What Are The Reasons for Blood Clots During Periods?

It’s not uncommon for women to notice blood clots during their period. While the sight of a clot can be alarming at first, it’s usually a natural part of menstruation for many. But how do we know when blood clots are normal and when they indicate an issue? That’s where awareness around menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiative becomes essential. The more we talk about menstrual health, the easier it becomes for women and girls to recognize what’s normal and what’s not during their menstrual cycle.

Some people may experience small clots occasionally, while others may notice them more frequently. While this is often a normal response to the body shedding the uterine lining, understanding the underlying reasons can help ensure that it’s not a sign of something more serious.

In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the causes behind period blood clots, their link to overall menstrual health and hygiene, and when it might be time to consult a doctor.

Why Is It Important to Talk About Blood Clots During Periods?

Even today, discussions around periods are often surrounded by stigma or discomfort, preventing many from openly sharing or seeking help for unusual menstrual symptoms. Menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiative efforts are designed to empower young girls and women with knowledge and tools to manage their periods effectively and without fear.

One key step in promoting good menstrual health is to understand the different changes that take place during menstruation, including the presence of blood clots.

What Are These Blood Clots During Periods?

Blood clots during periods are thick, jelly-like blobs that come out along with menstrual blood. They are formed when blood pools and coagulates inside the uterus before exiting the body. This process is a result of your body’s natural clotting mechanism, which prevents excessive bleeding.

What Do These Blood Clot Look Like?

The blood clots during the period look like the following - 

• Dark red or maroon in colour
• Thick or gel-like in consistency
• May vary in size from specks to coin-sized clumps
  
  

These clots are usually more common on heavy flow days and are rarely a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.

What Causes Blood Clots During Periods?

There can be several causes behind period blood clots. While many of them are natural, some may indicate a need for medical attention. Below are some of the most common causes explained in simple terms:

1. Heavy Menstrual Flow (Menorrhagia)

When the uterus sheds a large amount of blood quickly, the body may not have enough time to produce anticoagulants (which prevent clotting), leading to the formation of clots.

What contributes to heavy flow?

• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain medications
• Stress or lifestyle factors

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle. An imbalance between these hormones can cause the uterine lining to build up excessively, leading to heavy bleeding and more clot formation.

Common triggers of hormonal imbalance:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Thyroid issues
• Stress or eating disorders

3. Uterine Fibroids

These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavier-than-normal bleeding, cramps, and large blood clots during periods.

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

• Pain during periods
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pressure or discomfort
  
  

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus starts growing outside it. This can cause abnormal bleeding, clotting, and severe pain during menstruation.

5. Miscarriage or Pregnancy Complications

In some cases, especially in early pregnancy, blood clots during a period may actually be a sign of a miscarriage. If you suspect this, seek medical help immediately.

6. Adenomyosis

This is a condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing painful and heavy periods. Adenomyosis may also lead to clot formation during menstruation.

What Are the Common Symptoms That Come With Blood Clots During Periods?

Sometimes clots are just one part of the bigger picture. Here are a few symptoms that often occur along with blood clots:

• Heavy menstrual flow (changing pads/tampons every 1–2 hours)
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Severe cramps in the lower abdomen or back
• Longer than normal periods
• Painful bowel movements during menstruation
  
  

What Can You Do To Manage Blood Clots During Periods?

While occasional clots are usually nothing to worry about, managing them can help ease discomfort and improve your overall menstrual health and hygiene. Here are some effective ways to do so:

1. Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Keep a menstrual health journal. Track the days of heavy flow, size and frequency of clots, and associated symptoms. This can help identify any patterns and alert you to abnormalities.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins
• Avoid excessive caffeine and processed foods
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly to support hormonal balance

3. Use Heat Therapy

A heating pad on your lower abdomen or back can ease cramps and improve blood circulation, reducing the chances of clot formation.

4. Try Gentle Exercise or Yoga

Light physical activity can relieve menstrual cramps and support the body's natural detoxification process.

5. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can disrupt your hormones and worsen period symptoms. Practice mindfulness, journaling, or deep breathing to keep stress at bay.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While most blood clots during periods are benign, there are certain signs that suggest you should see a doctor. These include:

• Clots larger than a quarter or a coin
• Needing to change sanitary products every hour
• Periods lasting more than 7 days consistently
• Severe pain that disrupts daily life
• Sudden change in menstrual patterns
• Bleeding between periods

What Are The Conditions That May Require Medical Treatment?

Some medical conditions that could be behind abnormal clotting include:

Endometriosis

• Causes tissue to grow outside the uterus
• May require medication or surgical intervention

Fibroids

• Treated with hormonal therapy, surgery, or other medical procedures

Blood Clotting Disorders

• Some individuals have underlying clotting conditions that need medical evaluation

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Needs hormonal treatment and lifestyle changes

Thyroid Dysfunction

• Can be treated with medication once diagnosed

The Link Between Menstrual Health and Blood Clots

Menstrual clots are a reflection of your body’s internal changes and how it handles the shedding of the uterine lining. Recognizing what’s normal and what’s not is a vital part of menstrual health.

Menstrual health and menstrual hygiene initiatives are not just about using the right sanitary products or talking about pads and tampons. It’s also about encouraging women to understand the patterns of their periods, the symptoms that come with them, and the red flags to watch out for. Empowerment begins with awareness.

Whether it's blood clots, heavy flow, or cramps, every woman deserves the knowledge to make informed choices about her health. If you’re noticing something that feels different or off, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talking to a gynaecologist can give you peace of mind and ensure that you’re taking the right steps toward overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

We believe that understanding menstrual health is the first step to breaking taboos and creating a safer, healthier world for every girl.

If you're reading this, take it as a sign to start a conversation; be it with your sister, your daughter, your friend, or even your doctor. Let's normalise speaking about menstrual health, including the not-so-talked-about topics like blood clots during periods. This way we can ensure that no girl feels confused or scared about what’s happening in her own body.