Causes Of Menstrual Clots
During menstruation, the endometrial cells that line the uterus strip away and leave the body.
As this happens, the body releases proteins that cause the blood in the uterus to coagulate. This coagulation prevents the blood vessels in the uterine lining from continuing to bleed.
The blood that the body has already shed also contains these coagulation proteins.
When the flow is most substantial, the coagulation proteins within the blood may start to clump together, resulting in menstrual clots.
Although it is normal to have clots in the blood during menstruation, this symptom can sometimes signal a medical issue. It is advisable to seek medical advice if the clots:
- are larger than a quarter in size
- are very frequent
- occur with an abnormally heavy flow that requires a person to change their pad or tampon at least every 12 hours
- occur with significant pain
The following conditions may cause abnormal menstrual clots:
Nearing 40 Expect Changes To Your Period
Chances are youve been managing, trackingand perhaps lamentingyour period for decades. And you may know your menstrual cycle well. But dont get too comfortable change is likely just around the corner.
Some women believe their period changes after pregnancy. But its our age that affects our menstrual cycle, explains , OB/GYN at Main Line Health. Around age 40, expect to see some changes in your period.
Heres whats possible:
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What Causes Blood Clots During Period With Pain
If you have prolonged periods and pain, then it may be due to an infection, endometriosis, adenomyosis or a sign of dysmenorrhea. Both adenomyosis and endometriosis can cause period blood clots with pain. However, this can be relieved with analgesics like ibuprofen or naproxen. If you have an infection, then antibiotics and pain relief drugs will help.
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Is My Period Bleeding Heavy
Heavy period bleeding is common. This doesnât mean you should just live with it, because it can have negative impacts on your health. That is why healthcare providers call it âabnormal uterine bleedingâ . Heavy bleeding includes any of the following :
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Soaking one or more tampons or pads in an hour for two or more hours
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Clots larger than a quarter
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Vaginal bleeding lasting longer than 7 days
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Needing to change pad/tampon/cup during the night
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Needing to wear more than one pad at a time
Period Blood Clots: The Takeaway
Experiencing blood clots while on your period isnt uncommon, and usually, its not a cause for concern. Even if blood clots during a period are accompanied by some pain, there isnt necessarily any need to worry.
However, there are certain situations in which you may want to start logging your blood clots with your periods. This could relate to blood clot size or other symptoms you may be experiencing, like those associated with heavy bleeding or anemia.
If youre worrying about questions such as how many blood clots are normal during my period? it might help to start tracking your menstrual symptoms and cycles. You can use a period tracker like Flo since you can note down flow intensity and log any premenstrual syndrome symptoms on it. This helps you understand what typical looks like for you and means you can clock any changes to your period from one month to the next.
Experts recommend that you see a doctor for blood clots during a period if youre experiencing excessive bleeding or if your period is accompanied by pain that gets in the way of daily activities. Your doctor should be able to reassure you if you have any concerns by prescribing medications and ruling out any other issues that may be causing blood clots during your period.
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Do All Women Get Period Blood Clots
In short, no. It really depends on individual chemistry and whether they have a heavy or light period, Wysocki says. And you might not always get them, either it isnt unusual to experience clots sporadically throughout your years of menstruation. Interestingly enough, you might notice period clots during the first and last years of your period. Its not unusual for women to have heavy, heavy bleeding during puberty, which could likely involve clotting, Wysocki says.
On the other end of the spectrum are perimenopausal women, whose ovulation and menstruation are beginning to occur further apart . When you finally do start bleeding at that stage, your periods may be heavier than youre used to and contain period blood clots.
Are Period Blood Clots Normal
Our blood is made up of two components: plasma and formed elements. There are three components that make up the formed elements: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The red blood cells make up the vast majority of the formed elements and are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout our bodies.
Hemoglobin and iron are critical components of the red blood cells, and when too many red blood cells are lost each month with a womans period, her ability to provide oxygen and important nutrients throughout her body is compromised. This condition is called anemia and results in a number of symptoms including significant fatigue, lightheadedness/dizziness, and migraine-like headaches.
Because of the way our body is designed, blood clots will form as a result of a reaction between plasma and platelets when a certain amount of blood stays in one spot for a length of time.
During a womans menstrual cycle it is not unusual for period clots to form, especially if she experiences heavy bleeding. Women form these period clots on their heaviest flow days, usually after the first day, when the blood will collect inside the uterus and a blood clot will form.
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Blood Clots During Periods: Is That Normal
We’ve all been there. We’re on our period, just like every other month, and suddenly we start to notice some clumps in our period flow. Is that normal? Do I need to be worried? Youll have all sorts of questions going through your mind at that time. And we dont blame you. It can be quite terrifying to see clumps of thick blood in your underwear.
So in this blog post, we’ll take a look at what might be causing your blood clots during your period and whether or not you should be concerned. Next time they happen, you can rest assured that you’re prepared with the information and knowledge to handle it confidently.
Pay Attention To Your Bodys Signals
Your period can be an indicator of your reproductive health. Paying attention to this each month will help you identify concerns, including blood clots. While some are normal, their continued presence can be a sign of uterine fibroids. The good news is that our office is well-equipped to treat fibroids with UFE, a minimally invasive therapy with fantastic results.
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Whats Considered A Heavy Period
You might be surprised to learn that about one in five women experience menorrhagia, the medical term for heavy periods. Because each womans period is unique, it can be tricky to know if what you think is normal for your cycle is actually excessive bleeding. In fact, half of women who experience menorrhagia dont realize they have it.
While the best way to know if your heavy periods are chronic is to talk to a doctor, you can keep an eye out for some common symptoms of menorrhagia.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, any of the following is considered a symptom of heavy bleeding:
- Bleeding for more than seven days
- Blood soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour
- You need to change your pad or tampon during the night
- You need to double up on protection to keep from leaking
- The blood clots in your flow are the size of a quarter or larger
What Causes Period Blood Clots During Your Cycle
First, a mini primer on blood clots in general. When you think about clots of blood, you might imagine the kind that come together when you have a cut. Your body springs into action, combining enough platelets and proteins from plasma to plug the injured blood vessel.1 This is how clots help to stop bleeding.
Blood can also clot in your veins, especially if you have risk factors like being pregnant, which causes hormone changes that increase your blood clot risk, or recently having surgery, because moving less also contributes to this health hazard. These clots can dissipate without harm, but sometimes they can be life-threatening.
The blood clots that can emerge from your during your period are a bit different than these other types, though. Menstrual blood clots are composed of the endometrial lining that builds up in your uterus in preparation for pregnancy, then sloughs off during your period when you dont conceive.
Clots are normal, but they typically happen when a has a heavy flow, G. Thomas Ruiz, M.D.,2 lead ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SELF.
This is in part because a gushing period prompts your body to form clots so you dont lose more blood than you should . Also, the opening of your cervix is pretty small. If you have a substantial flow, that allows the blood to build up in your uterus, Dr. Ruiz explains, giving components like platelets and plasma proteins time to congeal.
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What Tests Might Be Needed For Heavy Periods
Your doctor might do or advise one or more of the following tests:
- An examination to see whether the bleeding is coming from your cervix, not your uterus. This is done in a similar way as a cervical smear or HPV screening test.
- Blood tests to look for anaemia, iron levels, thyroid disease or a bleeding disorder.
- An ultrasound of your uterus and ovaries to detect abnormalities in your uterus, such as polyps or fibroids.
- A cervical smear in which a sample of cells is collected from your cervix and then looked at to see if you have an infection, inflammation or changes in the cells that might be or cause cancer.
- A sample of the lining of the uterus to see whether there are any precancerous or cancerous changes.
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Blood Clots During Your Period
During your period or menstrual cycle, certain hormones in your body prompt the shedding of the lining that has built up in your uterus over the past 25 or so days. While this is happening, there are small blood vessels on the inside of the uterus that bleed, and your bodys natural healing properties kick in to prevent you from losing too much blood. Some of this blood along with some of the discarded uterine lining can form clots.
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Diagnosing Heavy Bleeding And Clotting
Are Blood Clots In The Period Serious
In most cases, blood clots in menstruation are not serious. Blood clots or loose pieces of flesh should not worry you, especially if they are smaller than 2.5 cm. If they are larger than that, seek professional advice. Also, if you experience bleeding during pregnancy or menopause, see your doctor even if the discharge does not contain blood clots.
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When Might You Need To See A Doctor
If youre feeling concerned about the size, shape, or number of clots youre passing during a period, try not to panic. Dr. Twogood advises trying to quantify the clots and total blood loss and then talking through this information with a health care professional. You can use an app like Flo to help you track period symptoms like these.
In particular, Dr. Twogood recommends seeking medical help if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Regularly passing period clots larger than an inch in diameter
- Bleeding through a tampon or pad in less than an hour
- Having to change period products multiple times in the middle of the night
- Symptoms of anemia, like significant fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or frequent headaches
- Pain that gets in the way of normal daily activities and is not alleviated by common measures like over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes
Remember that you can always book a checkup if youre concerned or unsure about whats typical and what isnt.
Other Causes Of Period Blood Clots
There are other potential medical causes of period blood clots that you may wish to investigate. Just remember that while its helpful to be aware of what period blood clots can mean, only your doctor can diagnose you with any of the below issues, so try not to worry too much before booking an appointment.
- Uterine fibroids
- Certain medicines you might be taking
- If youre experiencing symptoms such as heavy periods, easy bruising, and recurrent nosebleeds, you could have a bleeding disorder.
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Are Period Blood Clots Typical
Have you ever wondered what exactly is in your tampon, cup, or pad? Throughout your period, you will bleed about 2-3 tablespoons of blood. This includes the uterine lining, which is made of cells similar to skin cells, blood vessels, and glands . Every period is unique and each varies in frequency, heaviness, color, and texture. Clots or clumps on the heaviest days of a period may be typical for some people. Period blood clots can appear like clumps or chunks of blood, and/or a jelly-like consistency and can vary in size and number.
It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider if you have clots that are 1 inch in length or larger .
Very Large Blood Clots Is It Normal Sometimes
No. If you experience very large blood clots during your period, then you should book an appointment with your doctor. Very large blood clots may be due to
- Fibroid if less than 40 years
- Cancer or endometrial thickening if you are more than 40 years
Now its your turn. Do you have prolonged bleeding with clots? Let us know if we can help.
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Hormonal Contraceptives And Other Medications
Hormonal contraceptives can inhibit the growth of the uterine lining. A progestin-releasing intrauterine device may reduce menstrual blood flow by .
Hormonal contraceptives also can be beneficial in slowing the growth of fibroids and other uterine adhesions.
For women who cant or dont want to use hormones, a common option is the medication tranexamic acid , which affects blood clotting.
Your Periods May Get Lighter
About 60 percent of women older than age 40 begin to experience lighter and more manageable periods, explains Dr. Einhorn. Having very light periods or even skipping a period is normal and no reason for concern. Just enjoy having a cycle thats a little easier to handle. Even if your period is irregular or barely there, you can still get pregnant. You wont officially reach menopause until its been a year since your last period, which occurs on average around age 50.
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Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids
A blockage in the uterus may stop it from contracting as it should, meaning that it cannot force the blood out as quickly as usual. The blood will leave the body more slowly so it will have more time to pool and form clumps.
The blockage can also cause a heavier flow, which results in more blood pooling.
Blockages may occur as a result of growths in the uterus. These include uterine polyps and fibroids, which are not cancerous but can cause other health issues without proper management.
Uterine polyps and fibroids consist of either endometrial or muscular tissue that grows in the uterine wall. They can cause symptoms such as: