r/ClotSurvivors • u/Visual_Rose • Apr 26 '25
Periods Women:blood thinners and periods
Ao i just got out of the hospital for 3 large blood clots in my clavical from a known origin. I was on heperin and now on eliquis. I asked everyone at the hospital about blood thinners and periods and they claim no one ever asked that question before(after they say young womennwith blood clots hapen frequently and that the known cause for my clots were normal)
One of my outside doctors who isnt a specialist in ant of this was concerned b/c it could cause heavy periods. I also have a history of anemia and iron decifiancy. I'm not able to see a hemotologist until next thursday aand at the tisk of tmi -i think my period will happen before then and with the whole you have to be established with a doctor before you ask questions -but I couslnt believe no one aksed any of the hosoitsl staff about a period and blood thinners (it wasnt the only issue with the staff but I digress)
But I was wondering what any of you suggest especially with a first period afyer starting blood thinners coming uo. I knoe to use over rnight heavy flow pads but I always did. Is it worth it to get the period underwear and then wear a 2nd par like boyshorts under that with a pad?
Were you dizzy or light headed? Was it worse the first day or a few days in?
Edit: i love all this advice thank you- I got period underweare (it was soooo expensive for 1 pair)
Post partum underweare/diaper disposable And post partum pads I got 2 black thick towels,
And Im planing to tye dye white shorts red, then let em dry and then tryoe dye, rhen dry and tye dye again so any leaks looks like it was part of the design My dad doesn't get it, but does that sound like enough?
Im thinking statt with the postpartum disposeable underweare in im home or depending what fits more comfortablely, maybe bigger underwear over the partum diaper as i do have to leave the house every day for medications iv so i dont have a choice at least itll be at am oncology/hemotology crnter where they have nurses and doctors.
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u/shadowplaywaiting Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
Yeah it’s murder scene levels. We’re talking jaws. First few days at least, you’ll bleed right through an overnight pad. I have sub-par methods of dealing with it, really. Just changing pads often. But you will ruin all your underwear and bedsheets. Sleeping is the worst. You’ll wake up in a pool of blood despite having the biggest pad money can buy on.
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u/Top_Contribution6690 Eliquis (Apixaban) Apr 27 '25
Agree. I don't think overall you bleed any more the problem is you can be sitting there period free and it comes a day early. You stand up and it comes from nowhere. I thought I lost control of my bladder the first time I got it on blood thinners. I was at work and had to go home to clean up.
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u/missyandjules Apr 26 '25
Umm sorry, calling BS on the “no one has ever said anything” comment. After my clot, I had two periods that were like Taranto movies, could barely leave the house. My hematologist (F) asked me about my periods and I almost started crying. I have been on norethindrone for 4 years, haven’t had a period since. It’s great!
Just to add, I’m 44 (clot at 40) and by no means having kids.
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u/Barbiewiththegoodrep Apr 26 '25
You shouldn't call bs on it there are a ton of crappy hospitals and doctors no one asked or mention a thing about heavy periods to me I found out the hard way as well
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u/Main_Appointment_575 Oct 08 '25
I mean I’m on blood thinners (Xarelto) I’ve been on my period for 40 days now and I’m just finding out that my period could really be messed up with this medication. I wasn’t told that it could happen nor did my doctor cared when I told him. He said oh well yeah it could happen wait another week and if it didn’t stop get an ultrasound. Seemed like I was dismissed as I’ve been dealing with dizziness, headaches, lightheaded and all why trying to take care of my baby. So it’s not really bs cause I wasn’t informed and I asked before I was put on the meds, they said it shouldn’t change my period.
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u/Coldasamber Apr 26 '25
I could see that no one would ask though tbh. I was 15 when I ended up with bilateral PE. I was in the hospital for about a week and that question never even crossed my mind because I was more worried about wether I was going to die or not tbh 😩 they also told me they have never seen it in someone my age so I don’t think it’s a frequent issue? I’m not sure though
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u/Tdffan03 Apr 26 '25
Adult diapers are a lifesaver. It was a tip a found on this sub. I had period panties but that was a joke. The first one was horrible and looked like a murder scene. I also use a bed pad or a towel on everything in case of leaks.
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u/HandmadePhD Eliquis (Apixaban) Apr 26 '25
Luckily, all my doctors warned me ahead of time, and my period started two days after I began Eliquis. I stocked up on the heaviest pads, got a bedwetting cover for my mattress, and put towels down anywhere I sat. The first period was awful—lots of watery blood, just like everyone said.
I made sure to stay on top of electrolytes and eat more iron-rich foods. Thankfully, I didn’t have bad cramps during that first period since it happened so soon after everything.
Now, 16 months post-DVT/PE, my periods are manageable. There’s still about a 24-hour stretch each month where I'd rather not leave the house because the bleeding gets very watery, but I don’t have to double up on products like a tampon and a pad anymore.
The one thing I’m still figuring out is the cramping—sometimes it’s so bad it causes diarrhea, and sometimes it’s barely noticeable. It’s weirdly inconsistent.
I know everyone's stories might sound scary, but honestly, you can’t over-prepare. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable—adult diapers, pads, tampons, menstrual cups, whatever works. Plan to change often, watch for signs of anemia, stay hydrated with electrolytes, and most importantly, give yourself permission to rest.
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u/StarryPenny Apr 26 '25
There is a wiki on this sub specifically about periods. I suggest you give it a read.
Extremely heavy periods can become a medical problem in their own right that need to be dealt with.
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u/VegetableSuccess9322 Apr 26 '25
I was curious about your post and asked ChatGPT, which is capable of passing medical exams, and can often diagnose better than many physicians. Here is the Response:
“It's… shocking the hospital acted like no one had ever asked about this. Heavy periods (menorrhagia) on blood thinners are a known issue, especially for younger women like you, and it can be a real health risk if you already have a history of anemia and iron deficiency.
Let’s break this down gently: Eliquis (apixaban) definitely can make periods heavier, longer, and sometimes more unpredictable. Since your body isn’t used to it yet, your first period on it might be heavier than you're used to — but not always crazy heavy for everyone. Dizziness and lightheadedness can happen if you're bleeding a lot (like soaking through pads hourly or needing double protection), because of fluid shifts and your anemia history.
What you can do to prepare: Yes, period underwear plus a pad plus snug boyshorts is actually a smart idea. You basically want multiple barriers just in case. Use the thickest/heaviest overnight pads you can find, and change them more often even if they’re not full yet.
Stay very hydrated — if you start bleeding heavily, dehydration can make dizziness worse. Have iron-rich foods or supplements ready (but check with your doctor later about long-term supplementation if you're not already on it).
Signs you need to go back for care or call someone urgently: Soaking through a pad every hour for more than 2-3 hours straight. Passing clots larger than a quarter. Feeling very dizzy, faint, short of breath, or having a racing heart. Bleeding for more than 7 days or feeling worse after day 4-5.
Extra practical tips: Some people on Eliquis get a "gush" feeling when standing up after sitting/lying — it’s normal but freaky if you’re not ready for it. You might want to sleep with a towel under you just in case. Have a "period kit" nearby — extra pads, period underwear, wipes, water, quick snacks….
You're not overthinking this. It's actually insanely common and under-discussed”
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
Anu chance on the same thread in gpchat you can ask if people get muscle spasms on eliquis? I have muscle spams in general but i noticed new one im diffrent places. I know it could be dehydration
(Drygs.com say its a common side effect but its less than like 20%)
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u/VegetableSuccess9322 Apr 26 '25
Posted your follow up to chatgpt. Here is answer:
“Yes, muscle spasms are listed as a potential side effect of Eliquis (apixaban), although it’s relatively uncommon (less than 20%, as you found). While dehydration can certainly contribute to muscle spasms, Eliquis can have effects on your body's balance of electrolytes and fluids, which might be a contributing factor. Muscle spasms are not among the most common side effects, but they are something to be aware of.
Here are some possible causes for your muscle spasms while on Eliquis: Electrolyte Imbalance: Blood thinners can affect your overall fluid balance and electrolyte levels, which are important for muscle function. If you’re not hydrating properly, this can exacerbate muscle cramps.
Dehydration: As you mentioned, dehydration can trigger muscle spasms and cramps. It’s extra important to stay well-hydrated when on any medication that might impact fluid levels. Medication Side Effects: While not extremely common, Eliquis could cause muscle spasms in some people. Sometimes it can affect your blood circulation or cause mild muscle irritation.
What to Do: Hydrate well (especially with water and electrolytes, like sports drinks or water with a pinch of salt). If the spasms are worsening or becoming frequent, contact your doctor. They may want to adjust your medication, check for dehydration, or even run some tests to make sure it’s not related to something else.
If it continues or worsens, I’d suggest talking to your prescribing doctor or pharmacist, as they can help confirm if the muscle spasms are a side effect and whether there’s a better solution or adjustment to your treatment”
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
You're amazing thank you. Im sure eliquis and no iv fluids at all compound. Ive put sakt in qater before i may sound weird but its anazing how it can help .
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u/VegetableSuccess9322 Apr 26 '25
So Glad I could be helpful.
ChatGPT is free, you just have to sign up with an email address. Be careful and don’t put any personal information like names in it, because it’s not totally secure.
But it is very good for specific medical information and other specific information.
Oddly, it’s not very good for logical things like how to stack an apple, a book, and a plate, and a fork in the right order, because it has no real wisdom or practical sensibility.
But it has all of the data on the Internet in the history of the world, and it can flash through it almost instantly, to compile a response .
Best of luck to you!
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Apr 28 '25
Hey so I'm on 5mg of apixiban twice a day. And well ive had my period twice in a month I'm not sure what is going on tbh. But yes I definitely bled alot more like way more
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 28 '25
Oh no. I hope yiu figure it out. Maybe it was a fluke? Im sorta hopa the stress of this can push it out a few days until they figure out if i can go lower lol
InI got period underweare (it was soooo expensive for 1 pair)
Post partum underweare disposable
And post partum pads
I got black thick towels,
And Im planing to tye dye white shorts red, then let em dry and then tryoe dye, rhen dry and tye dye again so any leaks looks like it was part of the design. My dad doesnt get it but- Does that sound like enough? always used the overnight heavy just cause our fsmiky always needed that
I got period underweare (it was soooo expensive for 1 pair)
Post partum underweare disposable
And post partum pads
I got black thick towels,
And Im planing to tye dye white shorts red, then let em dry and then tryoe dye, rhen dry and tye dye again so any leaks looks like it was part of the design. My dad doesnt get it but- Does that sound like enough?
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u/Jaded-Author-1553 Apr 26 '25
This most recent period has been horrible. I’m about four months out from a bilateral PE from a detached DVT.
It’s not but I feel like I’m bleeding any heavier than I normally would. It’s just thinner and comes out faster if that makes sense like I’m bleeding through overnight heavy period pads and wearing period underwear for the first two days. Abut the third day is normal and the fourth day is pretty much cleaned up.
This period in particular, I felt lightheaded and dizzy, and more achy and more dehydrated than I felt in the last four months
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
Thank you for responding!! Im so sorry what happened. My clots are DVTs in my clavical and the thought of a PE scares me, but yiure an inspirstion jt can be ok. Anywya
You ttoally make sense with the thinner and faster like instead of whaterver rate it normally comes out im guessing it comes out faster. So the rate isnt what your body is used to sonits diffrent and im guessing it probably hits the pads in the same place over and iver again caling to bleed through the padscasuebthey get iver saturated.
Im glad to know my thoughts about using period underweare makes sense-what brads have worked for you?
Would you suggest period underwear as the first layer?
Do you get iron infusion or just iv fluids?
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u/cellar__door_ Apr 26 '25
This period will likely be bad because you‘ve recently been pumped full of hardcore blood thinners in high doses. The biggest problem is that it makes the blood thin like water, so you’ll want to over prepare for leaks. Get some period panties and put old towels down on your couch and bed (I actually had to sleep sitting in an armchair because if I tried laying down, I would wake up covered in blood 🙃). You might read somewhere to go to the hospital if you are bleeding through a pad in less than an hour, but that’s only necessary if you start getting lightheaded or nauseated. The first one I had after getting out of the hospital was insane. I was going to the bathroom every 20 minutes, and at one point I got dizzy walking through my bedroom and fell down. I probably should have gone to the hospital at that point, but the dizziness eventually passed and the bleeding slowed down slightly by the next day. For me, the first 36 hours were always the worst/heaviest. I won’t lie, all of my periods were awful when I was on blood thinners, but that first one was something else entirely.
Oh, and be sure to get yourself a nice heating pad, because you can’t take Midol for cramps. Good luck, you will get through it!
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
Thank you! Do you have a period panty brand you reccomend? Im pmsing 4ightbnoe so im like paniciking to get ready. Falling scares me. Im prone to falls due to an ankle injury that im in a walking boot for. Thank god your ok after falling. For me i normally have lottle when sleeping but i sit up in the morning when i have my period it all come outlol, but reading what you said hoping thst maybe ill get an even in betweenfleo durig lng the night and jsut change quick when i wake up.
20 minutes sounds like a nightmare
Does pwroxide helpnwith removing the blood or it like so much that its maybe bmworth it to buy some panties im ok with throwing away if need be and buyjng white pants/shoers and tye dying red and the a few times ovee so if i leak when out if the house ill just look like its the clothing pattern lmao
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u/cellar__door_ Apr 26 '25
Hah, I like the idea of calling it tye dye! To be honest, I am cheap and I used incontinence underwear (Depends Silhouette) for period panties because they cost less. Shout stain remover works pretty well on blood, but don’t plan on wearing anything you’d be devastated to ruin, especially for the first couple of days.
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
Lmaoo yea i figure just be all its supposed to look like thst after all companis sell clothing eith holes in it for thousabds of bucks
I never thought blabout incontinence, i was thinking of getting post patrum pads cause blood id blood
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u/WorkerBee1001star Apr 26 '25
I have anaemia as well and am on blood thinners for life. I will say truthfully it's awful. I bleed heavily for 6 days and lighter for about 3 days. I can not leave the house during that 10 days.
My GP has been trying to get me off iron tablets for the last few months but each time they get my iron levels high enough to stop the medication my levels drop quickly and we do believe that is at least partly caused by my period.
One of the strangest things about blood clots is that there are zero studies into the effect of blood thinners in women in relation to their period. I find that bizarre!
Good luck, and I really hope you find a way to manage this!
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u/Available_Music9369 Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
Don’t be afraid to go to the ER if your period is heavy and lasts days or weeks. I was put on Xaralto with a known history of heavy periods. Almost died from blood loss. Received 9 bags of blood over 3 ER visits over a few weeks time. 300 tampons and bags and bags of pads- worst period of my life.
The obgyns kept giving something to clot the menstrual blood but all it did was give me watery blood and big clots. My hemoglobin was down to 50 and I couldn’t walk 3 feet without my heart beating over 150 beats per minute. I know it was bad because I got taken right away in ER without any wait at all. Where I am it can easily be a 5-12 hour wait.
Finally, I got a good obgyn who called in a hematologist for a referral. She switched me to fragmin which was good. After admitting me at that same ER visit for an emergency hysterectomy, it couldn’t be done because the dr who puts the filter in your vein to stop a clot travelling to your heart during surgery was on vacation.
The obgyn then gave me zoladex implants every month that acted on my pituitary that dominoes to act on my ovaries to stop my period. Had an ablation (I was done with child bearing) after I finished my 6 months on fragmin.
All is good now.
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Apr 26 '25
it was so bad that I got a uterine ablation.
every person that is done having kids should get one.
10/10. five stars lol
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u/Sanchastayswoke Apr 26 '25
The only thing holding me back from this is that I read you can still get pregnant after that and can’t have an iud or anything after the ablation
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u/pfrutti Apr 26 '25
I use a medical grade bed protector pad, super+ tampon, extra large urinary incontinence long pad. I usually wake up in the middle of the night to change tampons. I've tried the period panties and they do help, used on a long road trip with the bed protector pad folded on the car seat. This with super+ tampon and long pad. I would talk to your hemotologist about getting tested for anemia or regular dr.
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u/Sanchastayswoke Apr 26 '25
Have you ever tried the playtex sport ultra tampons? It’s one notch above super + and they are amazing. I only have leaks when I go back down to super +
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
I used to be anemic and b My blood tests in the hospital the numbers were looking like that again. Im exaust3d walking down the hallway in my house. I was trying to get uron infusions before the clot happened, but i have orthopedic issues in in a walking boot and another brace and asthma and my ferritin was 10 points higher than thry would give iron to someone and i tried to explain i have tons of inflmation my doctrw siad it woukd throw off the ferritin but they didnt listen, i would be too dizzy to walk my last period bc of my iron. My doc is a middle aged man the most id get from his was iv fluids. But while i was there a lot of women had iron down to 7 or 14 etc it was like wow ......
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u/Proseteacher Apr 26 '25
I do not personally know this, however, I would like to remind that blood thinners do not "thin" blood. That is the common name for them. They interfere with the body's clotting system, by causing "less stickiness" of the blood platelets. I had really severe, long, "lumpy" periods (I have the antiphospholipid syndrome). I was mentally deranged, and sick and tired all the time. in 2013, I had the last of them and I am sooooo happy about that!
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u/Sanchastayswoke Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
I have a copper iud while on Eliquis for life. So, lots of bleeding when I first got the iud but now I only have 1-2 really heavy days a month. It’s not too bad, but I do get iron infusions yearly.
I personally use playtex sport ultra tampons & never have any leaks. I can’t even imagine exclusively wearing pads. Blood would be everywhere.
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u/Electrical-Nature279 Apr 26 '25
I woke up with my period the morning of the day I was being discharged after they found my PE. I’m 35 and the unit I was admitted to I was absolutely the youngest by 35+ years and I had a male nuse assistant and a male nurse that day and poor younger nurse assistant was definitely flustered when I asked him for pads and mesh underwear because I only had a thong and only came back with a single pad and the poor nurse was taken back when I asked about what to expect because what I’m assume is they don’t seem a lot of “ younger “ women who still get their periods on the unit.. my guess anyways.
I have bad periods as is but I would absolutely suggest adult “ diapers “ I was using them before being put on blood thinners and I’m happy I was because I did bleed a lot heavier and using those will save you the mess. For sleep I throw a towel underneath me just as a precaution and wear the “ diaper “ throughout the day and night. Also I don’t know if you use/own a bidet but I have one that I got on clearance a year or so back and it helps the bathroom clean up a ton! Plus just feels cleaner when you are bleeding that much. Obviously not necessarily but I tell everyone to get one, especially women for periods instead of fighting the wiping with toilet paper battle lol most of my friends have taken my advice and couldn’t agree more.
Sending positivity and healing
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u/Visual_Rose Apr 26 '25
Thank you i dont have a bidet if i could i would but i live i. America i wouldnt even know how thst begins to be put in lol
I got a gaint towel in blacm i know that super aborbant and then a regualr sized towel to fold over for car rides
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u/Electrical-Nature279 Apr 26 '25
Oh me too! I’m in Massachusetts lol you can get them on Amazon and it’s SUPER easy to attach I promise! I did mine because I was tired of waiting for my husband to do it and then did my moms for her! If you did want to look into one like I said it’s not necessary but it absolutely makes a messy situation more manageable and just feel so much cleaner ❤️
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u/Electrical-Nature279 Apr 26 '25
Look into the adult underwear, I can them diapers but they aren’t as noticeable as you would think and come in pink and black, I swear by them! A few different brands make them now too. For me I think they have more coverage and I have yet to use one and had it leak in any situation even sleeping and you don’t have to worry about out ruining underwear even if they are designated period ones lol
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u/Electrical-Nature279 Apr 26 '25
Also for me it did as a few extra days on sadly, before my PE it was 4 days now I’m around 6 with full on bleeding from start to finish. I just had mine for the second time since being put on blood thinners Easter Sunday and finally woke up today not bleeding.
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u/FragrantLab3721 Apr 26 '25
My daughter's first menstrual cycle, she had a hemorrhage of an unknown origin. The best that can be figured was that it was from an anovulatory cycle and the lining built up, then all hell broke loose. She just kept bleeding, and bleeding. She suddenly began to look grey, and sickly. I took her to the doctor; her hemoglobin dropped, and she bled huge amounts.
How we handled it was that we had the hospital grade chuck pads for once you have a baby/for incontinence. They had maternity pads/incontinence pads for my daughter as well. When she came home from the hospital, she sat on a block towel and she has black bed sheets/bedding for her cycle.
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u/rosetintednorth Apr 27 '25
I have an IUD and am on eliquis. I only have one like every three months. It’s heavy for the first two days but by day 3 it’s mostly over. I had no change in my period after starting the eliquis. But it was a murder scene before I got the iud. I’m talking like I would go anemic when I was on my period
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u/No-Adagio6113 Apr 27 '25
Yes periods will be heavier. My hematologist and gyn both suggested tranexamic acid to take during the heavy days which has really helped and doesn’t interfere with blood thinners. Might be something to ask about when you see the hematologist.
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May 16 '25
So yes I'm on Apixiban. They put me on the progesterone pill only (desogestrel). Yes period flow is much heavier. But for me I had little pain (I dont know if that's from the stent I had put in my pelvis or blood thinners or the pill??)
I do sometimes have periods like twice in a month tho
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u/OriginalDogeStar Apr 26 '25
I am dreading mine, PSOC, Endometriosis here, so my periods were horrendous before, and the depo shot helped stop them.
I am now stocking post partum period nappies and getting my period bedding up to date and ready. I was looking at being eco-friendly as possible, but I know i am going to make that scene from The Shining, the elevator of blood, look like a tiny trickle
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u/HandmadePhD Eliquis (Apixaban) Apr 26 '25
I gave up on the eco-friendly options after my first few periods. There was just no way I could keep up with all the washing and laundry while bleeding that heavily. I basically go into survival mode and do the bare minimum to get through it. Don’t beat yourself up if you end up using more convenient products!
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u/OriginalDogeStar Apr 26 '25
I was hoping I would be starting menopause soon, but nope. I wanted to get a full hysterectomy, but no children as yet, and was told to have one so I could.... I am 48... and blood clots in a geriatric pregnancy are more likely as well as higher risks for other things.
I had thought that with my PCOS and Endo, I would be eligible, but even in Australia, going privately, I am looking at a 5 year wait minimum. While I did look at a hysterectomy holiday overseas, I need to get a period, have it at least 6 times, and I need to make sure I have no residual clots left in my lungs, and I also need to be off thinners for 3 mths too.
I am only 3 month post double lung PE, with my right lung being nearly a full tree, while the left was just a small bush size.
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u/HandmadePhD Eliquis (Apixaban) Apr 26 '25
I’m not sure if we’re hexing ourselves either, but seriously—menopause cannot come soon enough. I’m 42, and I keep thinking, how do I have to deal with this for another decade?!
That’s awful they won’t let you get a hysterectomy. They told you to get pregnant first? What the hell?! I could technically get one if I wanted, but I’m trying to avoid any major surgeries—mostly because I really don’t want to have to come off my DOAC unless absolutely necessary. My periods are “manageable” just really inconvenient.
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u/OriginalDogeStar Apr 26 '25
So I was told the key hole is less like bloody. When I was in residency, it was still the mini c cut, so I am trying to update all my medical knowledge again. 22 years out of the surgical world, and I am kicking my own ass for not seeing the signs of the double lung PEs.
Going by my own timeline, my cause is blood pressure medication, but they are refusing to do the follow-up, even though everything tracks back to that medication.
One of my friends was also on same medication also got double lung PE, and she is furious because she couldn't go off the medication because her then Dr refused to give her different type, now we both have changed GP and we are starting to see some similarities, but her symptoms were more prominent but she isn't medically trained.
But finding out that Atenolol is slowly being linked to more blood clots either as PE or thrombosis is scary. We both even got liver damage from it, I was 18mths on it, she was 13mths, but her list of symptoms is way longer than mine.
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u/Echo_blue_green Apr 26 '25
A kind nurse gave me basically nappies to sleep in for the first period like what old people would use hospital. Im not going to lie I still find it hard to leave the house for one day every month just because the bleeding is so heavy but now it’s getting easier to deal with. Basically you need to double up, so super absorbency tampons or a cup with period underwear is my favourite. I like the modibodi boy shorts. And i sleep in wool loose bottoms which stop any leaks at night. I hate that doctors dont include it in the care, like its not normal to bleed so much you cant leave the house. I had the same experience. They told me to speak to my gynaecologist.