Many women worry that blood clots during period is a sign of something serious.
After all the news about cervical cancer and
abnormal pap smears, most women are on the offensive.
However, these changes do not always mean that something is wrong, or out of order. Blood clots during period can be completely normal. In most cases, this is simply your body passing blood too quickly.
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.
However, there are times when
menstrual blood clots should be a reason for concern. If you are passing clots that are bigger than a quarter on a regular basis, it could be a sign of something else.
In this case you should consult with your doctor immediately to find out the cause. The following conditions could be causing you to pass larger than normal clots.
Hormonal Changes Can Cause Blood Clots During Menstruation
The
menstruation cycle can be affected by fluctuations in 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 a
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, blood may pool inside before being passed on. The blood may begin to clot inside before passing, and you will see several large blood clots during period.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that 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.
In all of these cases, there are treatment options 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 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.