Menstruation is a natural and essential part of a woman’s reproductive cycle. During periods apart from free-flowing blood, there can be an occurrence of blood clots too. However, the sight of period blood clots can be alarming, raising questions about what is normal and what may be a cause for concern.
Why does one see Period Blood Clots?
During menstruation, the hormones cause the lining of the uterus to begin shedding. To prevent your body from losing too much blood, plasma and platelets work together to form blood clots.They are similar to the blood clots one can see after a cut in the skin, but since the blood flow is more the size can be huge. One can notice bright red, or dark maroon blood clots at various times of the period.
Are Period blood clots normal?
It’s important to take note of the size and frequency of clots with period blood clots. Small and infrequent clotsare usually not a cause for concern, while larger and frequent blood clots may indicate an underlying health condition and warrant a checkup.
Some situations where one should consult a gynaecologist include:
- Clots Larger Than a Quarter: Regularly passing clots larger than a quarter (the size of a golf ball) may indicate an underlying problem.
- Heavy Bleeding: Menorrhagia, or abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, can signal various health conditions. Soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours requires consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Prolonged Periods: Menstrual periods lasting more than seven days or occurring more frequently than every 21 days can signal an underlying issue.
- Other Symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue, or other unusual symptoms along with heavy bleeding and large clots, should also alert one to consult a doctor.
What are the Potential Causes of Abnormal Period blood clots?
Several conditions that can cause abnormal clotting during menstruation include:
- Uterine Fibroids-These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy bleeding and clots.
- Endometriosis- Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and heavy periods.
- Imbalance in female hormones- Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and imbalances can lead to heavy bleeding and clotting.
- Thyroid disorders
- Miscarriage-Heavy bleeding and clots can indicate an early pregnancy loss
- Blood Disorders: Conditions that affect blood clotting can cause abnormal menstrual bleeding.
- Cervical cancer
While period blood clots can be a normal part of menstruation, it’s essential to be aware of what is typical for your body. Monitoring the size, frequency, and accompanying symptoms of clots can help determine whether a visit to the healthcare provider is necessary. When in doubt, consulting with a healthcare professional is always the best course of action to ensure your menstrual health and overall well-being.
