Noticing clots in your menstrual blood can be alarming, especially if they occur every now and then. In most cases, however, menstrual clots are not necessarily a cause for concern. Learn why and how they form, and when to be concerned.
What does a blood clot look like?
Menstrual blood clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and proteins in the blood that help regulate blood flow. They are usually thick, lumpy, or stringy in texture and can vary in shape and color. You may encounter bright red menstrual clots, but they can also be dark red or almost black in color .
Menstrual red flags or 7 signals to watch out for
How blood clots form
Menstrual blood clots usually form during heavy bleeding, when the uterus can't drain the blood quickly enough. The blood can then temporarily pool in the uterus or vagina and begin to clot. The thick, lumpy texture of the clot helps slow the flow of blood and prevent excessive blood loss . This is especially common during the first two to three days of your period, when bleeding is heaviest.
Blood clots in themselves are not a cause for concern; they are a natural part of the body's defense mechanism.
Read how to prevent menstrual leakage and how to handle a potential accident.
When to pay attention
Although blood clots during menstruation are normal and every woman may experience them from time to time, their occurrence can sometimes indicate a certain health problem and should not be ignored. Be careful if in your case blood clots:
-
Clots are larger than about 2.5 cm
-
Clots appear very often (throughout the entire menstrual period)
-
Clots occur with very strong blood flow and you must change your menstrual aids at least every 1-2 hours or use double menstrual protection (e.g. a tampon and a sanitary napkin at the same time)
-
Clots occur with significant pain
If you experience larger clots for at least several menstrual cycles in a row, let your gynecologist know as soon as possible so that you can detect any health problems in time.
Clots may be related to the following medical conditions :
-
Uterine polyps or fibroids, growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that extend into the uterine cavity
-
Endometriosis , a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine area. Symptoms of endometriosis typically include heavy and painful menstruation, painful intercourse, chronic fatigue, and fertility problems.
-
Adenomyosis , a condition in which the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, which can then become thicker and lead to heavier flow during menstruation.
-
Some medications can also affect the course of menstruation.
What else can you read on the Femspace blog?
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about all the news on the Femspace blog or on Femvie. e-shop !
Products in the article : Carefree subscription , BIO tampons , BIO pads , Premenstrual complex
