Blood Clots During Periods

At some point in their lives, menstruating women experience blood clots during their period. Menstrual clots are thick, gel-like masses made up of coagulated blood and tissue shed from the uterus during menstruation. These clots are common and typically form when menstrual flow is heavy, as the body’s natural anticoagulants may not break down the blood fast enough. While clots are usually harmless, larger or more frequent clots may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common condition that is observed to be present in 24.1% of women, according to recent studies. Most blood clots in periods are normal, but if you have large blood clots and notice changes in your menstrual cycle, you should consult a healthcare provider.

This blog will discuss normal menstrual clots, potential underlying conditions, and heavy periods with blood clot treatment.

What Causes Normal Period Blood Clots?

During menstruation, the endometrial cells that line the uterus separate and exit the body. As the lining separates, small blood vessels known as capillaries rupture and bleed, resulting in your monthly flow.

As this occurs, the body produces proteins that cause the blood in the uterus to clot. These proteins are the clotting factors that produce fibrin, a fibrous substance that helps stabilize and strengthen clots. This coagulation prevents the uterine lining's blood vessels from bleeding any more.

These coagulation proteins are even found in the blood that has already been shed by the body.

When the flow is the most severe, coagulation proteins in the blood may begin to clump together, resulting in menstrual clots. Menstrual blood typically accumulates in the uterus or vagina before exiting the body.

How to Differentiate Between Normal Vs. Abnormal Period Blood Clots?

Many individuals are unable to distinguish between what is considered "normal" and what may raise concern regarding period clots. It is important to be aware of the many forms of blood clots that can occur during the period.

Don't be concerned if you observe small clots on occasion. These tiny clots, which appear bright or dark red, are generally present during the menstrual cycle.

On the other hand, if you get larger blood clots in periods that reach the size of a quarter on a regular basis, it may signal an underlying medical concern. 

If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, you should always visit a doctor. Heavy menstrual bleeding occurs when you have to soak in one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour several times.

Causes of Blood Clots during Menstruation

Physical and hormonal factors might affect your menstrual cycle, resulting in a heavy flow. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days or is severe. These heavy menstrual flows raise your risk of acquiring menstrual clots. 

Depending on your age as well as medical history, there are numerous conditions connected with heavy menstrual flow with blood clots, including:

• Uterine fibroids: These common, benign (noncancerous) uterine growths frequently result in heavy bleeding.
• Menopause: Hormonal imbalances can produce irregular and even severe bleeding.
• Thyroid Disease: Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), as well as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disturb the hormonal balance and cause excessive bleeding.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disease is characterized by irregular bleeding and a number of small cysts in the ovaries. However, bleeding can be heavy.
• Endometriosis: In this condition, endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, resulting in adhesions (stuck-together tissues), pain, and irregular bleeding.
• Adenomyosis: It occurs when endometrial tissue develops into the uterine wall, leaving it susceptible to heavy bleeding when the lining sheds.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: This is a potentially fatal condition in which a fetus implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
• Uterine or Cervical Cancer: Abnormal menstrual flow and blood clots may be caused by uterine or cervical cancer.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Consult your doctor right away if you have any of the following abnormal period symptoms:

• Blood clots that are larger than a quarter.
• There is an excessive number of clots.
• Menstrual bleeding is heavy, necessitating the replacement of your tampon or pad every two hours or less.
• Bleeding lasts more than seven days.
• You have severe abdominal discomfort accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Treatment of Heavy Periods with Blood Clots

The most effective way to prevent period clots is to limit heavy menstrual bleeding. This can be accomplished by the following treatment of menstruation flow with blood clots:

Hormonal Contraceptives & Other Drugs

Hormonal contraceptives can prevent the lining of your uterus from growing. A progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) may lower menstrual blood flow by 90%, whereas birth control tablets may reduce it by 50%.

Hormonal contraceptives can also help reduce the formation of fibroids and other uterine adhesions.

Women who are unable or unwilling to use hormones may benefit from the drug tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Lysteda), which affects blood clotting. The doctor may also prescribe iron supplements when you ask for heavy periods with blood clots treatment. 

Surgery

If drugs are ineffective, or if a specific condition, such as fibroids, is causing the clots, surgery may be required. The type of surgery depends on what causes this issue:

Less Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive surgery involves minimal incisions (cuts) and few stitches. It involves making a few incisions in the body to eliminate polyps and other growths and help reduce heavy flow. 

• Hysteroscopy: This is a procedure in which a doctor uses a tiny camera to examine the uterus and remove minor growths, such as polyps or fibroids, that may be causing excessive bleeding.
• Endometrial Ablation: This technique removes or destroys the uterine lining to lessen or stop heavy bleeding.

Surgical Removal of Fibroids

Surgical removal of fibroids may be recommended to treat small fibroids that extend significantly into your uterus. Uterine fibroids can typically be treated surgically to ease pain, heavy bleeding, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

• Myomectomy: This process removes fibroids from the uterus while leaving the uterus intact, which is essential if you plan to have children in the future.
• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): It is a minimally invasive surgery that decreases fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, hence reducing bleeding and clotting.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the entire removal of the uterus. It is a permanent treatment that ceases periods and is usually considered after previous treatments haven't worked and you're done having children.

Managing the Symptoms of Blood Clots 

Managing blood clot symptoms during the menstrual cycle requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter medicines, and personalized treatment. Here are some strategies to help control your symptoms:

• Heat Therapy: Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen might help ease cramping and discomfort caused by heavy bleeding and clots.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Heavy bleeding can damage your physical health. Drink plenty of water and eat a well-balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods like quinoa, tofu, beef, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Take iron supplements if your doctor recommends them.
• Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help relieve menstruation pain and bleeding. They can also aid with clotting by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract.
• Wear Proper Protection: On heavy flow days, use high-absorbency pads or tampons to stay comfortable and avoid leaks.
• Rest And Relaxation: Taking time to rest, especially on the most difficult days of your period, may help manage symptoms and reduce stress, possibly reducing the severity of your period.

The Bottom Line!

Menstrual clots typically indicate heavy menstrual flow. Clots form when the uterine lining discharges excessive amounts of blood. When blood accumulates in the uterus or vagina, it starts to coagulate, similar to how it does on an open skin cut.

However, anyone who detects a pattern of heavy flow or clotting in addition to other symptoms should consult a doctor.

At Apollo Spectra, find an effective and successful heavy period with a blood clot treatment plan. We provide superior care to each patient based on their particular requirements. If you’re having blood clots during menstruation, the doctors at Apollo Spectra are some of the best specialists for treating this problem. Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive treatment plan!