Exporing the "Icky Period" Problem

When a younger woman is put on a blood thinner the doctor or nurse isn’t likely to tell her, “Guess what, this is probably going to make your period a bit of a challenge.  It came as a big surprise to me,” said Eliz Greene who is 42 and currently takes Plavix®.  “Talking about the “Icky Period” problem is very important, so women don’t think they are the only ones out there going through it.”

“In the beginning I didn't know what hit me,” explains 38 year-old heart attack survivor Kay Marie  Kortas.  “You just never know what is going to happen.”  Kay Marie takes the blood thinner Plavix®.  One parent teacher conference during her cycle created an “icky” situation.  “I planned ahead, had all of my backup supplies, and even wore black pants.  After sitting for 40 minutes, I stood up and felt as if a flood gate had opened.”  With her black pants hiding the result, she quickly said goodbye to the parents and tried to clean up in the bathroom, but it was a situation which just couldn't be handled and she needed to go home.

“I am not sure I could have worked outside the home when I was on Coumadin®.  There was no way to predict how bad the flow was going to be or how often I would have to go and change.” added Eliz.  “There isn't a feminine protection product on the market, or even combination of products, designed to handle that situation.”

“The flow after sitting can be amazing and the blood is so thin it doesn't absorb quickly enough.  Overnight flow is a problem as well.  I slept on a bed wetting pad when I was on Coumadin® and sleep on a towel now that I'm on Plavix® just to protect the sheets and mattress.”

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart™ Wellness Initiative, Eliz talks with doctors, nurses and other health professionals about menstruation and blood thinners and finds they are often surprised.  Even though it makes sense once the issue is brought up, it never occurred to them to address it with their patients.  Yet, the “Icky Period Problem” has a huge impact on the lives of women living on blood thinners.

Mellanie True Hills founder of the American Foundation for Women's Health added, “This is an area that doctors just need to know more about.  It is something that hasn't crossed most of their minds.” 

Kay Marie recalls her doctor's reaction when she brought up the “Icky Period Problem.”   

“He just said, 'It can't be that bad,'”  she laughs. “Not that bad?  I wouldn't be bringing it to your attention if it was just a couple more tampons than usual, but I'm going through almost a box a day.  That's bad.”  Kay Marie said after his nurse explained the situation, her doctor was much more sympathetic.  However, there isn't much he could do.  Blood thinners are a necessary part of her treatment.

Plan ahead and talk with your doctor if you experience the “Icky Period” Problem.

Tips for dealing with the “Icky Period” Problem:

Be Prepared:
Keep track of your cycle and keep supplies on hand.  Put together an emergency supply bag with extra products, underwear and pants to keep in your car and at your office. A towel or pad on your office chair, couch or mattress may save on embarrassment and clean up.

Plan Ahead:
If you have a choice, don't schedule the long meeting during the week your period is due.  If you have to be in a meeting, discreetly convey the need for regular breaks or for you to “sneak out” as needed.

Work your Abs:
As gross as it may sound, abdominal exercise may “squeeze out” some of your flow, leaving less to leak out during less opportune moments.  It may not work for everyone, but it is worth a try.

Stay in control:
One of the best ways to prevent overly “Icky Periods” is to keep your blood thinner level under control.  If you take Coumadin® or warfarin, be vigilant in keeping your monitoring appointments.  Get your thinness level checked if your flow is extreme as it may be a sign your blood is too thin.

Read more about the Patient's Perspective on Blood Thinners in the Patient's Perspective Magazine or  download the Special Report on the "Icky Period" problem.  You may also listen to the discussion on the "Icky Period Problem or the full conversation on blood thinners. 

Please share your thoughts on the "Icky Period" Problem or suggest topics for future Patient's Perspective calls by making a comment below. Thanks!

The Patient's Perspective is a monthly teleconference addressing the challenges faced by women living with heart disease.   The teleconferences are hosted by Eliz Greene, Director of the Embrace Your Heart™ Wellness Initiative. Find out more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com 

Comments

[Alexandra]

Its horrable to think that doctores know that this is going to happen. At 18 my period was hardly normal to start with, but with the blood thinners its even worst.

[Dawn Blake]

Since I have been on Plavix and other cardiac medications not only do I suffer from the Icky period but I get my period every two weeks and it can last up to 10 days. When I told my doctor (who is a woman) about this she said it wasn't abnormal because of all of the medications I am on. I disagree.

[Cranberri]

Use a diva cup, or a disposable instead cup. A diva cup can hold a normal period for over 24 hours. It will probably give you a few hours of leak free peace.

Divas are about $30 and last 10 years with proper care. Instead is $8 a box and I use sex toy cleaner to clean them and reuse them once or twice. (I wouldn't reuse them too much though)

I would suggest the divacup over the instead. I've had a few problems with instead, when they decide to shift, it gushes out.

[nikki]

I am also on blood thinners, it for me is a nightmare I lost 2 pt's of blood in 5 days. I backed off the thinners only to get a PE ad seven blood clots to go along with it.
No one seems to think of what happens when you get your period? Dr's go to school for 7 years have have n common sence.

[dee monroe]

I just had a total right hip replacement jan 18th 2010 and was placed on levonox shots in the stomach for 21 days and guess what I started my period today,jan31. It came a few days early and I panicked because I already have severe periods as it is,due to fybroid tumors on my uterus. I'm very scared and had already thought about a nightmare period happening and wondered if a woman could lose too much blood?? Guess what, I called a doctor and to be honest he didn't know what to say so suggested I call another. I did and this one was more informed,but I could still tell he wasn't ready for my questions. Not only am I trying to heal from my surgery, I now have this to worry about! Thank God there are woman out there that know about this scary problem. I have two daughters, one 17 and one is 4 and I don't want them to see anything bad going on with mom. I 42 and need a hysterectomy but have put it off to have my hip surgery. Well this is the start of my period so everyone please pray for me. God Bless

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[Debbie Chase]

I also had a total right hip replacement and was put on the Levonox shots (blood thinner). I'm 53 and still menstuating. My period started the day after my surgery and on day/night#2 the bleeding was severe. I was able to use the walker and get to this closet which had adult diapers (depends). I put one on over all my regular period protection so I could sleep and not worry about the bleeding mess. I told the nurses what was going on and they told me to stop the Levonox for a couple days. We informed the doctor and he agreed. Once the period slowed down I resumed the shots (after I got home from the hospital). Ok, so now I'm at my 2nd period since the surgery. Have been totally off the Levonox for quite some weeks, but noticed that the period has continued for about 14 days. The bleeding is not severe, but bothersome, still need tampon here and there. I think more should be explained to female patients who are required to take these blood thinners, and more care provided. Doctors seem to be oblivious to it all. But I was very bold to explain to him what was going on. Fortunately I'm a very strong, athletic person so pausing the Levonox was not threatening as it might otherwise have been.

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