got a blood clot while on the pill...
I'm 18 years old and have just been diagnosed with a blood clot in a superficial vein in my right leg. It was found because my foot swelled up and I had intense pain running along the vein in my leg. The clot was found during an ultrasound. It's small, which is good, but nevertheless,THERE.
Anyways, I was on combination birth control(Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo), obviously I'm not taking it anymore since I have a blood clot, but I did some research and found out it's the estrogen in the combination birth control pills that poses the clotting threat. Does this mean I would safely be able to use a progesterone only method, such as Mirena?
eagerformore
Replies:
...... and I imagine you are on Warfarin until the clot goes away.
This is an infrequent side-effect of of hormonal birth control - perhaps one in 400 with one in 2000 requiring hospitalization. You must discuss this with your doctor. The newer forms of artificial progestin can actually increase the chance of clots over the earlier progestins. You can have a battery of blood tests that may be indicate your personal likelihood of clots. No advice can be given without a medical history and, perhaps, examination.
Blood clots usually appear in the first year of use and usually, as with you, in the legs. They can appear anytime anywhere. The oestrogen appears to be trigger but it is not "the cause." It may still be possible for you to use alternate pills. Maybe not; that is why you should talk this out with a doctor. I have switched some women to other pills successfully. Others I have guided to the IUD.
Brandye
I have actually not been given any anticoagulants or anything else simply because it's so small. I've had blood drawn for multiple blood tests over the past 2 days, I should know more about my personal clotting liklihood in a week or so. I'm meeting with my general doctor on Friday and then from what she tells me I'll plan a visit with my gynocologist early next week.
I was just asking here to get a general overview on what I should be asking about when I make my visits. Thanks!
eagerformore