I just started taking this last month and my period was 2 weeks long and very very heavy with blood clot too like this month. Will it happened every month?
Xarelto - My period is very heavy and has blood clots , is this regular?
Question posted by carrie2727 on 5 March 2014
Last updated on 28 July 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
63 Answers Page 2
Bangor72
12 Sep 2019
Unfortunately yes. My dr switched me to Eliquis, still heavy periods with clots but not as bad as with xarelto.
I’m still taking iron supplements to get my iron levels up (a side effect of the side effect), even tho I stopped the anti coagulants in May.
Nd kid
11 Sep 2019
This has been so helpful so I'm 20 and got a blood clot back in march and had no real problems with Xarelto maybe slightly heavier periods but in the last month I've gotten my periods every 2 weeks only get a break from it for a week it's so annoying as a 20 year old in a healthy relationship that this is happening! I'm so lucky that my boyfriend and my family knows whats going on and they understand why I'm moody it's so frustrating especially when I'm still on crutches from the clot 6 Months on I'm so lucky to have people who understand and people there to help me all the time! Unfortunately I'm going to be on Xarelto for the rest of my life and I'm only starting my life really!
Desi12345
12 Sep 2019
I am so sorry, but I am glad you are on the mend. Mirena IUD has helped me & so many others to stop heavy periods & to regulate.
DCrunner34
5 Aug 2019
This web thread has been so helpful to me! Thanks to all who have contributed. I've been on xarelto for two weeks and have had my period since going on it. I took the advice I found here and this 50 year old got a menstrual cup this weekend. I was so tired of going through so many tampons and pads, having stained clothes, etc. I am still figuring it out and haven't fully mastered it but all the links and videos say "patience and practice." Until I get this extended period thing figured out the cup will help me swim, run, workout and also monitor blood flow and clots. I am seeing a hemotologist this week, as also recommended on this site, and will ask about preventing anemia as that seems to be the next thing I need to worry about. So glad I found this sisterhood but come on xarelto scientists you can do better for women!
cwrobel
11 July 2019
I just started Xarelto five weeks ago and am now on my second period on this medication due to DVT caused by NuvaRing (which I was only using for 8 weeks). My first period was 10 days in duration and the heaviest I have ever experienced. The first few days included some of the largest clots I have ever seen, like post pregnancy bleeding. I am now on my second period which started yesterday and it is a nightmare. Some of the clots are so huge and it's a pad/tampon every hour. I am also on iron supplements and trying to keep my levels up because my ferritin dropped dramatically. I am very active, 5'6", no other medical conditions, no other medications and about 150lbs and the bleeding is really stressful. My doctor is struggling to treat the bleeding. I don't think this medicine was intended for or tested on women of childbearing age and there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done other than fight from becoming anemic.
My husband and I are predominantly vegetarians but I am eating beef and other lean meats to try to boost iron. I truly empathize with anyone on this thread. Lesson is to stay away from hormonal birth control because even if the risks are low a blood clot can happen even to an otherwise healthy person and wreak havoc on our bodies!
Desi12345
12 Sep 2019
Mirena IUD solved my problems. It’s been 2 yrs. now with the IUD. . I am 55 was having giant globular clots fall out when I would walk in my house. I was home bound because of it. Pads would not work just fell out. Extreme lacking in iron & vitamin D. Was hospitalized then put in a 6 week prescriptions for both. Now take regular doses everyday. Waiting for menopause to happen.
EpoinAponi
28 Feb 2019
I have been on it for 6 months and in my experience yes. I started buying depends for over night use because of how bad it was. As for the clots I was told it was normal after freaking for one the size of my fist. I’m 24 with a history of DVT.
Bangor72
5 Sep 2018
I was on Xarelto, following a pulmonary embolism, for two months. The two periods I had during the treatment were horrible. Blood clots leaking out despite Tampax etc etc. Because of unrelated side effects my Dr decided to switch me to Eliquis (Apixaban) which works in the same way as xarelto but two tablets a day. I’m now on my second period since starting, and it’s nothing like the nightmare experience on Xarelto. The first period, I had 2 days with very heavy bleeding. This time its a ‘normal’ period - like I had before.
Worth looking into to see if this is a solution for others... good luck to all.
Dani1984
25 Aug 2018
Just to share my experience, I too have suffered this side effect. Before I checked myself into the ER after 3 days of the heaviest bleeding I'd ever had (preceded by my actual menstruation which was actually fairly normal), this thread really helped me out, so I wanted to contribute to it. I was put on xarelto back in mid-July for PE post-surgery. This is my first period while on this medication. I've lost so much blood over 6 days that I've had to be transfused. I'm switching out to another anticoagulant at the advice of a cardiologist (Eliquis) and we're seeing how it goes. I hope to be released in a day or so. So far, so good. Bleeding reduced dramatically, but only with strict supervision, lots of IV fluid, and a coagulant that is temporarily counter-acting my Eliquis. It's so very important to go see a doctor or go to the ER of your having odd problems while on a blood thinner.
I've been reading lots of medical studies in my down time, and a lot of them say that research isn't being fully done because so many women don't report heavy bleeding while on blood thinners!
Rachel_D-Q
16 Feb 2022
How was your overall experience on Eliquis? I’m thinking to ask my doctor to switch me because Xarelto has been a nightmare for me.
Msmika1977
29 June 2018
I know my response is fairly new but I'm new to Xarelto as of middle of May. I had blood clots in '09 in both arms. Was on coumadin for 4 mos & taken off. No family history only taking depo at the time. Very active. Got pregnant last year & they said that they came back or some left over was reactivated due to extra blood flow from pregnancy. I took lovenox until I lost the baby at near 4 mos & taken off month after D&C procedure. Had a hospital stay the end of April & was diagnosed w/ left eschemic stroke but didn't show on my MRI and Cat Scan. But my left side had symptoms. I'm on my second cycle since being on Xarelto & it's kinda rough. Last month was kinda regular but I am at this moment experiencing weakness, fatigue & although I'm not losing enough blood to make me alarmed I believe I just may be. Last visit to ER, I was told my hemoglobin was a little low & to see my Dr.
I am soon but I also have a hematologist & I'll be seeing him soon again as well as he's the prescribing physician. Slight chest pains as well & I fear it may be because of blood loss. I'll see what these Drs have to say soon but until then, I hope everyone has positive resolutions/outcomes.
Desi12345
26 Aug 2018
So sorry for your loss. I would suggest getting your vitamin D level checked. Mine ended up behind 13 and the normal change should be 70-100. Also, my ob/gyn told me my iron levels were low but that she wasn't worried about it. Well I was worried about it. I take iron supplement & went through a prescription of vitamin D2 for 12 weeks. Then daily D3. This was prescribed my by new ob/gyn after she was the only one after me seeing several doctors, cardiologist, GP, another GP, ER visits all for fatigue.
Msmika1977
26 Aug 2018
Thank you and I pray it all works out for you as well. I've since had two sessions of iron iv infusions and my energy and appetite is back! Still on xarelto but my hematologist says that we'll check blood again for clots and hopefully I won't have to be on xarelto for life. I'm optimistic and no pregnancies in my future. You all be blessed and God speed.
Karma2014
15 April 2018
I am 41 and was diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia, dvt clot and peripheral vascular disease in may of 2016 and after being released from a 2 week ccu hospital stay was put on 5mg of warfarin, i was very concerned about my period while in hospital and asked my dr and he seemed to laugh it off saying he has never had anyone with my condition on blood thinners at my age that still had periods so told me to let him know how it goes.
My 1st period was horrible lasted 2.5 weeks and was heavier than ever before (even after having children). I was very weak and nauseous towards the end of my period but thought that was normal, being new on warfarin. Over time my period had times it was 3+ weeks and other times would last 2 days of extremely heavy flow.
I have to have iron infusion treatments to keep my iron up, otherwise my iron drops tremendously and that causes the weakness and nausea (that is what my hematologist says anyways) i have had 3 iron infusion treatments in the last year and my periods are now lasting 5 days 2 of the days are extremely heavy and the other 3 days are very light spotting.
But the pain/cramps i have now are unbearable and i am in horrible pain for 2 of the 5 days. Pain pills help but not a permanent solution.
But for the bleeding have ur dr check ur iron and if the bleeding of ur period is causing ur iron to drop i would see if infusion of iron is good for u too.
Desi12345
15 April 2018
I am on Xarelto. I think this thread is about patients on Xarelto. I have 2 months long periods with heavy bleeding. Can't leave the house. I got an IUD to help, it lasted for 6 months & fell out. Getting another one next week. Can't take hormone pills for more than a month. Very dangerous. I hate to say this but your Dr. Sounds like a jerk. Get another Dr. Who is more compassionate about your problems. My first one was a jerk also. I have a mireana IUD. Good luck.
Desi12345
14 Feb 2018
IUD SOLVED ALL MY PROBLEMS. Plus getting a divorce from narcissistic husband after a 27 year marriage & 5 children. Realized the stress was also increasing the bleeding ( the blobs of red jello that would fall out & run down my leg). IUD & stress relief will solve your problems. I struggled with the bleeding episodes for 3 years. I was pre menses. All is good now. If I do have a random period it is nothing at all.
patience21964
14 Feb 2018
I am 53, postmenopausal and have been on Xarleto since November 14, 2017 due to a massive blood clot in my leg. I haven’t had a period for 2 years and now I am having what appears to be a regular menstrual cycle but with some lite clotting. I understand that a “Rogue Phantom ovulation” can cause a random cycle after no cycle for a year. My question is can Xarleto cause menses to restart in postmenopausal women?
UnaMcDonnell
22 Aug 2018
Hi, did you get an answer to your question? I am 55, I haven't had a period in about 1 year. I am 1 week on Xarelto and I have started a really heavy period.
Feeeedup
27 Jan 2018
This started at age 50. Found DVT in left leg and clot in lung. Went on Xarelto and then the nightmare began. Already pre-menopause heavy bleeding and 3 fibroid tumors so when the Xarelto was added to the mix it has become deadly. Heavy bleeding during periods that can last all month without stopping. Had one blood transfusion and go for IV iron a couple times a month and take feosol iron tabs 2 to 3 times a day. When the period starts it is mostly blood for about 3 days then the clots start. I run to the bathroom every 15 to 30 minutes. I use ultra tampons, overnight 12 hour (haha) pads and depends. I constantly bleed through my clothes if I don't. I can't leave the house for days. My doctor has reduced me down to 10mg Xarelto. Doesn't make any difference. The pain is unbelievable. Tylenol doesn't touch it. It just seems to get worse.
Desi12345
27 Jan 2018
I am 54 been on xarelto for 4 years for A-fib. Talk with your Obgyn & cardiologist about an IUD. That finally stopped my bleeding. Mine went on for months at several different times. I was totally house bound. Clots would fall through my pant leg like globs of jello. I had the IUD put in in May 2017. Took about 3 months to work but it immediately lightened the flow. Then after 3 months it is basically no periods. I may wipe a few times & have a trace of blood a few days every other month. Oh yeah, totally got rid of a toxic husband of 26 years. I didn't realize how much stress was attributing to my bleeding. Good Luck.
Desi123
5 Dec 2017
My hemotologist put me on Xarelto 20mg daily. She also suggested that I talk to my gynecology doctor and see about getting a uterin ablation. She said that would greatly reduce the bleeding. I recommend talking to your doctor about it to see if it can help you
Viper02
19 Nov 2017
This is my 3rd time on Xarelto and currently on my 4th episode of blood clotting since 2011 (3 bilateral PEs and 1 clot found in my arm). My doctor's also don't know what causes my clots (never had a DVT or swelling), but we've been able to link it to periods of intense travel. And still - I've refused to stay on xarelto long term for this very reason.
My situation is complicated by many large fibroids that cause heavy, intense periods that have resulted in sever anemia (my HBG hovered around 7 for )ears) - and that's on a good day. This time I've been on Xarelto for 4 days and my current period is already unbearable. I'm not on any birth control b/c like all of you I can't take anything with estrogen (my first PEs were triggered by NuvaRing) AND my fibroids have deemed everything else ineffective they've pushed out 4 IUDs) and non-estorgen BC does nothing.
So I plan to do what I've done in the past and pause Xarelto for 2 days (the heaviest on my cycle) and go back to aspirin and natural blood thinners like ginger, turmeric, etc for 48hrs. This usually helps manage the worst of my cycle, shorten the overall timeframe, AND get back to my therapeutic Xarelto does quickly. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT APPROVED BY MY DOCTOR, but it's a quality of life issue for me and also a safety concern - the last time my bleeding got so bad I ended up in the ER with a low blood count and dehydration.
No one on this thread is alone and I agree that if a man were experiencing this - there'd be a solution by now. Since my doctor's don't seem to care about quality of life for me, I took my treatment into my own hands and pray for the best. 6yrs and counting...
PS: I was also approached about the Lupton shot, but my research of that drug left me too terrified to even try it. Chief among my concerns were the women who took it, relieved all the side effects (some times months beyond stopping it), AND their bleeding never got better. I don't like those odds.
Mamaw64
27 Sep 2017
At age 65, vaginal bleeding has not happened in a long time. I have been on this xarelto about two weeks. Bleeding is very heavy today with blood clots. I went through menopause at age 30, so it has been 35 years since I have had a period. I told my gyn (female) what was going on and she wants to do a d & c??? I am too old and too tired for all of this. Not a happy camper.
Desi12345
27 Sep 2017
Been there, done that. I am 53, I have atrial Fibulation and have not gone through menopause & no sign of it according to the lab results. Except when u good to bed at night for the last 2 yrs. I am so hot when I sleep. I hope it gets better. Mine did for almost a year, then my Obgyn had to go in and put in an IUD. After a constant period everyday for 3 months with massive clots. I would wear 4 overnight pads and have to change them in like 2 hours. If anyone is bleeding this much don't wait like I did go to Obgyn immediately. I kept thinking it was going to stop because I had had month long periods and then nothing for 6 months since i started XARELTO. My periods were always regular before xarelto. I couldn't function I was a zombie. Once I got the IUD it took about 3 months to get it to stop. I did see immediate results with the IUD, ie less massive blood clots. I even stopped taking my xarelto against doctors orders but it didn't stop. So I got back on it.
Thank goodness everything is good now. If I get really upset or stressed out, I will start to bleed. It will usually stop in one day.
Related topics
period, blood clot, xarelto, blood
Further information
- Xarelto uses and safety info
- Xarelto prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xarelto (detailed)
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