Period blood is a combination of uterus outer lining tissues, blood cells, and other proteins found in the blood. Sometimes, you may notice thick bleeding clots during periods, but it is normal.
During periods, menstrual blood lumps are like the blood clot that occurs in open wounds. The clots with jelly-like consistency help prevent more than the usual blood loss and are part of the body's defense mechanism.
Reasons for Blood Clots during Period
Every month the uterus prepares a thick lining of tissues for the zygote (fertilized egg), which later turns into a fetus. When sperm fertilizes an egg, it forms a zygote in the uterus. When fertilization does not happen, this lining is shed in blood. This causes periods in women every month. Some may even experience thick clumps along with the blood.
The reason behind this clot is— to save the body from excessive blood loss due to heavy flow; proteins in the blood coagulate to form thick clots or fleshy tissues during the period. This is why many experience menstrual bleeding with clots.
Also Read: How Sesame Seeds Benefit during Periods
When Heavy Periods With Blood Clots are Not Normal?
The standard period clot's size should usually be less than a quarter, bright or deep red, and should typically last for initial 2-3 days of periods when bleeding is heavy.
One should only be concerned if anything is different from the description mentioned above. Following are some symptoms that indicate abnormality:
- Period blood clots larger than a quarter.
- Golf ball-sized blood clots during period.
- Erratic or infrequent periods. The average cycle is of 22 - 28 days.
- A blood flow requires you to change sanitary napkins every 2-3 hours.
- Unbearable pain during periods.
Read on How Ginger Helps in Reducing Period Cramps
If ignored, large pieces of tissue during menstruation than standard size and increased blood loss can also cause amnesia and result in:
- Fatigue and weaknesses
- Pale skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that indicate an abnormality, different from normal blood clots during periods.
Also Read: PCOS and Periods
Medical Conditions Causing Big Clots in Period
Some medical conditions that cause large blood clots during periods are:
Fibroids Causes Big Clots in Periods:
Fibroids are tumors that typically grow in the uterine wall. They are non-cancerous and generally affect women above 50. The root cause for fibroids is still unknown, but hormonal imbalance is considered one of the primary reasons.
Hormonal Imbalance Leads to Big Clots in Periods:
The two hormones responsible for maintaining the menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone. Any imbalance between them will lead to heavy blood flow and big blood clots period.
Big Clots in Periods is caused by Endometriosis:
In this condition, the outer layer of the uterus, i.e., the endometrium, grows in the reproductive tract. Pelvic surgery like cesarean is regarded as one of the endometrium causes.
Adenomyosis is Responsible for Big Clots in Periods:
The uterine lining grows into the uterine wall and results in an enlarged and thick uterus. This condition is known as adenomyosis. The uterus enlarges two to three times its normal size in this condition.
Uterine Obstructions Causes Big Clots in Periods:
Period blood is pushed out of the vagina through uterine contractions. When this mechanism is affected, blood clots get coagulated in the uterine cavity and expelled later. Extra pressure on the uterine wall may also be one of the causes of blood clots during periods.
Cancer also Causes Big Clots in Periods:
Cancer tumors in the uterus and cervix can also cause abnormal menstrual clots. However, this rarely happens.
Also Read: White Discharge Before Periods
Medical Treatments for Abnormal Bleeding Clots During Periods
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in the previous sections, immediately consult a doctor. They may recommend one or more of the following treatment methods:
Medicines for Hormonal Balance can Cure Abnormal Bleeding Clots During Periods:
These medicines help regulate estrogen and progesterone secretion. They also keep period blood flow in check.
Birth Control Helps to Treat Abnormal Bleeding Clots During Periods:
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have progestin which produces a similar effect as progesterone; therefore, this birth control can also control blood flow. Certain birth control pills are also effective against a heavy period flow.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs Treat Abnormal Bleeding Clots During Periods:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce period pain, cramps, and discomfort.
Iron Supplements Helps to Cure Abnormal Bleeding Clots During Periods:
To make up for the blood loss, doctors may also prescribe regular iron supplements.
Also Read: Cinnamon for Periods
Home Remedies for Big Blood Clots Periods and what you can do about it?
Doctors also recommend making some lifestyle changes to control period clots. A few of them are:
- Drink 2-3 liters of water daily.
- Eat a healthy diet, especially iron-rich food.
- Statistics prove that almost 50% of women are anemic or struggle with an iron deficiency, especially when pregnant. This is why eating iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, raisins, apricots, peas, and red meat like lamb, mutton, and pork reduces clotting.
- Do not take aspirin to reduce pain. This medicine increases blood flow.
- Exercise regularly per your capacity, even if that means walking for about 20-25 minutes daily.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/psb.846
