Freaking out!! TMI, don’t read if squeamish

[FreakingOut1011]

Ok, this isn’t an AIBU but I’m freaking out here, so posting for traffic. Please don’t read if you’re eating!

I’m currently on my period and when I was in the shower earlier, a huge blood clot came out of me. It was so big it blocked the drain. It actually really scared me. I do tend to have heavy periods, some months more so than others, but rarely get much pain other than a migraine. I did have sharp stomach pains yesterday, but it was higher in my stomach than period pains tend to be, and more like the odd sharp pain that would last a second or two and then go, so not cramping. I thought at the time I’d pulled a muscle from working out or something, so not sure it’s related.

I happen to have a smear booked for next week so will be speaking to a doctor then, but has anyone experienced this or similar? Not sure how worried I should be.

Thank you!

I have smallish clots with my periods.

After I gave birth about a week after I had a massive clot. It was about the size of a plum!

I had this for a good few years before covid. I had no idea my lovely OH was having to unblock our plughole (it’s a covered one not an open one) to clean out the clots. I was so Embarrassed.

For me it was age related. Started in mid 30s. On hrt now in mid 40s and I’m back to watery goodness

Yes to the vaccine changing your period mine went thick and clotted I had to use pads and quite frankly shower it out of me it was like jelly and the tampon wouldn't absorb it it plugged the hole and it dropped out when I removed it

Quite a bizarre thing

Some of the descriptions of post-jab periods sound like my normal periods

I had a coil fitted to help, bled it out after 4 months, just had my second one fitted, hoping it lasts longer.

I would regularly have clots that size OP. All sorts of random shapes. Sometimes like a finger, once it was the exact size and shape of a tealight. Women's bodies are horrifying and fascinating in equal measure

Yes, it's caused by the covid vaccine. I've had similar since my Pfizer jab, along with hellish painful cramps and unpredictable bleeding.

Please report it via the Yellow Card scheme link posted on the first page. I had my smear test this week, the nurse told me a few women had mentioned these side effects to her. Changes to periods are not yet recognised as a side effect of the covid vaccines but I really hope that changes soon.

This has been posted before but for info. covid.joinzoe.com/post/covid-vaccines-menstruation

Only read first few posts

Worth mentioning at smear no harm in that.

I know some women have this normally. But as this is a change, worth mentioning.

@Takingabreakagain

coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ OP (and anyone else affected) this is the Government website to report side effects

Reported it, thank you for posting the link

No way is this vaccine related. I used to have VERY heavy periods, and used to lose blood clots in the shower. Went to see my GP who referred me to a specialist. Ended up having a D&C and a Marina coil fitted. That was over 10 years ago and was the best thing that happened to me. Totally recommend it. Don't worry, just explain everything to your GP

This is the part of the guidance above that makes me encourage people to get as much reporting about menstruation side effects as possible, to provoke more research:

"So it does occur, occasionally, but not in very many women."

But that may be because I am so frustrated at being fobbed off with antidepressants for perimenopause - just a women's thing...

I just read this and think how bloody marvelous we women are to tolerate all this rubbish in our lives..... year after year. I just want to chuck a few medals everyone's way.

I had a hysterectomy in the end, but the lead-up to it was pure misery.

@careermindedwoman
From the threads I've seen on here and news articles there does seem to be a correlation between the vaccine and such effects on periods. It is being investigated as a side effect of the vaccine.
Obviously it does already happen to some women but there does seem to be an increase recently where the women reporting concerns are women who it doesn't normally affect.

I read recently that it has taken so long to be picked up as a side effect because of the age groups! 40/50 going through the change and having irregular and inconsistent periods not thinking twice about it now that 30 year olds are being vaccinated it's beinginng to show up

I had no particular problems after my Pfizer jab but have had major clot/flooding issues the last two years (I'm 43) after a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Found out lately I have a 5.5cm fibroid and have an appointment to see a consultant in a months' time. Get checked out anyway.

This can definitely be age related. I wouldn't be overly concerned