Periods Clotting: Educate Yourself On Menstrual Health This International Literacy Day

Period Blood Clots: While being a natural part of a woman's reproductive cycle, menstruation can sometimes come with unexpected surprises. One of the concerning issues can be the presence of blood clots during your period. These clots can be benign or alarming but how would you know? In some cases, these clots are believed to be an indication of an underlying problem. In this article, we will explore what period blood clots are, when they are considered normal, and when you should seek medical attention with Dr Tejal Kanwar, Gynaecologist & Consultant at Ujaas, a menstrual health and hygiene management social enterprise.

What Are Period Blood Clots?

Dr Tejal explained, “Period blood clots are gel-like clumps of blood that can appear during menstruation. They form when the body's natural anticoagulants can't keep up with the rate of blood flow from the uterus. These clots can vary in size and colour, ranging from bright red to dark brown or even black.”

When Are Blood Clots Considered Benign?

Blood clots during your period can be completely normal in many cases and nothing to worry about. Here are some situations where clots are typically considered normal:

• Heavy flow days: "Clots are more likely to form on days when your flow is heaviest, usually at the beginning of your period."
• Heavy flow days: "Clots are more likely to form on days when your flow is heaviest, usually at the beginning of your period."
• Occasional occurrence: "If you only notice clots occasionally and they're not accompanied by other symptoms, they're likely normal."

When Are Period Blood Clots A Reason For Concern?

“While blood clots are often harmless, there are situations where they may indicate a health issue that requires medical attention,” said Dr Tejal. You should consult an expert if you experience:

• Large clots: "If you regularly pass clots larger than a quarter, it could be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)."
• Frequent clots: "Passing clots in every period, especially if this is a new development, may warrant investigation."
• Severe pain: "If clots are accompanied by intense pain or cramping that interferes with your daily activities, it could indicate a problem."
• Prolonged bleeding: "Periods lasting longer than seven days or requiring frequent pad/tampon changes (every 1-2 hours) may be cause for concern."

• Anaemia symptoms: "Feeling unusually tired, weak, or short of breath could indicate anaemia from excessive blood loss."

Possible Causes of Abnormal Blood Clots

• Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and clots.
• Endometriosis: “This condition, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can lead to heavy periods with clots.”
• Adenomyosis: “When the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall, it can cause painful, heavy periods with clots.”
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also disrupt your hormone levels and affect your menstrual flow.
• Bleeding disorders: "Some blood clotting disorders can affect menstrual bleeding."

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

“If you're concerned about blood clots during your period, don't hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if your symptoms are normal or if further investigation is needed. Keep track of your menstrual cycle, including the size and frequency of clots, to provide your doctor with accurate information,” said Dr Kanwar.

He mentioned that since every woman's menstrual cycle is unique, what's normal for one person may not be for another. Therefore, you must understand your body and b aware of any changes. This is the key to maintaining your reproductive health. “If you experience any sudden changes in your menstrual cycle or are worried about blood clots, it's always best to consult with a medical professional for personalised advice and care,” he added.

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