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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Drinking enough water thins your blood, allowing the menstrual blood to flow freely without clots.
A balanced diet packed with nutrients regulates your cycle naturally. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains help regulate hormonal balance and reduce heavy bleeding.
Stress often takes a toll on us, resulting in heavier bleeding at times. Make time to decompress through meditation, yoga, or other methods.
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.