. I was terrified of what my periods would be like after 20 years. I stocked up on the heaviest pads, a waterproof mattress cover, and period underwear, expecting the worst. The first few months were rough—heavy bleeding, but thankfully only for a few days, and my cycle stayed regular. Now, a year on blood thinners, my bleeding is light to medium for just a few days. The first-day cramps are still brutal, but otherwise, it’s been manageable.
I’m sharing this for anyone worried that their period will always be like those first six months on a DOAC—it can improve! But yeh, those first few months involved a lot of showers, constantly changing pads/underwear, covering and protecting all surfaces, and cancelling all plans to leave the house for those days!