Changes in pressure and menstrual flow

[ElizaDoolittle]

I'm a recent addition to the diving world, so I haven't had to dive while on my period. I'd like to know, how do pressure changes affect the flow, if at all?

I've only had one previous experience involving a big difference in pressure owing to altitude, when I spent a month near Titicaca Lake, Bolivia (around 3,800 m / 12,500 feet). I've always had moderate flow during my period, but when it happened there, I had to buy two new sets of trousers and knickers because no matter how often I changed my sanitary pads, they would be hugely overflown, and I run out of clean clothes. At last, I decided to stay for two whole days reading a novel while sitting on the loo until it subsided into something manageable. After that, I was left with something resembling one of my worst (longest, wettest) periods.

I don't know whether this is the normal reaction to altitude, but that's what happened to me. I believe that when diving I'd be in the opposite situation (more pressure, instead of less), but after that experience, I'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks!

 

[chillyinCanada]

I'm a recent addition to the diving world, so I haven't had to dive while on my period. I'd like to know, how do pressure changes affect the flow, if at all?

I've only had one previous experience involving a big difference in pressure owing to altitude, when I spent a month near Titicaca Lake, Bolivia (around 3,800 m / 12,500 feet). I've always had moderate flow during my period, but when it happened there, I had to buy two new sets of trousers and knickers because no matter how often I changed my sanitary pads, they would be hugely overflown, and I run out of clean clothes. At last, I decided to stay for two whole days reading a novel while sitting on the loo until it subsided into something manageable. After that, I was left with something resembling one of my worst (longest, wettest) periods.

I don't know whether this is the normal reaction to altitude, but that's what happened to me. I believe that when diving I'd be in the opposite situation (more pressure, instead of less), but after that experience, I'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks!

That sounds like a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage). Any possibility that you weren't pregnant at the time?

 

[Akimbo]

I'd like to know, how do pressure changes affect the flow, if at all?

Interesting. Ping: @Duke Dive Medicine

Thinking aloud, I imagine it would be difficult to determine what component, or combination, is causal. Normal individual variability, changes in exertion, PPO2, thermal stress...

 

[Marie13]

Do you have any history of cysts or endometriosis?

 

[chillyinCanada]

Do you have any history of cysts or endometriosis?

Fibroids

 

[Marie13]

Fibroids

Thank you! That’s the word I wanted.

 

[living4experiences]

For the medical side of it, sounds like you need to be checked by a doctor for what could be a whole host of problems. On the diving side of it, if you're a member of DAN, call them. They are a great resource. In the past when this was an issue for me, I would plan my diving around that time of the month. Thankfully, I no longer have to worry about it.

 

[chillyinCanada]

For the medical side of it, sounds like you need to be checked by a doctor for what could be a whole host of problems. On the diving side of it, if you're a member of DAN, call them. They are a great resource. In the past when this was an issue for me, I would plan my diving around that time of the month. Thankfully, I no longer have to worry about it.

That wasn't entirely because of concern when diving was it? More like preferring to be on vacation without having to fuss, am I right?

 

[Bubblesong]

The Mirena IUD will reduce that difficulty down to barely anything. Save yourself money and trouble.

 

[Esprise Me]

I dive on my period all the time. I'm prone to awful cramps; I have to use hormonal birth control to prevent the worst symptoms, and I still need ibuprofen to get through at least the first day. My normal flow is pretty heavy, but I haven't noticed any increase from diving. I actually find that getting in the water seems to help a little with the discomfort. Or maybe it's just a distraction.

I agree with those who think there was something else going on that time you had a heavy flow at altitude, and an early miscarriage would fit. I had a medication abortion once, which is physically very similar to a spontaneous miscarriage, and it was exactly as you describe. I felt like that elevator full of blood in The Shining.