There are many questions in a woman’s mind concerning her body that she wants to ask but somehow feels shy. Out of those several queries, the major one is the curiosity to know if blood clots during periods are a regular thing or not.
In this article from HealthMed, we will discuss the reasons for blood clots during your period in detail, hoping that many ladies reading this can find the answer to their questions.
In standard terms, the menstrual cycle is a period that occurs every 28 days. The regular bleeding takes place from the vagina of a woman that clears her of infected blood, which is considered a sign of a healthy body. However, the concern arises when blood clots are visible in the bleeding. While many say the clot is not a subject of fear, many others target it as a topic of concern. Therefore to remove the dilemma of an individual woman, it is necessary to know a few details about this subject.
What are Blood Clots During Period?
You might be surprised to read, but clotted blood during period is the natural result of your body taking care of you. Explaining it scientifically is a little complicated, but we will give it a shot to make your curious brains calm down. So, you need not be stressed, intense painful days if you see some clots of blood on your pad.
It happens because the womb walls gradually thicken in the middle of the cycle, preparing for a possible pregnancy. If it fails to happen, then the formed layer of the uterine lining splits with blood during the menstrual cycle. The clots range from 0.5 mm to 3-4 cm in size. In the case of an unusual clot size, one needs to pay serious attention.
Why Do You Have Blood Clots During Your Period?
The particular substance or ferments called anticoagulants-useful in preventing blood clots fails to manage the profuse blood flow; there is a possibility that a portion of blood can solidify in your vagina, which ends up building those clots which you can witness during periods.
However, observe it closely as its excess can lead to health issues.
What Causes Blood Clots During Period
Several reasons influence the consistency of menstrual blood flow; while few are not a matter of concern and get better with age, some demand severe diagnoses and care.
Below Are a Few Reasons For Blood Clots During Periods:
Anemia
The deficiency of iron sometimes may lead to clotting. However, it is not advisable to consume iron supplements or drugs without consulting a doctor or diagnosing the fault.
First, take a blood test to determine your hemoglobin level. If your hemoglobin levels are low, you can take necessary measures like diet change to get it back to average values.
Intrauterine Changes
Some intrauterine changes occur following a miscarriage and labor complications. In addition, clotting may be a residual effect.
Lack Of Biologically Active Ferments
The substances or minerals, such as vitamins C, P, K, and others, control the formation of clotting when a decrease in the level and blood clots is observed.
Conversely, if a level of the amino acid, which in scientific terms is called homocysteine, is raised, then also clot occurs.
Endometriosis
It usually occurs in women aged between 40 and 50 years. Womb disturbance is often triggered due to changes taking place in the uterine.
Irregular Uterine Development
Irregular uterine development is associated with chromosomal genetic disorders, like the uterine septum. If not taken proper care of, such as quitting alcohol or smoking during pregnancy, this disorder can also develop in the fetus. These uterine abnormalities restrain the menstrual discharge, which leads to clotting in the womb.
Myoma
Myoma is a kind of mesenchymal tumor composed of muscular tissues. They seldom develop in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Instead, this disorder or the knots formed to increase the womb size and expand the endometrium area.
The main symptom of Myoma includes menstrual disorders, abundant periods with thickened masses, and abdominal pains during urination.
Hormonal Disparity
Remember progesterone and estrogen learned in school? These are the hormones that control how the body sheds the uterus lining.
However, when these hormones go out of balance, it thickens the endometrial lining of the uterus. This thick uterine lining may result in insufficient blood flow and higher blood clotting.
Post-Childbirth
It seldom happens that the uterus doesn’t successfully shrink back to its normal size post-childbirth; hence during menstruation, blood may gather and clot inside the uterus, which can come out as a clot when discharged by the body.
These were a few reasons that led to blood clotting during periods. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if one observes a standard blood clot issue.
Do You Have a Blood Clot While Pregnant?
Blood clotting during pregnancy is not a good sign as it may indicate a miscarriage in the first trimester. You can differentiate the blood clots during those days easily as they are different in color. One needs to observe the size and type of the clot while you check them. Their color has a yellowish or grayish tint, indicating that the fertilized egg has been discarded and released along with the blood. It can be directed toward a health issue.
But if you have blood clotting during your menses, you doubt it because of an unsuccessful conception. You must consult a gynecologist as these problems might increase the chances of miscarriages.
BOTTOM LINE
Blood clots during periods are usually a regular occurrence. However should you notice a change in color, shape, and size of a clot, it is recommended to visit the doctor immediately.