Passing the blobs of blood in the form of blood clots on your periods can be normal. Where many women experience this condition of blood clots on the days of heavy bleeding for others it might be a regular thing. On one hand where occasional clotting is not worrisome, experiencing these large clots on a regular basis can be an indication of some underlying condition. Normal clots are small in size and occur occasionally towards the beginning or end of your periods depending upon the blood flow. Abnormal menstrual clots are comparatively larger in size and darker in colour as compared to the normal period blood.
Let us take a deep dive into this article and learn about the reason behind the clotting of period blood and the underlying causes of this condition with Dr. Bharti Kalra, Head, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bharti Hospitals, Karnal.
What does it mean to pass clots during periods?
Also Read: Ayurveda To Manage Period Pain: Expert Shares Tips
Before jumping in and learning about the causes and risk factors of this condition, let us take a quick look at what it actually means. Some people might find it to be very surprising that one can even pass blood clots while bleeding on their periods where others might experience it on a regular basis. Although our period blood is supposed to be in fluid form, clotting is the body's natural defense mechanism. Blood clots can be understood as collection of blood in veins and arteries when blood changes from liquid to a partially solid form. Generally these come up as a response to injuries. This happens due to the presence of two substances namely platelets and fibrin. Menstrual cramps generally occur due to a heavy flow and feels like blood blobs are passing through the vagina.
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When do these clots appear?
As the inner lining of the uterus sheds during periods, it tends to release a substance called fibrinolysin which gets dissolved and prevents any kind of clotting. The clothing depends upon the amount of blood flow and the amount of fibrinolysin released by the uterus. In the case of light to medium flow, the fibrinolysin released by the uterus is enough to prevent blood clots. In case of heavy flow the amounts of fibrinolysin released might not be enough and hence result in clots.
In most of the cases these clots tend to appear on the first and second day of your periods as the flow is comparatively heavier on these days. In some cases a woman might experience clots in alternative months depending upon the heaviness of the flow.
Underlying causes of clot formation during periods
Passing blood clots can be normal in some cases whereas it can be an indication of some or the other underlying disease. Some of the causes of passing blood clots during periods are-
- Thyroid
- Coagulation of uterus
- Uterus cancer
- Hormonal medications
- Polyps
- Cervix cancer
- UIDs
- Uterus fibroids
- Blood disorder
- Heavy blood flow
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Enlarged Uterus
- Malignancy
- Uterine cancer
Where the condition of passing blood clots during periods can be really normal for some, it can be worrisome for others. Periodic blood clotting is an issue that should not be ignored for a long period of time and one must consult a gynecologist to learn about the root cause of this issue and get it treated before it gets complicated.
(With inputs from Dr. Bharti Kalra, Head, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bharti Hospitals, Karnal)