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Menstruation and Birth Control

100 Questions and Answers

About Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Part 7: Menstruation and Birth Control

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March is Blood Clot Awareness Month

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month (BCAM), a time dedicated to spreading the word about blood clots and their potentially…

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Heather Beissel

Meet the Recepients of the 2024 NBCA Community Thrombassador Awards

On January 18, 2025, NBCA Community Thrombassadors – a network of patients and caregivers trained to spread blood clot education,…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

“I was lucky to survive my blood clot, but so ma

“I was lucky to survive my blood clot, but so many others aren’t. As a marathon runner and triathlete, I dismissed my symptoms—shortness of breath, pain in my calf—as just part of training. Even my doctor first attributed it to anxiety. It wasn’t until my mother, a pulmonary embolism survivor, recognized the urgency that I got the care I needed. That moment changed everything.

I’ve learned that risk factors like hormonal birth control and long-distance travel can increase the likelihood of a blood clot, and I knew I couldn’t just keep that knowledge to myself. I wanted to take action. Running with Team Stop the Clot over the years has allowed me to turn my experience into purpose, raising awareness and critical funds for the National Blood Clot Alliance.

And as I begin this next chapter—getting married next month—I knew I wanted to continue giving back by including NBCA in my wedding registry. Giving back is my way of helping others recognize the signs, know their risks, and take action—because no one should have to go through this alone.”

Join Sandy in supporting NBCA this Blood Clot Awareness Month. Together, we can make a difference! Make a donation at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2025 #BCAM25 #BloodClotAwareness #BCAM #Donate #WeddingRegistry #DonateToNBCA #TeamStoptheClot #Athlete #Runner #MoveToStopTheClot #GiveBack

Join us TOMORROW for, “Navigating Life After a B

Join us TOMORROW for, “Navigating Life After a Blood Clot Diagnosis,” a special PEP Talk designed for those newly diagnosed.

We’ll cover what to expect, common challenges, self-care and risk reduction, medical terminology, resources and support, and more.

This interactive session allows you to:

- Ask questions: Use the chat or speak directly with our hosts and clinical guest, Dr. Sam Berkman.
- Participate or listen: You choose whether to keep your camera and mic on or off.
- Maintain confidentiality: Unlike our usual PEP Talks, this one will not be recorded.

This session is a safe space to ask questions, connect with others on a similar journey, and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to thrive.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this PEP Talk is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Register at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BCAM25 #BloodClotAwarenessMont2025 #PatientsEducatingPatients #VTE #DVT #PE #DeepVeinThrombosis #PulmonaryEmbolism #SupportGroup #BloodClotRecovery #BloodClotPatient #BloodClotSurvivor #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation

After breaking her leg playing softball, Presley d

After breaking her leg playing softball, Presley developed blood clots that sidelined her for months. Diagnosed with a clotting disorder, she endured multiple hospital stays and ongoing mental health challenges. Presley's story is a reminder that blood clots can happen to anyone. Know the risks.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #VTE #BloodClots #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth

Budget cuts are happening—but blood clot awarene

Budget cuts are happening—but blood clot awareness can’t be overlooked.

Despite how common and deadly blood clots are, federal funding for education remains minimal. We’re working to change that—but we need your help.

We’re calling on Congress to prioritize funding for life-saving blood clot education. Without it, too many people will remain unaware of the risks until it’s too late.

If you live in one of these states or you know someone who does, your voice is especially critical as we work to light up all 50 states:

- Alaska
- Hawaii
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wyoming

Even in tough times, some issues can’t be ignored. Raise your voice and Do Your Part to Stop the Clot! Thank you to everyone who has done so already. Send your letter at the link in our bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #advocacy #calltoaction #contactyourreps #bloodclotadvocacy #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotfunding #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention

Hey, Atlanta! Join the National Blood Clot Allianc

Hey, Atlanta! Join the National Blood Clot Alliance at Atlanta City Hall today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about blood clots and how to prevent them.

We will be joining other organizations, including the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Commission on Women, for workshops, exhibitors, networking, raffles, and more in recognition of International Women’s Day.

We hope to see you there!

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #StopTheClotBusTour #BloodClots #VTE #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BlackChurches #InternationalWomensDay @ulgatl @atlanta_women

🚨 FDA Approves Generic Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 2.

🚨 FDA Approves Generic Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 2.5 mg.

The FDA has approved the first generic version of rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 2.5 mg, a dosage used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with coronary artery disease (CAD) and major thrombotic vascular events in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

What this means: This approval provides more affordable options for patients with CAD and PAD who rely on rivaroxaban.

⚠️ Important note: This approval does not apply to people taking rivaroxaban for blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Treatment for these conditions requires a higher dose (10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg), and those generics are still awaiting FDA approval.

We’ll keep you updated as more information become available!

Read more at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #PE #DVT #PulmonaryEmbolism #DeepVeinThrombosis #Anticoagulants #BloodThinners #Rivaroxaban #Xarelto #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotMedication

Sydney was full of life—a dedicated teacher at T

Sydney was full of life—a dedicated teacher at Trinity Early Learning Center in Atlanta, a rising DJ, and a beloved daughter. After surviving blood clots in 2020 and 2023, she tragically passed away at just 27. Her story is a powerful reminder that blood clots can be deadly at any age. Know the signs, trust your body, and seek help fast.

Swipe to read Sydney's story, as told by her mother Charita @therealcharita.

NBCA's B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour -- Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge -- will be at the church Sydney attended, Zion Baptist Church of Marietta, this Sunday to partner on continued blood clot awareness and education for the community.

Read more about Sydney and the event at Zion Baptist Church at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #VTE #BloodClots #DVT #PE #SaddlePE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #FatalPE #BCAM #StopTheClotBusTour #BloodClotAwarenessMonth @zbcmarietta

🚍 The B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour is on the move

🚍 The B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour is on the move!

As we say goodbye to our incredible partners in Charlotte, the National Blood Clot Alliance’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour — Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge — arrives in Atlanta this morning to kick off our next city stop with a day-long blood clot awareness event at Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Drive, Atlanta, GA).

Our mobile education bus will be on-site, engaging with community members, patients, and healthcare professionals to support blood clot awareness and prevention efforts.

As one of the largest public hospitals in the U.S., Grady Memorial serves a community where many patients rely on Medicaid, Medicare, or have no insurance at all. It is also one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centers in the country. We’re honored to bring critical blood clot education to this essential healthcare institution.

A special thank you to Diane Wirth, ANP, CACP, Grady Memorial Hospital Heart Failure Program Manager and NBCA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board member, for helping bring this important event to the community!

If you can’t join us in person, follow along with #StoptheClotBusTour and learn more about the bus tour at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #NBCABLACKChurchBusTour #CAT #CancerAssociatedThrombosis #ClotsAndCancer #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #DoYourPartToStopTheClot

Did you know that excess weight can cause inflamma

Did you know that excess weight can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to blood clots?

During Blood Clot Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to increase their daily active minutes to prevent blood clots and honor the 100,000 people who die in the US from blood clots every year through our 5th Annual 100,000 Reasons Challenge.

We’re nearly a week into the Challenge, but it’s not too late to join! Get support and encouragement from other participants, build a stronger and healthier body, spread awareness, and recognize those who lost their lives to this preventable condition.

Join now at the link in bio.

If you’ve already joined the Challenge, drop a comment to let us know how it’s going!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #DeepVeinThrombosis #DVT #BCAM2025 #100KReasonsChallenge #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM #DoYourPartToStopTheClot #MoveToStopTheClot

In 2021, when he was 36, professional runner and u

In 2021, when he was 36, professional runner and ultramarathoner @sagecanaday was sidelined by a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

He endured weeks of back pain, breathing issues, and misdiagnosed symptoms before landing in the ER—where doctors discovered blood clots in both lungs.

His journey from hospitalization to recovery was long, but Sage fought his way back.

Sage, thank you for ‘Doing Your Part to Stop the Clot’ by sharing your story and raising awareness.

🎧 Hear Sage’s full story on season 2, episode 7 of Taking a Breath: The Stop the Clot Podcast. His episode drops March 11. Listen on our website (link in bio) or wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s not too late to join our 100,000 Reasons Challenge, a monthlong effort to increase daily active minutes in honor of the 100,000 people who die in the US from blood clots every year. Join at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StoptheClotStory #BloodClots #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #TakingABreath #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClotPodcast #SageCanaday #BloodClotSurvivorStory #ProfessionalRunner #AthletesAndBloodClots #DoYourPartToStopTheClot #MovetoStoptheClot #BCAM

Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, managing editor of @afro

Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, managing editor of @afronews — the longest-running African-American family-owned newspaper in the U.S — suddenly collapsed one morning two years ago.

At the hospital, she was quickly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

Her medical team emphasized how serious it was by telling her: “Usually, when we see patients with lungs like yours, they’re already dead.”

We’re grateful for Rev. Boulware’s recovery and for sharing her story in Afro News and building awareness of NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour — Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge.

Black Americans have up to a 60% higher rate of blood clot incidence and mortality than their white counterparts.

This is why NBCA has launched the bus tour — to spread awareness at churches and community hospitals in Southern cities where more than 55% of the Black population in the U.S. live. After a successful week in Charlotte, the bus is on its way to Atlanta!

Read Rev. Boulware’s piece and learn more about the bus tour at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #StopTheClotBusTour #BloodClots #VTE #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #BlackChurches

Mike was a healthy, active 50-year-old who worked

Mike was a healthy, active 50-year-old who worked out five times a week. The night before he passed, he felt brief chest pain but brushed it off. The next day, he struggled to take a deep breath but kept going—until he suddenly collapsed.

By the time he reached the ER, he was in cardiac arrest. His wife, Mendy, believes doctors never realized he had a massive blood clot. Now, she’s sharing his story to raise awareness: Blood clots can be hereditary, and symptoms aren’t always obvious.

👉 Swipe through to read Mike's full story.

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #VTE #BloodClots #DVT #PE #SaddlePE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #FatalPE #BloodClotAwarenessMonth

🌟 Blood Clot Awareness Month 2025: Do Your Part

🌟 Blood Clot Awareness Month 2025: Do Your Part to Stop the Clot 🌟We’re celebrating the incredible individuals making a difference in their communities by raising blood clot awareness and inspiring others to take action.

Whether you're sharing life-saving information, taking part in our 100,000 Reasons Challenge, supporting survivors, or advocating for education, you have the power to help stop the clot!

Here’s a glimpse of how survivors, caretakers, and advocates are going above and beyond to ‘Do Their Part to Stop the Clot’ by building blood clot awareness in their communities.

Know someone doing amazing work? Tag them below and help us spotlight their efforts! 💙

- Denise and Paul Englert of New York state lost their 19-year-old son, Paul, to a pulmonary embolism in 2013. Thanks to their advocacy, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport launched a public awareness campaign about preventing blood clots while traveling.

- Lisa Lane launched her month-long campaign of spreading awareness at universities in Tennessee. A former NCAA college basketball player who was first diagnosed with a DVT during pregnancy, she kicked off the campaign at East Tennessee State University and will be at the University of Tennessee, University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during March.

- PE survivor Lainey Toennies championed the effort to have March designated as Blood Clot Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

- Georgia residents Teri Stanfield and Veronica Krutchen lost their sons — who were both football players — to PEs in 2024. Together, they successfully pushed for March to be declared Blood Clot Awareness Month in Georgia.

(Speaking of Georgia, NBCA's B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour -- Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge -- is on its way to Georgia to spread blood clot awareness in and around Atlanta later this week!)

Know someone doing amazing work? Tag them below and help us spotlight their efforts!

@bufairport
@univoftennessee
@etsu_reels
@uofmemphis

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClots #VTE #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #DoYourPartToStopTheClot

We’re grateful to Fox 5 Las Vegas for helping sh

We’re grateful to Fox 5 Las Vegas for helping shine a spotlight on blood clot awareness throughout March!

A special thank you to anchor Dave Hall, who knows firsthand the dangers of blood clots after surviving a pulmonary embolism. He’s ‘Doing His Part to Stop the Clot’ by sharing his powerful story on our podcast, Taking a Breath, and now, Fox 5 is joining us in spreading life-saving information.

If you're in the Las Vegas area, keep an eye out for important awareness tips all month long! Learn more at the link in bio.

Listen to Dave Hall’s story, on season 2, episode 5 of our podcast, and learn how you can 'Do Your Part to Stop the Clot' by downloading our #BCAM2025 toolkit, both linked in our bio!

fox5vegas
@thevalleyhealthsystem

#StopTheClot #BCAM #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClots #VTE #PulmonaryEmbolism #PE #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation

We may not be in a church today, but it doesn’t

We may not be in a church today, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t sharing life saving #bloodclot information! Did you know Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group for most cancers? Today we are partnering with @atriumhealth in Charlotte, NC to raise much needed awareness about blood clots and cancer.

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClots #VTE #Cancer #CancerAssociatedThrombosis #CAT #BloodClotsAndCancer #StoptheClotBusTour

Do Your Part to Stop the Clot —Take Action Today

Do Your Part to Stop the Clot —Take Action Today!

Right now, the U.S. government is facing budget cuts across the board—but blood clot awareness and education can’t be overlooked.

Despite the prevalence of blood clots, federal funding for education and awareness remains minimal. The National Blood Clot Alliance is working to change that, but we need your help.

We’re calling on Congress to prioritize funding that will support life-saving educational programs and increase awareness about blood clots. Without this funding, too many people will remain unaware of the risks and warning signs—until it’s too late.

Every voice and every state matters! Sending a letter is quick and easy—just enter your address at the link in bio, or at bit.ly/ClotAdvocate2025.

If you live in one of the states below, your voice is especially critical as we set out to light up all 50 states.

- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota

Even in times of budget cuts, some issues can’t be ignored. Raise your voice and Do Your Part to Stop the Clot today at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #advocacy #calltoaction #contactyourreps #bloodclotadvocacy #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotfunding #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #BCAM #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM2025

Karen had severe back pain, dizziness, and later c

Karen had severe back pain, dizziness, and later coughed up blood, leading to a DVT and PE diagnosis. As a nurse, she stresses not ignoring symptoms and advocating for awareness. Grateful to be alive, Karen urges others to speak up and get help when symptoms arise.

👉 Swipe through to read Karen's full story.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #DVT #DeepVeinThrombosis #PE #PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #StopTheClotStory

Join us for NBCA’s B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour — Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge — as we visit Atrium Health Levine Cancer Clinic in Charlotte, NC to raise awareness about the link between blood clots and cancer.

Did you know that people with cancer have a greater risk of of developing blood clots? Sadly, blood clots are a leading cause of death among cancer patients, second only to the cancer itself. But with awareness and preventative measures, we can make a difference.

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. we’ll be sharing this vital message. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about this important issue.

We will see you at the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Clinic at 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28204.

Learn more about blood clots and cancer and the bus tour at the link in bio.

If you can’t be there in person, follow #StoptheClotBusTour to join us on this journey!

#StopTheClot #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #NBCABLACKChurchBusTour #CAT #CancerAssociatedThrombosis #ClotsAndCancer #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #StoptheClotBusTour #DoYourPartToStopTheClot @atriumhealth

Getting back to movement after a blood clot is tou

Getting back to movement after a blood clot is tough—but it can make you stronger, both physically and mentally.

Just ask 8X Paralympic gold medalist, @tatyanamcfaddenusa. After experiencing a blood clot, she was afraid to return to training. But pushing past that fear helped her regain her strength and confidence.

Join us for the 100,000 Reasons Challenge—a 31-day movement event during March to prevent blood clots and honor the 100,000 lives lost each year to preventable blood clots.

🏅 Set your movement goals.

💙 Raise awareness.

🙌 Help save lives.

The Challenge has already begun, but you can still join! Sign up today: bit.ly/100kReasons2025

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2025 #100KReasonsChallenge #100KReasonsChallenge2025 #RaceToStopTheClot #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor

Blood Clot Awareness Month is here, and it's going

Blood Clot Awareness Month is here, and it's going to be bigger and brighter than ever before!

We’re thrilled to share that from March 1-31, our public service announcement will light up a digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square, visited by up to 330,000 people every day.

Thank you, @lorenridinger, CEO of Market America/shop.com and New York Times best-selling author, for ‘Doing Your Part to Stop the Clot’ and joining us in raising awareness during #BCAM2025!

The patient community, health care community, and the broader public all have a role to play in the fight against blood clots. Use our Blood Clot Awareness Month toolkit (link in bio) to take action this month and beyond.

Going to be in New York City this March? If you see the screen in action, be sure to share your photos and tag @stoptheclot!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM2025 #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotEducation #TimesSquare #NYC #VTE

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