What are Menstrual Blood Clots? Are They Normal During Periods?
Cramps, bloating, mood swings, and sometimes blood clots - these are all a part of the flux of physical and emotional changes that women have to deal with on their periods. For a lot of women, the presence of blood clots with menstruation leads to a lot of discomfort and even fear of something being wrong with their bodies. But we're here to tell you that while blood clots on periods might sometimes be concerning, they are typically normal and not indicative of any underlying health issues.
In this article, we’ll talk about what are menstrual blood clots, whether they’re natural during the period, and how normal blood clots are different from those indicative of health issues.
What Are Menstrual Blood Clots?
Menstrual blood clots are gel-like or jelly-like lumps that appear in menstrual blood. The clots are usually dark red or brown in colour. They vary in size and may be really small - dime-sized or quarter-sized - or bigger - over an inch in diameter. Generally, they are soft and squishy in consistency, but density can vary.
To understand how menstrual clots are formed, it is important to understand what is period or menstruation or menstrual cycle.
Periods involve the shedding of the thickened uterine lining (known as the endometrium) accompanied by blood, tissue fragments, and proteins that help regulate the viscosity of menstrual blood.
Occasionally, the menstrual blood can clump together inside the uterine cavity, forming clots of different sizes. Clotting is actually the body's way to slow down blood flow during your period. When the muscles contract in the uterus, the build-up clots and leftover blood are eventually pushed out of the body through the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and vagina.
Types of Menstrual Blood Clots
- Small Blood Clots: These are tiny, pea-sized clots that are often seen in menstrual blood. Generally, these are normal and you don’t need to worry about them.
- Medium-Sized Blood Clots: These are about the size of a grape or smaller. Although a bit larger than small clots, these are still normal for periods.
- Large Blood Clots: Blood clots that are larger than a grape or have a liver-like texture may be a symptom of heavy bleeding.
Are Blood Clots Normal on Your Period?
Passing small blood clots occasionally during your period poses no concern whatsoever. This simply means that your body is shedding a thicker uterine lining than normal menstrual blood, and you may only observe it at the start and end of your period or during the lighter days.
However, there are situations in which a visit to your doctor is a must. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Clot Size: If you consistently pass clots that are larger than a quarter, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
- Colour: If the colour of your menstrual blood and the clot is bright red, it usually means the bleeding is fresh and heavy, which may be a cause of concern.
- Frequency: If you are passing big clots every few hours, it can also be a sign of an underlying condition.
- Bleeding Severity: When your flow is so heavy that you soak through a sanitary pad or tampon hour after hour, it’s likely to be accompanied with large clots.
- Odour: Clots in period blood with a bad odour suggest that you might have an infection and are likely to require medical treatment.
If you’re bleeding excessively, finding it hard to breathe, feeling dizzy and fatigued, and experiencing unbearable pain or cramps, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional and get checked for any problems.
How Do I Stop Blood Clots in My Period?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent blood clots during your period, there are several strategies you can try to help reduce their occurrence:
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water thins your blood, allowing the menstrual blood to flow freely without clots.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet packed with nutrients regulates your cycle naturally. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains help regulate hormonal balance and reduce heavy bleeding.
- Manage Stress
Stress often takes a toll on us, resulting in heavier bleeding at times. Make time to decompress through meditation, yoga, or other methods.
- Consider Birth Control
Hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce heavy bleeding and clotting in some cases. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this option suits your needs and symptoms.
Enjoy Worry-Free Period with Azah, No Matter the Flow
While you can't completely prevent blood clots, Azah products can help you manage your period and blood clots comfortably and confidently.
Azah Rash-Free Sanitary Pads
If you prefer sanitary pads, Azah's ultra-absorbent and rash-free pads come in various sizes to handle your flow, whether it's light or heavy.
Azah Leak-Proof Disposable Period Panty
Azah disposable period panties provide 360 degree protection and a snug panty-like fit, handling both heavy flow and blood clots effectively.
Azah Menstrual Cups
For a reusable option, Azah menstrual cup with an integrated pull out ring is a great choice. They collect your period blood, including clots, without leaks or discomfort.
Manage Your Period With Confidence
The existence of menstrual blood clots is usually considered a normal part of periods. You can easily manage your heavy flow with Azah menstrual products which offer a leak-proof period experience. However, the formation of blood clots may in some cases reflect abnormal bleeding or disorders. So it is important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you experience any severe symptoms during menstruation.
FAQs
Q: Can sanitary pads absorb blood clots?
Ans: Yes, sanitary pads can absorb small blood clots. However, for bigger clots, disposable period panties or menstrual cups are more suitable.
Q: What do endometriosis clots look like?
Ans: Endometriosis clots are much larger than normal menstrual blood clots. They are fibrous or shredded blood clots that often appear brown or black due to older blood.
Q: What do fibroid blood clots look like?
Ans: Fibroid blood clots can occur in women with uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. These clots can look different in size and appearance, but they're often dense or fibrous.