Consequences of Oral Anticoagulation on Menstrual Bleeding and Contraceptive Use

OA therapy was associated with heavier bleeding and changes in or discontinuation of contraception.

Among women of reproductive age, information about the effects of oral anticoagulation (OA) on uterine bleeding is limited. Moreover, effective contraception is important because pregnancy risk tends to be high in these women, and warfarin is a teratogen. These investigators evaluated the effects of warfarin therapy on uterine bleeding and contraceptive use in 53 women (age range, 20–55).

Overall, 39 women reported changes in menstrual bleeding with OA use; of these, 27 noted longer duration of flow and 31 had blood-loss scores that indicated heavy bleeding. Likelihood of flooding, passage of clots, and anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL) rose with OA use. Among women who changed their method of contraception on the advice of their healthcare provi…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Consequences of Oral Anticoagulation on Menstrual Bleeding and Contraceptive Use

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Reviewing Author