Ladies Question

[hannahsmom]

Hello,

My 12 year old daughter is on warfarin for her mechanical aortic valve. She is getting older and we are anticipating the arrival of her monthly visitor - hopefully we still have plenty of time - I was curious for the women who are on warfarin, how does this affect you monthly cycle? Extra heavy, extra long???? I vaguely remember the anti-coagulant specialist at U of M discussing it post op. She mentioned putting her on birth control pills when she starts to regulate her. At the time I was in such a fog I didn't think to ask...but doesn't the pill increase your chance of blood clots?

Any information would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Hannahsmom

 

[Madsometimes]

I have only been on warfarin for a few months. My last period was heavier than normal, and lasted for 5 days, which is not too long for me. However, I was also being bridged with clexane at the time. My periods were quite heavy prior to surgery.

 

[debster913]

I've had my period since I was 10, got my mitral valve repaired at 30, went on Coumadin December of 2010 for A-Fib, and have just in this past year started to experience irregular/heavier than normal periods, which my OB-GYN attributes to my age (36) as well as to the high dose of Coumadin I'm on (15 mg/daily). She suggested putting me on progesterone to regulate my cycles. I saw my cardio before I started this birth control, and he said that there should be no contraindications for progesterone. Unlike estrogen, there isn't that risk of clotting.

Your best bet: Ask your daughter's cardio. You might also want to see how her periods are once she has been having them for a while before you put her on "the pill."

 

[drivetopless]

I haven't noticed too much of a difference. Maybe 1 or 2 days longer. I would take a wait and see approach and not worry about it yet.

You will want to monitor her iron levels, though, to make sure anemia isn't an issue.

 

[AgilityDog]

Please forgive my bluntness:
I know it's very early days, but given that your daughter has a mech. valve, you might eventually want her on the pill not just to prevent heavier periods but also to prevent a life-threatening pregancy somewhere down the line. Teenage sex happens (though lord, please not at age 12). It would be far far worse for your daughter than for a normal teen. Mech valves are quite simply not compatible with pregnancy.

 

[Jessica Marie]

Hello! This may be a little graphic but I think I can help you out with this question. I had my mechanical valve before I started my cycles. I'm now 19 years old. I'm also on Coumadin for my valve and was put on my blood thinners way before I had my periods. When my periods started they were very heavy the first few days, mine lasted about 7 days. The last few days were more like a normal girls periods. Also on the first few days, I experienced blood clots coming out. If your daughter experiences this I would ask her cardiologist (although I never really asked mine) just to make sure this is normal. I had moderate cramping, nothing a heated pad or rice bag couldn't take care of.
My periods were very regulated, I had them around the same time every month.
All of this may happen with your daughter, yet some may not. I'm not sure because I've never met anyone else with Blood Thinner. My cycles could've been that way because my mom had heavy ones. Not sure.
I was put on birth control to hault my periods because they were so heavy.
My doctor (or cardiologost I'm not sure which one put me on it) said there was only 1 birth control method out that paitents with mechanical valves who are on blood thinner could take (i'm not sure if it's any different since she is on the generic coumadin). They put me on something called DeproVera (might be spelled differently). They give it to you in a shot form, ever 11 weeks or so.
Hope I helped a little.
Jessica

 

[dfelder]

Can't take estrogen. Only progesterone. Thats what the depo shot is- progesterone.

 

[Jessica Marie]

Yes that is what I am taking.

 

[hannahsmom]

Thank you all so much for your responses! Periods are scary enough to a girl her age, then add a blood thinner to the mix...let's just say she's not thrilled at the idea (not that any of us were). I have read up on the medication so much, but nothing trumps personal experiences, so thank you again for sharing!

I too, thought putting her on a contraceptive at an appropriate age would be the responsible thing to do given her situation.
I guess we will see how she does. Crossing my fingers that she follows suit with the rest of the females in her family...age 14

 

[Jessica Marie]

The first few will probably be scary for her but just reassure her that it's not something to be worried about. She will get used to them over time more than likely. And as far as the birth control goes, I wouldn't worry about it too much either. Just make sure she knows it's too risky for her to have children in the first place (once she gets older). My mom and cardiologist reminded me A LOT and I believe it helps because since I've been "of age" I am too scared to even risk it considering it is not 100% preventable with any type birth control. I hope I helped you!