Ladies only PLEASE!

[Mileena46]

OK, girls, I am 46 years old! I have had normal periods since I started on the coumadin last July. This month, I am 13 days in with no sign of slowing down. BUT what is odd...the first few days I had a slow start...not much bleeding at all, and now I am having a regular (not heavy) period that is just lasting too long!

Anyone have this happen? Am I just starting to go through "the change" and can expect this kind of thing? Is it the coumadin? How long should I let this go on before I mention it to someone? The last time I had my INR checked (10 days ago) it was within range (3.4)!

Sorry to have to ask these embarassing things, but I don't know any other women on coumadin. I did talk to my sister who is 2 years older and she says this is how she started her Menopause and now she doesn't have a period at all! GOD! To jump ahead to those wonderful days!!

Mileena

 

[Jkm7]

Your doctors are the ones who can determiine if you are peri-menopausal but it certainly sounds possible. You might be a bit on the young side but many start at that age and younger. I'd wait a few more days, maybe a week, and then contact one of my doctors.

 

[catwoman]

Mileena:

When did you last see your OB/GYN or family doctor?
I would sure ask my doctor about this. You shouldn't be having a 13-day-long menstrual period.
I had a total hysterectomy 25 years ago at 34 due to endometrial hyperplasia, which triggered several periods each month; I also had endometriosis.
Do call your doctor and get it checked out.

 

[Mileena46]

Thanks JKM7 and Marsha!

Last time I saw an OB/GYN? Several years ago. I don't have insurance and I really really really really want to avoid that at all cost! Hmmm I guess this is why my valve replacement became an emergency while I ignored the fact that I couldn't breathe!

Mileena

 

[njean]

You could very well be peri-menopausal Mileena but as others have said, an OB/YGN is the only one that can determine that.
Heck, I have a friend that started her menopause at the age of 38!

I too had a total hysterectomy at the age of 46, thirteen years ago. I had an ovarian cyst that had ruptured causing excruciating pain. My periods were horrible for many years prior to that time with heavy bleeding, clotting & painful cramping.

So pick up on the signals your body is sending & make an appt with a doctor soon. Good luck to you.

 

[Woodbutcher]

Eeek ! Why is that when it says ladies only I feel compelled to look and always really wish I hadn't .......

 

[njean]

Eeek ! Why is that when it says ladies only I feel compelled to look and always really wish I hadn't .......

It's called, "curiosity kills the cat!"

 

[ottagal]

Mileena,

When you get blood work can you ask to get your 'hormone' levels tested as well such as your FSH? . This will give the Dr. an idea as to whether you are starting menopause or not.

Good luck!!

 

[Marty]

Insurance or not , you've got to make an appointment with a board certified GYN. With your symptoms cancer needs to be ruled out. Many doctors when they find out you are self-pay will reduce fees. Don't delay. Marty

 

[catwoman]

Mileena:

Check out www.pricedoc.com.

Our local NBC affiliate had a blurb about it last night (www.nbc5i.com).

 

[Cris N]

You might want to check with your local town or county... a lot of communities have very low cost 'women's health' dr visits available.

 

[Luana]

Mileena,
There is probably a community clinic in your area where services are offered on a sliding-scale fee or possibly even no fee. Here's where you can find one in your area:
http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Do get yourself in to be seen sometime soon.

 

[Maryka]

Long before my heart surgery and before my going on Coumadin, I had those symptoms at your age. If you are like me, a GYN will require tests to rule out cancer or "pre-cancer". If there is no cancer, they might be able to put you on hormones to stop periods. In my case, I had multiple problems followed by cancer-screening biopsies over the years. Finally, in my 50s it seemed I had finally finished peri-menopause. Then, on a trip to see a Broadway show, I got another "period". The requisite biopsy showed I was one stage below cancer. I had a key-hole hysterectomy which had very little healing time and left a couple of tiny round scars (including one in my belly-button). I certainly pray you can get some medical help! A keyhole hysterectomy could solve your issues and prevent things from getting any worse.

 

[karen14]

Yeah, peri-menopausal is probably the most likely culprit. In fact, I'd bet on it. And coumadin has no effect on this area of our body and stage of life.

 

[Lily]

...And coumadin has no effect on this area of our body and stage of life.

This may not be accurate.

 

[COLLEEN S]

Sorry, I'm no help here! Had hyster at age 39 and hot flashes ever since my lovely gyne decided I couldnt be on warfarin and ERT at the same time...UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you find relief and answers.

 

[Mileena46]

Thanks all for the replies. I haven't seen a doctor, and I am still seeing some bleeding. My INR yesterday was 3.6 so thats good....but in the last couple of days I have gone from a heavy flow to a minor one. I am hoping in the next few days it will stop altogether. No hot flashes yet...but figure they are in my future! Thanks again, I knew I could depend on you ladies.

Luana,

I do go to the clinic here, but they don't do OB/GYN things. They will refer me....thats it....but I will go if I don't continue to improve!

 

[Gail in Ca]

I remember those horrible yrs after starting on coumadin at age 46. I had a 2 week period, and only 2 weeks off. This went on for a couple of yrs as I recall. Once, I had to go to the ER while visiting my sis in Fl., because my bleeding was so heavy. I got all the tests, but it was just considered normal heavy bleeding. It was awful. I couldn't wait to enter menopause, and now, no periods, no hot flashes cause I take HRT (no stroke risk, I'm already on coumadin). The bad thing is, the docs still think that coumadin doesn't affect a woman's period. They are wrong!!

 

[Kathy McCain]

Mileena,

I can only tell you that I was 45 or 46 when I started peri-menapause. The symptoms were the same. I was not on coumadin, or at the time even knew I would some day have AVR. I would check with my Dr's. I have a hunch though, that could be it.

 

[Mileena46]

19 days on and I have finally stopped! My God! That was horrible. My friend here at work has started her normal cycle today and I told her to STAY AWAY from me as women can make each other start (didn't know if ya'll knew that), anyway I am glad it's over until the next time and thank you all again! Sometimes I wonde what I would do if not for this website and the wonderful people here!

Mileena