posted
I started taking 400mg of doxycyclene last week.
Two days later, my period arrives a week early and was very heavy and full of clots. I also had very bad cramps.
I am on birth control so I was quite surprised!
Has this ever happened to anyone?
Could this be part of a herx?
Thanks! Ariel
Posts: 88 | From DC Metro area | Registered: Sep 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Have you talked with your gynecologist?
It's not uncommon for cycles to be out of synch - or even changes in blood flow. I would not attribute that to the doxy nor to a herx, necessarily.
The clots can indicate several things. One of the simplest is "blood stagnation" - from a Chinese medicine point of view, as my ND explained to me when I had this problem years ago.
Prickly Ash Bark may help take some of the stickiness out of the blood and increase circulation without being stimulating. Blood stickiness is common with lyme patients. Prickly Ask Bark tincture is used by some LLMD and LL NDs. (naturopathic physicians).
Dong Quai is (if I recall correctly) one herb that can help. Angelica is another.
Magnesium should help relieve cramps but so can Dong Quai.
All this is what I used years ago as instructed by my ND - however - it is best for you to see a LL ND. There is one near you in Baltimore. I'll send you a PM of her web site. -
Also search Tori Hudson, ND at Amazon. She has a good book about women's health.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I don't know about doxycycline, but you do know that some antibiotics can make birth control no longer effective? You would want to look that up to be sure.
Is your LLMD aware that you are taking birth control hormones? Be sure you tell them the brand and dosage. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I was going to say something similar to what Keebler said, that abx can make birth control less effective, and I'd be worried about a possible miscarriage if there were a lot of clots and more cramping than usual.
I would certainly meniton this to your LLMD and to your gynocologist.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I totally missed Starfall important thought. I forget to think of the most obvious things sometimes. Glad She piped in. It is also important to talk to your gyn. before you might take any herbal supplements, too.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
Keebler-Can you pm the name of the ND as well?
Ariel1-When I first got sick, my period was all whacked out-came like every 19 days and really heavy. I think my hormones and adrenal were shot!
All better now-just in time for perimenopause!
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
Keebler, thanks for the info, I'll check my PM for yours.
Starfall1969, definitely not pregnant, been too tired to do anything lately, LOL
Beths, thanks, looks like my situation is not uncommon.
I called my LLMD today to ask him what may be going on and am waiting for him to call me back.
Posts: 88 | From DC Metro area | Registered: Sep 2009
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
Ariel,
I too was on bc during my treatment and everything did go askew especially being regular.
My gyno put me on them for theraputic reasons (big ovarian cyst flare ups) not for a preventative. However, all during my treatment, the bc was really almost rendered infective by the harsh drugs.
Still on bc for the cyst problems however, off abx now thank goodness.
The downside is that my body NOW cannot really handle the additional hormones, and I am constantly fighting yeast because of the estrogen increase and the previous long term abx treatment.
Soon looking to be off the bc, and even considering having my ovary removed as it is very painful.
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I had a lot of clots and a very heavy period after taking a month of biaxin/amoxicillin. It was so bad, it was scary!
And I know 100% that I was not pregnant.
It was definitely those meds.
I have not taken them since and it hasn't happened again.
I do not think it is part of a herx - more likely a hormonal disruption.
Some antibiotics do make birth control less effective probably through the same disruption of hormones.
Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008
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Thanks again!
Posts: 88 | From DC Metro area | Registered: Sep 2009
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Siciliano
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15920
posted
Ariel1,
Can't speak on the bc issue because was not on any but the cramping and clots, I sure do relate.
After I became very very sick with lyme and did not know it...undiagnosed for a few years....
when I would get my periods they were so painful, I've had 4 children and never had pain during my periods, but having lyme just made
my periods so terrible. I have very heavy blood flow, cramping and the lumbar pain is horrible.
I mentioned this to my llmd and he said many women have the same terrible experience with
their periods while having lyme. I so understand
what you are describing and hope things get better.
I still am having the clots and everything else when I have my periods too.
I am 51 now and hoping that any day I will go through menapause so I do not have to suffer
during my periods anymore. This lyme really makes periods much worse than they already are.
If it were me, I would not take an oral bc while on antibiotics, didn't your llmd ask you what type of bc you were taking before prescribing
your abx? Drs. usually advise the patient of the oral bc not being too effective when going on an abx.
Good luck dear Ariel, we can get through this!!
-------------------- I'm sorry but I am no longer accepting any private messages due to my own battle with lyme. Posts: 3897 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jun 2008
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Siciliano
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15920
posted
Oh, yes, I was just told this week that magnesium will help alot for my painful periods and plan on ordering some this week! I have to see if it helps me, hope it does!! I will let you know.
-------------------- I'm sorry but I am no longer accepting any private messages due to my own battle with lyme. Posts: 3897 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jun 2008
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I've noticed for myself, that everytime I am on antibiotics, I bleed a little too. I've also had some pretty huge clots as well. I also take bc to stop painful cysts. Amoxycillian seemed the worst at starting my periods back up.
-------------------- The advice I give, should not be considered medical advice. My opinion comes from years of research and experience. Posts: 233 | From Somewhere | Registered: Sep 2009
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posted
not on bc for last 4 yrs. have had significant change in cycles with lyme tx.
same thing most of yall are decribing, clotting, heavy bleeding and even odd schedules. even spotting wk before. and on bio-identical hormones for progesterone supp.
i know for me the herx cycle goes with period. and have had worse PMS too. i do have to up my mag. supplements during those 1-2 wks...use my chocolate cravings a my guide..lol
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
Keelber- can you also pm me the name of the LLMD in Baltimore- thanks. [email protected] Heidi
Posts: 238 | From Bethlehem, PA | Registered: Oct 2004
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