Markethealthbeauty.com – Period blood clots are experienced by most women during their lives. It is something like gel blobs of coagulated blood and tissue that are released from the uterus during the period. It also looks like stewed strawberries or fruit clumps you may find in a jam. The colors vary from bright red to dark one.
Normal vs. Abnormal period blood clots
The most common shape of period clots is small and it appears occasionally. This is the clots you do not need to worry about. But if it is shaped in your veins and it happens regularly during your menstrual period, then it could be a signal of medical condition. You need to find out about that.
A normal period blood clots have these characteristics:
- Less than a quarter;
- It happens occasionally like in the beginning of the menstrual period;
- The color could be bright or dark.
But if your clots are the opposite of the things mentioned above then it is definitely abnormal ones. You better talk to your doctor very immediately.
Each woman can have a different menstrual condition. However, if during menstruation appears these four symptoms, should not be ignored. In fact, you need to consult an obstetrician immediately.
- Should replace sanitary pads every 2 hours as many of the blood comes out
- Menstrual blood is bright red
- There are always blood clots throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Menstruation lasts more than 7-8 days.
What causes blood clots during period?
In childbearing age, women tend to have this clot every 28 to 37 days. The uterine lining thickens and grows during the month in response the estrogen. It is supposed to help the process of fertilizing the egg.
When there is no pregnancy, the hormonal event signals the lining to tear down. This is when the menstruation happens. The lining gets out with other things like tissue, mucus, blood from the process inside your organs, and blood.
There are several other factors that can cause blood clots during period, among others:
Miscarriage.
The fetus that cannot survive in the uterus will come out through the vagi**na with a dilute blood accompanied by a clot.
The Signs approaching menopause.
Menstrual blood will come out with its contents with a clot form, to release the remaining egg fertilization that will be run out.
Hormonal changes in the body.
Both hormones in the female body, the Estrogen and the progesterone are balanced, which will affect normal menstruation. If one hormone is not balanced, there will be clotting in the blood of menstruation.
Infection in the uterus.
Menstruation will last longer due to infection of the uterine tract to the vagi**na. The discharge is a form in which blood comes out along the lining of the uterine wall.. This condition if continuing can result in anemia.
Benign Tumors (myoma)
Benign tumors that cause severe pain during menstruation.
Endometriosis
The endometrium itself is the tissue that is supposed to line the walls of the uterus. If it grows outside the uterus, the endometrium can shed along with menstrual blood.
When it comes out with menstrual blood, this tissue can look like a blood clot or white flesh resembling chicken skin.
Bleeding can sometimes also occur outside the menstrual schedule.
Obstruction of the uterus
Obstruction of the uterus occurs when there is a blockage in one or both urinary tracts, that is, the ducts that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
This condition can cause urine to contain blood clots.
If you experience this condition along with your period, while urinating, the blood clot can look like it came out with menstrual blood.
This will probably make you mistake a blood clot for menstrual blood.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs as a result of tissue that is supposed to line the walls of the uterus, growing inside the muscle wall of the uterus.
The tissue can continue to grow and thicken, until it will eventually shed on its own. This can cause bleeding that occurs along with menstruation.
As a result, bleeding during menstruation can become very heavy and painful, until there is a blood clot.
Impact of cesarean section
Launching from UT Southwestern Medical Center, several studies have shown that cesarean section can increase menstrual blood counts, even causing menorrhagia.
The blood that comes out is usually the same as menstrual blood in general. However, in some women, small blood clots can be seen during the first menstruation after undergoing surgery.
Even so, keep in mind that the blood clots that come out normally are small in size.
If it is too large, for example, to the size of a golf ball, then this could signal a more serious condition and need further examination.
Von Willebrand’s disease
Menorrhagia or a very large amount of menstrual blood is the most common symptom of Von Willebrand’s disease in women and adolescent girls.
Menorrhagia can be characterized by pads or tampons that are full very quickly or menstrual days that are longer than normal, for example more than 8 days.
However, not only that, sometimes menstrual blood can also be a clot the size of a coin.
Things you need to be aware of when period blood clots
The clots that come out with menstrual blood sometimes have a different texture and color. If the texture is thin and does not coagulate in a large form, it is normal.
The discharge of dark red blood clots is also not for you to worry about. This indicates that the blood has been stored in the uterus for a long time and is waiting to come out immediately.
See a doctor immediately if period blood clots resemble granules along with several conditions, such as:
- Pain in the lower abdomen,
- Severe headache, and
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
You need to be aware of the symptoms of a problematic state of health of the uterus.
It is likely that the doctor will perform an ultrasound examination of the vag**ina, a biopsy, an MRI test (to determine the development of fibroids), or a curettage step.
Are there complications?
If the clots happen regularly, you need to see a doctor immediately. The major complication of heavy bleeding of the menstrual period is a deficiency in iron intake which leads to anemia. The symptoms are such as:
- Chest pains;
- Shortness of breath;
- Paleness;
- Weakness;
- And fatigue.
How to manage the symptoms?
You may need to take drugs like ibuprofen from the beginning of your period. It eases the cramping as well as limiting the blood loss. When you are in the heaviest day, you should wear double tampon or pads. If needed, a waterproof pad will help you a lot and do not forget to bring the supplies always with you so you can reach it anytime you need it.
Basically menstrual clots are normal thing in women who are in the reproductive stage. Seeing the doctor is the right thing you should do when the clots passed regularly. Doctor will give you prescribed medication for better treatment in treating period blood clots.