Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Clots: Is There Cause for Alarm?
Menstrual blood clots are a common occurrence during a period, but when they become large or frequent, it can be a cause for concern. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical attention.
Causes of Large Blood Clots During Menstruation
Large blood clots during menstruation are most commonly caused by heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), hormonal imbalances, and structural uterine conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone, can cause the uterine lining to thicken excessively. When this thickened lining sheds, it leads to heavier bleeding and larger clots.
Uterine fibroids and polyps can disrupt normal uterine contractions, slowing menstrual blood flow and promoting clot formation. Adenomyosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle, can also cause heavy, prolonged bleeding and clotting.
Blood clotting disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, can also lead to heavier bleeding accompanied by clots.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you are experiencing clots larger than 1.5 cm or frequent passage of clots during your period, especially beyond the first two heavy days, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.
Periods with significantly heavy bleeding requiring frequent changing of pads or tampons (more than every 1–2 hours) should also be addressed. Symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness accompanying heavy bleeding should not be ignored.
Irregular bleeding patterns, prolonged periods, or bleeding between periods, as well as pelvic pain, bloating, or other concerning symptoms accompanying heavier periods and clotting, are also signs that you should see a doctor.
Discussion with a Healthcare Provider
Discussing concerns about blood clots during a period with a healthcare provider can provide reassurance and help manage the issue. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. When discussing menstrual changes with a healthcare provider, it's important to provide information about the length and heaviness of usual periods, any bleeding between periods, changes over time, pain, potential pregnancy, medications, other medical conditions, and a history of pelvic exams.
What to Expect During a Visit
A pelvic exam, blood test, pap test, or ultrasound may be performed during a visit to a healthcare provider to help diagnose the cause of heavy bleeding and large clots.
Treatment Options
Treatment for large blood clots may include contraceptives, NSAIDs, tranexamic acid, hormonal therapy, or surgery, depending on the results of exams and tests, the severity of the clots, and other symptoms.
Important Considerations
Heavy menstrual bleeding with clots can be serious, but the concern level depends on the size and frequency of the clots. During the first few days of a period, blood clots may appear dark red or maroon. Frequently changing a pad or tampon about every hour during a period can also be a cause for concern. Blood clots during the beginning and end of a menstrual cycle may appear bright red due to quick flow.
If pregnant and experiencing blood clots, contact a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
In summary, while occasional small clots during a heavy flow can be normal, large or persistent clots may indicate underlying conditions requiring evaluation by a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Treatment options vary depending on cause and may include hormonal therapies, medications, or surgical interventions.
Women experiencing large or frequent blood clots during menstruation may be dealing with health issues such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), hormonal imbalances, or uterine conditions like fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if clots are larger than 1.5 cm, frequent, or if heavy bleeding requires frequent pad or tampon changes, indicative of potential health-and-wellness concerns, including women's-health issues. Discussing these concerns with a healthcare provider can lead to appropriate diagnoses and treatments, ensuring proper health-and-wellness management.
