Advice on natural hormone replacement while taking Warfarin.

[Smokedalmonds]

Hello, I take Warfarin for the rest of my life after a PE. Currently 52 and in Menopause. I can never take an actual hormone replacement because of the ( pulmonary embolisms) I have takin Provitalize for 9 months now, it only helped with a few symptoms for a short amount of time. needing something new to feel better. Having a very hard time trying to find anyone in my same shoes or that has gone through this. also was put on sertraline for the anxiety, increasing doses every few months. decided enough of that.

Has anyone tried Wild Yam Creme? while taking blood thinners? That is something I'm leaning towards.

Thank!

[GillyA]

Hi, whilst more difficult, it is possible to take some forms of HRT while on warfarin. You need a specialist gynaecologist to help you do it rather than just your GP and they normally use patches rather than oral, but there are ways through this.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to GillyA]

Thank You! I'll check into it

[happy12345]

I'm in same boat thinking of starting ovestin cream. No oral HRT only creams. Body identical HRT appears to be safe after blood clots.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to happy12345]

I have been checking into wild yam creme, I have not heard of Body Identical HRT. There truly is not much information that i have found for a solution. Im going to Try a product callled Meno, Natural Herbs in it, It says it will increase INR Not Interact. Therefore My Dr can Adjust my Coumadin Dose is what i'm hoping.Next try will be The wild yam creme for sure.

[happy12345 in reply to Smokedalmonds]

Go on Google and type in Dr Louise Newson or menopause & clots Thrombosis UK.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to happy12345]

Balance! after we spoke yesterday, This website came up after more searching. I like what she has to say so far. It really does help explain different hormone replacement options in better terms. There is an app as well. do you use it or like it?

[happy12345 in reply to Smokedalmonds]

I have not joined balance as yet. Louise Newson is often on daytime tv here in the UK. She's a specialist in menopause. I have heard her speak many times about clots and HRT. Have a look on YouTube also, she has done many interviews about it. Thrombosis UK has a section on menopause & Clots. Hope it helps and reassures you as you proceed. I'm just starting on this journey myself getting as much knowledge as I can then I will move forward slowly. Very scary when you have our history and dealing with warfarin.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to happy12345]

Ok, I will have to watch her on you tube. I know it is so scary, so we just suffer until you can't take the symptoms anymore. I was told to never take any hormone replacement. I just received this Meno Herbal Vitamins, kinda scared to try it now. I keep thinking Wild Yam cream. Yet my mind can't make any decision quickly. Have you heard of Barbara Oneil? She is a fantastic herbalist. Look her up On Instagram, she is awesome to watch.Thats where i first heard of the Cream as a replacement. you just rub a dime size on your skin everyday. I like your suggestion just continue to gather info. I will do so, Thank you!

[happy12345 in reply to Smokedalmonds]

Yes I got that cream and keep putting it off. Ridiculous situation I agree. I'm on warfarin for life as well 56 years old now been told I have got a prolapse. I think I got to take my chances and think seriously about taking Louise Newson's advice. What else can we do were suffering anyways.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to happy12345]

we are suffering for sure, I started early at age 46 , I’m now 52 with no relief. Yup I’m still starting at my new herbal remedy. You research and research, buy something and then. . . I’ll think about it hehehe so you have a prolapse? Do you have a blood deficiency?

I have protein S Deficiency, it’s genetic. I have had several family members pass because of blood clots. Yes I’m terrified so get clots again. So scary, so painful. I lost 1/3 of my left lung, it died from the clots. Tell me bout you & why you are on Coumadin. I don’t mean to pry I’m just curious. I am happy to talk to someone who is in the same situation.

With Christmas coming, it’s so busy I’ll have to catch up on that DR. You suggest afterwards when my mind is there to focus, with the brain fog & all.

[happy12345 in reply to Smokedalmonds]

I had multiple PE in both lungs when I was 42. They don't no what caused them. I was told to stay on warfarin for life, been on it for 13 years now. I had breathing problems from when I was 16, doctor's always said it was anxiety and then bang at 42 all these clots. I personally think hormones play a major roll in clots as my breathing was effected each month around my period. Even while on warfarin my inr changes before my period. I have told the doctor's but I don't think there is any research in this area. In 2015 I had a blood transfusion as periods are so heavy I think I have been in peri menopause for quite a while. Yep and the icing on the cake was to get a prolapse. Unfortunately not talked about in the UK so a shock. It's a tough journey, I just wish I had been more informed, a lot of women have no idea. Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New year and let's hope we can find some answers.

[Smokedalmonds]

Oh My Gosh! were kinda similar, I had multiple blod clots at age 40, I went for months and months with no diagnoses. Kept going back to the DR and saying "I can't Breath, i'm in so much pain" Pleading any DR. to take you in is almost impossible it seems. Finally got in to a Pulmonary Specialist up at the U of U in Salt Lake City,UT. Was admitted immediately, they found the clots there. Hormones does play a huge role in it for sure. my periods were so heavy and irregular they put me on birth control. They said that could trigger the problem you were already having. After many Testings ,thats where they found The Protein S Deficiency. It's a very specific test that most DR.'s do not test for unless you bring it to their attention. My daughter has it too, so now she takes an aspirin a day. Have you been tested for this blood disorder? or any kind of blood disorder to find the culprit? Top it off with a prolapse! Ugh! Them telling you it was anxiety just sounds terribly wrong. I feel like you get Anxiety because you don't feel good. plus blood transfusions, thats no fun. It really is a tough journey, just wanna feel like yourself again, not always having Menopause/ Blood clots and interactions on on your mind and what to do about it. Thank You For Sharing! Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year as well! For sure keep searching for answers is a must.

[Clotgotten]

Hello, I had dvt and pe and was told no hrt for me. But now I've read up on it, apparently if it's transdermal.(ie gel and patch) and not systemic (oral tablet) its not supposed to have any increased of clot. Hope this helps. Not a doctor, this is info not advice.

[Smokedalmonds in reply to Clotgotten]

Hello, Sorry to hear you have experienced embolisms as well. so wondering have you or are you using the patchs now? what is ie gel and patch? is their a brand name? has it been helping you with replacing your hormonal symptoms? Thanks so much for your response! Good Info very much appreciated!

[Clotgotten in reply to Smokedalmonds]

I have not started the transdermal estrogen yet because my gp is currently dragging their feet, my next step is to get referral to gynaecologist to prescribe. Even though there is info on the thrombosis uk website that says transdermal hormones fine, ( see leaflet called menopause and clots) the gp seems confused

thrombosisuk.org/informatio...

I think menopausal ladies with history of clots - we need very specialist advice and care so its going to be much harder for us where hrt is concerned but it shouldn't be automatically ruled out for us. Everything I've read suggests hrt is the gold standard treatment in terms of protection against lots of conditions as our hormones drop including osteoporosis, dementia, arthritis and cardiovascular protection . There are now lots of peer reviewed academic studies with data evidencing this ...so we just need to push for what we need. Its hard!

[Suebo2 Moderator]

as mentioned above- thrombosis UK has some great information about HRT and clots.

I would also say, the problem re HRT and clots is the same even if not on warfarin but one of the newer drugs. Another question would be, in general- does it have to be warfarin for you. I’m just thinking about quality of life and how warfarin impacts? Could try a newer drug ??

[Smokedalmonds in reply to Suebo2]

Yes it sure does, great information. My Dr .said try "try Eliquis." My insurance would not cover the cost, side effects were similar. unwanted bleeding was the main side effect. you can develop anemia while on it. ect. Therefore warfarin was cost effective, yet so many side effects as well. I decided to stay on it because of cost as well as it's easily adjustable depending on your INR every month. Having to monitor what you eat was always a burden/ worry. Now being used to it, I just choose smaller portions of Vitamin K packed foods so you have no need to exclude anything. Enjoy the same foods just control what your eating and adjust Warfarin if needed. do you have a good experience with another drug? or with hormone replacement while on it?

[Suebo2 Moderator in reply to Smokedalmonds]

I would say that the newer drugs are definitely safer - all increase the risk of bleeding - as does warfarin - but the action is steady - not up and down like warfarin and therefore safer. No need to worry about food and can have a glass of wine without worrying. evidence sows safer - so am interested the the insurance companies say too expensive to swap - overalll there are less events (bleeding or thrombosis) so less expensive. no need for them ton pay for INR testing etc . In the UK warfarin is only given to those with mechanical valves, v poor renal function etc.

anyway - good luck with everything. and do have a ,look at Thrombosis UK

[Smokedalmonds in reply to Suebo2]

Thanks so much!

[Smokedalmonds]

I agree we do need a specialist in this matter. I am also thinking about Holistic Physician approach Possibly. Isn't it scary to try anything with HRT words ha! I agree it should not be ruled out, which is what I have always had in my head since the clots. now going through it & definitely need relief. Its living in misery. I did start taking a new herbal remedy called Meno by O+positive. it's now been 2 weeks. I notice it is reducing the hot flash symptoms, better mood more calm. so far its better then not taking anything. went to have my INR/ pro time checked to see if it changed my levels. I stayed the same 2.7

Like you were saying protection against osteo, dementia, arthritis & cardio are not covered by just taking this herbal medication. This is just a stepping stone for now, for relief. I'll keep researching as well. Thank You so much for the chat!

[Tri-Ing72]

Morning. You may find this helpful. thrombosisuk.org/admin/reso...

[Smokedalmonds in reply to Tri-Ing72]

Good Morning, Wow! this is incredible information. It helps explain a lot of the questions i had about taking HRT. Thank You So Much For sending this!