The menstruation does not register important modifications during a woman’s reproductive years unless some kind of disease or pregnancy-induced change occur.
This is why many women worry that blood clots during the period are a sign of something serious. The new wave of information focusing on cervical cancer and abnormal pap smears results created the urge to analyzing any change in what women consider normal about their period.
However, these changes do not always mean that something is wrong, or out of order. For example blood clots during the period can be completely normal and not necessarily related to some mysterious manifestation of a scary disease.
Normal blood clots during period
During your period, your body will release anticoagulants that keep the blood fluid and thinned.
However, if your flow is extremely strong, the blood may pass before the anticoagulants can work. In this case, the blood may clot as it is passed.
Keep in mind that the thickness of the uterus lining is different from one month to the other hence the period may be heavier in some months, which can also contribute to the formation of period blood clots.
When should clots during period worry you?
There are times when menstrual blood clots should be a reason for concern. If you are passing large clots during the period, it could be a sign of something being wrong with your uterus lining and usually, this is accompanied by several different symptoms.
Passing large blood clots during the period on a regular basis is accompanied by large blood flow, painful menstrual cramps and a general feeling of discomfort.
Do not make assumptions by yourself because the cause can be anything from a uterine infection to a possible fibroid development, but only a doctor can decide over a diagnosis.
Hormonal changes as a cause for period blood clots
The menstruation cycle can be affected by fluctuations of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These hormones control how the body sheds the lining of the uterus. When these hormones get out of balance, the wall of the uterus can become very thick.
Once this occurs, you may experience a heavier flow and more menstrual blood clots. Hormonal changes can be caused by a number of things including menopause, excessive weight loss or gain, or as a result of some medications. In this situation, your doctor may put you on hormone therapy.
Enlarged uterus
During pregnancy, the uterus will become enlarged to accommodate the child you are carrying. After pregnancy, the uterus is supposed to shrink and go back to the normal size.
However, in some cases, this may not happen. If the uterus does not shrink, during menstruation, blood may pool inside before being passed. The blood may begin to clot inside before passing, and you will see several large blood clots during the period.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus which is supposed to grow inside the uterus, grows on the outside. This condition can be very serious and should be treated by a physician.
If this condition develops it can lead to a heavier flow, and excessive clotting during menstruation. This condition can be treated by medication in the early stages but may require surgery later in development.
Period blood clots and medical exams
In all of the above cases, several treatment options are available. However, a doctor will be required for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect that your menstruation cycle has changed or become heavier in the past few months, it is best to contact your physician or gynecologist.
Only they can confirm, through testing, whether the blood clots during the period you are experiencing are normal, or a sign of something more serious. This can usually be confirmed through a Pap smear, or ultrasound, conducted by your physician.
