Are menstrual blood clots normal and why do they occur?
Just like us, our periods are unique. Some people are used to living with small blood clots during their periods, but for others, a blood clot as the first symptom of a menstrual period can cause sudden panic.
The good news is that blood clots during menstruation are quite common and usually no cause for alarm.
What is a menstrual blood clot?
Simple answer: Clots are small droplets of clotted blood and tissue that are expelled from your uterus during menstruation. They generally have a 'gel-like' consistency, resembling 'the fruit lumps we see in jams' or 'bits of liver or meat', and range in color from bright to dark red.
What causes menstrual blood to clot?
During each menstrual cycle, your uterine lining sheds and mixes with blood, tissue and mucus. This mixture then accumulates in the lower part of the uterus before being expelled through the vagina and expelled when the time comes; This is what you consider to be your menstrual period.
To help this thickened blood and tissue be expelled easily, your body secretes substances that prevent blood clotting. However, if your blood flow is faster and more intense than your body's ability to produce these anti-clotting substances, blood clots form during menstruation.
In summary; The more intense your period is, the more likely you are to experience a blood clot.
Are menstrual blood clots normal?
'Yes, it's normal', in a healthy cycle, you'll only see blood clots occasionally. These usually occur at the beginning of your period and are about the size of a 10-cent coin. If this applies to you, you probably have nothing to worry about.
However, if blood clots occur regularly, this may be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment. If you're worried, go to your doctor to get it checked.
What medical conditions can cause blood clots during menstruation?
Although the main cause of blood clots is usually a heavy menstrual period, some other conditions can cause clots to form more frequently. To summarize these situations:
- Fibroids: Fibroids are muscular tumors (typically non-cancerous) that grow in the uterine wall. They can cause heavy or irregular bleeding, pain during sex, lower back pain, fertility problems, and abdominal bloating. They become more common as we age.
- Endometriosis occurs when cells lining the lining of the uterus, called endometrial cells, grow outside the uterus in a place where they should not be. It often causes painful menstrual periods, pain during sex, fertility problems, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the menstrual period.
- Adenomyosis often causes longer menstrual periods and heavy bleeding.
- Cancer: Cancer in the reproductive organs is a rare cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Hormonal imbalance: A common symptom of hormonal imbalance is irregular menstrual periods. In this case, your menstrual period may be more frequent, less frequent, shorter or longer than usual. Unbalanced levels of estrogen or progesterone can also cause heavy bleeding.
- Miscarriage: Early pregnancy loss (often before you even realize you're pregnant) can cause heavy bleeding, cramps, and blood clots.
What should you do if you're worried about blood clots?
Dealing with blood clots during your period can be frustrating. However, it is easier if you are wearing Modibodi Menstrual Panties . The super absorbent lining will absorb excess blood and prevent clots from leaking out. When you encounter clots, you can easily wipe the clots from your laundry and continue using your laundry until its capacity is full.
If Period Panties aren't working and your menstrual blood clots are larger than 2cm in diameter or you frequently experience blood clots during your period, it's a good idea to seek medical advice.
If you may be pregnant and experience a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately; because this could be an indication that you are having a miscarriage.
