Blood Thinners for Women

Anyone can get a blood clot or suffer from heart disease, but the truth is that women are simply more at risk than men. While men carry an overall higher risk due to biology and lifestyle choices, women often unknowingly increase their risk and can face greater danger due to the fact that their symptoms are often more mild and unnoticeable. The risk can be even greater for women on hormonal birth control methods, as well as for women who have recently given birth. The good news is that there are quite a few blood thinners out on the market that can both help treat blood clots and prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are the questions women should be asking their healthcare providers about blood thinners.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. How Do I Know If I Need to Take a Blood Thinner? 
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    A medical exam is necessary, seeing as most blood thinners need to be prescribed. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s need for a blood thinner by looking at their family history (research suggests many clots are a result of genetics) and personal history of any clots. Many people need to take blood thinners right after a clot is discovered, while others are prescribed them as a form of prevention. 

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  2. How Frequently Should Blood Thinners Be Taken?
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    This varies from case to case. The medication will come with its own recommendations, but each patient should talk with their doctor prior to starting their blood thinner regimen and work out exactly how often and for how long they should take them. Some patients will have to take them for the rest of their lives, while others will be able to discontinue use after a short period of time. 

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  3. Is Aspirin a Good Blood Thinner?
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    Aspirin is an over-the-counter anti-platelet drug that, yes, can act as a blood thinner as a result. That said, women should not just start taking Aspirin regularly on their own without first consulting a doctor. More severe clot cases will likely need a stronger, prescription blood thinner. 

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  4. What Side Effects Can Come With Blood Thinners?
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    Side effects can vary greatly depending on the specific blood thinner medication, but overall, common ones include dizziness or lightheadedness, stomachache, stomach bleeding (one sign of this may be coughing up pink or red saliva) and heavier menstrual bleeding. While most side effects are not serious, patients should still consult with their doctor if experiencing them. 

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  5. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Blood Clot?
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    Some blood clots cause no symptoms at all, while others cause pain, redness, swelling or "hot flashes" over the affected area (such as the leg). Clots can also form in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can result in chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Any woman who suspects she has a blood clot should seek medical attention immediately.

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  6. Are There Other Ways to Reduce Blood Clot Risk?
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    In addition to taking blood thinners, there are a variety of ways to reduce the risk of clots. Since sitting for long periods of time heightens the risk, women should be sure to stand up and walk around frequently while on airplanes or while working a desk job. Wearing compression socks and stockings can also help. Eating healthy and getting regular exercise also goes a long way in helping to prevent blood clots. 

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  7. What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? 
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    Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside the body, and it is also one of the most common serious conditions associated with blood clots. DVT usually occurs in the legs, but can occur in other areas as well. While in some cases it is life threatening and requires surgery, blood thinners can be used as treatment in milder cases. 

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  8. How Do Blood Thinners Work?
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    There are actually two different kinds of blood thinners: Anticoagulants and Antiplatets. Anticoagulants (like Heparin and Warfarin) work by slowing down the blood clotting process. Antiplatelets, also known as "antiaggregants", meanwhile work by preventing blood cells from sticking together and are used more for arterial veins, where anticoagulants have a hard time working. Plavix is one example of this kind of blood thinner. 

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