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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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NBCA Hosting 6th Annual Fun Run in Honor of World Thrombosis Day

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place every year on October 13 to turn the world’s attention to…

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IU Health Methodist Hospital Named Indiana’s First NBCA VTE Center of Excellence™

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to announce IU Health Methodist Hospital as Indiana’s first NBCA Venous Thromboembolism…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis & treatments to #stoptheclot. Submit your story @ link below ⬇️ Our podcast: Taking a Breath 🎙️

September is Healthy Aging Month. Blood clot risk

September is Healthy Aging Month. Blood clot risk increases with age and is heightened by hospitalization, surgery, cancer, and reduced mobility. At the same time, bleeding risk, especially for those on blood thinners, must be considered.

In our August PEP Talk on blood clots and aging, Dr. Anna Parks, hematologist at the University of Utah, discusses the challenges of balancing blood clotting and bleeding risks in older adults.

“The problem with aging is that it’s a double-edged sword,” she says in this clip. “Your clotting risk goes up, but your bleeding risk also goes up.”

This Healthy Aging Month, watch the full recording to learn how to protect yourself or a loved one: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #HealthyAgingMonth #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotAwareness

🎉We have our Week 4 winner! To show our grati

🎉We have our Week 4 winner!

To show our gratitude for everyone who has supported our summer fundraising campaign, we’re giving away Stop the Clot gear every week through September 30!

📣 Our fourth winner is Lida Sethi of Columbus, OH, who gets an NBCA boat bag. Congratulations!

You can enter TWO ways:

1️⃣ Donate: Every donation = 1 entry. Already donated? You’re in! Want better odds? Make another gift to boost your chances!

2️⃣ Share & Like: Share and like this post = 1 entry.

Giveaway Details:

Winners are announced every Friday.

All donations support NBCA’s mission to raise awareness, provide patient support, and save lives.

Thanks to our matching campaign, your gift goes 2X s far through September 30. (It could go 3X as far if your employer has a matching gift program!)

Don't miss your chance to win Stop the Clot swag and make a meaningful impact.

👇 Let us know you entered by commenting below!

🎁 Donate: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FundraisingFriday #BloodClotAwareness

Elizabeth has contended with three types of blood

Elizabeth has contended with three types of blood clots—DVT, superficial thrombophlebitis, and CVST—yet she’s tested negative for factor V Leiden, which runs in her family. After a clot-provoked stroke in June 2025, she’s rebuilding with fatigue and memory loss, and she’s grateful.

More blood clot patient stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #DVT #CVST #BloodClotAwareness

📣 We’re making incredible progress towards ou

📣 We’re making incredible progress towards our summer fundraising campaign — nearly 60% of the way to our $200,000 goal!

Thanks to your generosity, we've already raised nearly $115,000. Every dollar supports life-saving education and resources to prevent and treat blood clots.

But the need is urgent. As Devki Patel of California shared:

"The NBCA support group has been my lifeline this past year as I've navigated bilateral PEs, lung infarcts, and heavy menstrual bleeding while on anticoagulants. This support group continues to teach and uplift me! I am also donating in honor of my brother Neil Patel who died of a PE. Thank you to Leslie, Todd, everyone at NBCA, and all the wonderful members of the support group!”

⏰ Haven't donated yet? Now is the perfect time. We need to raise $42,500 from our community before Sept. 30, and NBCA President Leslie Lake will match every dollar — bringing us to the full $85,000 still needed to reach our goal.

➡️ Donate today and double your impact: Link in bio.

🎁 Each donation also enters you into our Friday swag giveaway — you could win NBCA gear as an extra thank you!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotFunding

🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join NBCA’s 6th Annua

🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join NBCA’s 6th Annual Race to Stop the Clot Fun Run!

In recognition of World Thrombosis Day on October 13, we’re encouraging our community to move, connect, and raise awareness about blood clots.

Walk or run the distance of your choice — 1 mile, 5k, or 10k — and participate from anywhere between October 10–13.

💥 Your registration fee and any funds you raise before Sept. 30 will count toward our summer fundraising campaign and will be matched! 💥

🔗 Register: bit.ly/NBCAFunRun2025

Together, we can Stop the Clot and celebrate a healthier, more aware community!

#StopTheClot #NBCAFunRun #BloodClotAwareness #WorldThrombosisDay

The stress of a new blood clot diagnosis can be as

The stress of a new blood clot diagnosis can be as devastating as that of a cancer diagnosis, but you don’t have to face it alone.

If you or a loved one is grappling with a recent DVT, PE, or CVST diagnosis, join our September PEP Talk webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. ET to get support, learn about your condition, and ask questions.

Diane Wirth, nurse practitioner and member of NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, joins us to help you move forward with confidence.

If you can’t attend the live webinar, register anyway to receive the recording in your inbox.

Reserve your spot at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Season 2, Epis

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Season 2, Episode 12 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from Omari Maynard of New York City. When Omari returned home from the hospital with his life partner, Shamony Gibson, after her second birth, he never expected to be a single father just 13 days later.

On September 23, 2019, Shamony safely delivered a healthy baby boy, Khari, via an unplanned cesarean section. But during recovery she experienced shortness of breath and chest pains.

Omari and Shamony were informed on blood clots. In fact, Shamony’s mother, Shawnee Benton Gibson, is a community leader and reproductive justice activist. But they followed the guidance they were given by Shamony’s medical team.

After Shamony’s death, Omari and Shawnee formed the ARIAH Foundation (Advancement of Reproductive Innovation Through Artistry and Healing) to spread awareness.

Shamony’s story is featured in a 2022 documentary, Aftershock, available on Hulu.

Thank you, Omari for sharing your story and helping raise awareness. Listen to his journey on our website (link in bio) or wherever you get your podcasts.

@theariahfoundation

#StopTheClot #TakingABreath #BloodClotPodcast #BloodClotPrevention #BloodClotAwareness

Days after a C-section, Carlie felt breathless an

Days after a C-section, Carlie felt breathless and couldn’t lie flat. A CT scan revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli, likely linked to pregnancy/C-section, with type 1 diabetes adding risk. Her message: don’t dismiss postpartum symptoms. If something feels off, get checked.

More stories: 🔗 in bio.

#StopTheClot

If you’ve had a blood clot, what symptoms did yo

If you’ve had a blood clot, what symptoms did you experience? Were you misdiagnosed at first?

Because blood clot symptoms often mimic other conditions, there are often delays in diagnosis. Sharing your story can help others know when to seek life-saving treatment as well as offer much-needed comfort.

Be an advocate for awareness — your story is your strength!

🔗 Share your story: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot

Meghan survived two pulmonary emboli in four years

Meghan survived two pulmonary emboli in four years. The first was linked to birth control, the second was triggered by travel. She’s using her journey to remind others: never ignore symptoms, and if a doctor tells you to “just deal with it,” find one who will listen.

🔗 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop

🏅Countdown to race day! In November, Team Stop the Clot will hit the streets for the 2025 @nycmarathon and their training is in high gear.

Over the next couple months, we’re introducing you to the inspiring runners who are clocking the miles, sharing their stories, and raising funds for NBCA.

🏃‍♀️ Cameron Park of Charlotte, NC shares why he’s running for Team Stop the Clot:

“In 2023, my sister and I ran the NYC Marathon on Team Stop the Clot, raising over $9,000 to support their mission. This cause has personal significance for us. We both have factor V Leiden and we ran in honor of our grandfather, who passed away from a blood clot. I am excited to once again have the chance to fundraise and run for Team Stop the Clot in 2025."

Leave an uplifting comment or donate: Link in bio

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #bloodclots #nycmarathon #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention

To show our gratitude for everyone who has support

To show our gratitude for everyone who has supported our summer fundraising campaign, we’re giving away Stop the Clot gear every week through September 30!

📣 Our third winner is Joel Blackstock of Birmingham, AL, who gets a n NBCA backpack. Congratulations!

You can enter TWO ways:

1️⃣ Donate: Every donation = 1 entry. Already donated? You’re in! Want better odds? Make another gift to boost your chances!

2️⃣ Share & Like: Share and like this post = 1 entry.

Giveaway Details:

Winners are announced every Friday.

All donations support NBCA’s mission to raise awareness, provide patient support, and save lives.

Thanks to our matching campaign, your gift goes 2X s far through September 30. (It could go 3X as far if your employer has a matching gift program!)

Don't miss your chance to win Stop the Clot swag and make a meaningful impact.

👇 Let us know you entered by commenting below!

🎁 Donate: Link in bio!

Blood clots can affect anyone—but hospitalized p

Blood clots can affect anyone—but hospitalized patients face a significantly higher risk due to factors like surgery, immobility, and underlying conditions—and early recognition can save lives.

That’s why we spent the day connecting with clinicians, staff, and community members at Hillcrest South today to share practical tips on prevention, early signs, and timely treatment.

A huge thank you to the Hillcrest team for welcoming our #StopTheClotBusTour and prioritizing patient safety!

🚍 Tomorrow, we continue this mission at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City—because when awareness hits the road, prevention takes hold.

#StopTheClot #VTEAwareness #PatientSafety #PreventionSavesLives #BloodClotAwareness #PatientEducation #CommunityHealth #StopTheClotSpreadTheWord @hillcresthealthcaresystem @integrishealth

The National Blood Clot Alliance was honor to spen

The National Blood Clot Alliance was honor to spend the day at the Oklahoma Heart Institute and Hillcrest Medical Center spreading blood clot awareness with our #StopTheClotBusTour. A huge thank you to the team @hillcresthealthcaresystem for welcoming us and helping us reach patients, families, staff, and visitors with life-saving blood clot information and resources.
It’s been a great reminder that awareness starts with conversation—every interaction is an opportunity to share insights, spark questions, and help others understand the risks, signs, and prevention of blood clots.
Excited to kick off day 2 today at Hillcrest South Campus, continuing our mission and connecting with more healthcare professionals, patients, and community members to provide meaningful education. #stoptheclot #bloodclotawareness #vte #dvt #communityawareness

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was recently diagnos

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his throwing arm, a complication of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

After undergoing a procedure to dissolve the blood clot, the Phillies announced he will need thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which often involves rib removal to relieve pressure.

TOS occurs when nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib are compressed, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or discoloration in the arm. Athletes in sports with repeated overhead movements, like baseball, are especially at risk.

🔗 Learn more about thoracic outlet syndrome, blood clots, and athletes from Dr. Caroline Cromwell of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #TOS #ThoracicOutletSyndrome #ZackWheeler

The Stop the Clot, Spread the Word Bus Tour is on

The Stop the Clot, Spread the Word Bus Tour is on the Move!

Yesterday, the Stop the Clot Bus Tour rolled into Tulsa, Oklahoma, visiting St. Francis Hospital to raise awareness and share life-saving information about blood clots.

Every stop is one step closer to breaking the silence around blood clots — a silent killer that takes too many lives simply because the risks, signs, and symptoms go unrecognized. Every conversation, every story, every life touched brings us closer to prevention.

A huge thank you to Shelly Sanders and the entire team at St. Francis Hospital for welcoming us and championing this mission. Together, we’re spreading the word—and saving lives.

Next stop… Oklahoma City! Because when awareness hits the road, prevention takes hold.

👉 Follow along at #StoptheClotSpreadtheWord #StopTheClotBusTour @saintfrancistulsa

Saru’s first blood clot went undiagnosed. Two ye

Saru’s first blood clot went undiagnosed. Two years later, in severe pain, she was diagnosed with a DVT. Despite treatment, new clots kept forming, leaving her worried about the future.

Read Saru’s full story and explore others: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots

🚍 From churches in the South to hospitals and h

🚍 From churches in the South to hospitals and health centers nationwide, the Stop the Clot Bus Tour is rolling forward.

It began in March with visits to Black churches, where conversations about clot risks and symptoms saved lives. Now, we’re expanding that mission and taking lifesaving education to more communities across the country. Because when awareness hits the road, prevention takes hold. ❤️

Every stop helps to shine a light around blood clots, a leading cause of preventable death because risks and symptoms go unrecognized.

👉 Follow the journey. Join the movement. Save lives.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotBusTour #StopTheClotSpreadTheWord

To show our gratitude for everyone who has support

To show our gratitude for everyone who has supported our summer fundraising campaign, we’re giving away Stop the Clot gear every week through September 30!

📣 Our second winner is David Adam of Clarence Center, NY, who gets a n NBCA beach towel. Congratulations!

You can enter TWO ways:

1️⃣ Donate: Every donation = 1 entry. Already donated? You’re in! Want better odds? Make another gift to boost your chances!

2️⃣ Share & Like: Share and like this post = 1 entry.

Giveaway Details:

Winners are announced every Friday.

All donations support NBCA’s mission to raise awareness, provide patient support, and save lives.

Thanks to our matching campaign, your gift goes 2X s far through September 30. (It could go 3X as far if your employer has a matching gift program!)

Don't miss your chance to win Stop the Clot swag and make a meaningful impact.

👇 Let us know you entered by commenting below!

🎁 Donate: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #FundraisingFriday #BloodClotAwareness

Rhonda walked into the ER with what turned out to

Rhonda walked into the ER with what turned out to be textbook signs of DVT and PE. She was later diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome and, after another clotting episode, received a venous stent in 2024.

👉 Her journey taught her two powerful lessons: advocate fiercely for your health, and keep living life without fear. You’re not a prisoner of this experience. Swipe through to read Rhonda’s full story and explore other stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #MayThurnerSyndrome

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