Coumadin and monthly cycle

[mflanagn]

Hi, this post is for the women who take coumadin.

My daughter takes coumadin and will soon be getting her monthly cycle. I was wondering if it is heavier because of the coumadin??

I want to be prepared for her and help her understand when the time comes.

Thanks in advance for your answers.
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[Sarah]

hi

I'm sorry to invoke the "everyone is different" rule, but I suspect it applies here.

I've been on Coumadin for three years now and I don't think my period is heavier, but lately it has gotten longer. I'll spot for a couple days before and after it really occurs, so you may want to stock up on panty liners, and suggest she be always prepared. They make those really nice ones in the plastic wrappers so you can stuff them in your back pocket. (Always brand)

(no pun intended up there with the "Always", however, I will never forget sitting in algebra and discovering the damage and having to walk sideways back to my locker, tie a jacket around myself and thank god it was last period --and that is no pun *grin*)

take care,

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Boy Sarah you hit a few on that one!
I am not aware of any significant changes other then what Sarah stated. I would check with a GYN and see what she says, there maybe other issues with younger ones that I am not aware of.
Best wishes,
Lisa

[TammyC]

Re: Coumadin and monthly cycle

Hi
I'm not sure if this applies to HMC but I find that just before my monthly cylce I get out of breath easier and in general just feel more tired. Not the "just period feeling" it's different (hard to explain) and it dosen't happen all the time but I really do feel as though something's being restricted. I haven't told me doctor about this yet. I'll let you know when I do.
Take Care!

[Sarah]

Re: Coumadin and monthly cycle

Dear Tammy,

A lot of women report having more HCM symptoms before or during their period. I don't think anyone is studying this yet. Maybe next century!

But always let your doctor know all your symptoms, even cyclical ones.

S

[TammyC]

Re: Coumadin and monthly cycle

Thanks Sarah!
I didn't realize that others felt the same. I'm so glad I found this site. Everyone is so kind.
I wanted to share one more thing. I love taking long hot baths with a good book. Sometimes however, while I'm in the tub resting I feel as though I have a weight on my chest (not always) and I can't breath properly so I sit up. It's really weird. The same thing happened to me when I went to the Dominican in March. 6 nights out of the 7, I couldn't lay down and sleep properly because I felt like I was being suffacated (somewhat)!
As always, thanks!

[Reenie]

Re: Coumadin and monthly cycle

Tammy, I going to go out on a limb here and tell you my opinion. Many people talk about having more shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, like pressure, when they are in hot/humid weather. I think you are subjecting yourself to the equivalent of the US southeast in August *very hot and humid* every time you take a hot bath and relax. I think it's all that thick hot air that makes you feel so bad. They recommend that people with heart conditions not take long hot soaks because it dilates the blood vessels. In general, anything that does that is not good for people with heart problems. Maybe next time you soak for a while try turning the exhaust fan on in the bathroom. That might help circulate the air enough to help you breathe better. Hope this helps.

Reenie

[Sarah]

Re: Coumadin and monthly cycle

Tammy,

Long, hot baths can be very, very bad. They dehydrate you! Saunas and steam baths are also dangerous.

I've gone into atrial fibrillation after a hot bath!

So, if you must take a bath, drink a lot of water before, during, and after. Keep the water temperature comfortable but not hot and don't stay in for more than 20-30 minutes tops.

Personally, I now only take a ten minute soak from time to time.

take care,

S