Why are you getting blood clots during periods?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Menstrual blood clots are a common occurrence for many women during their periods. The uterus releases thick gel-like blood clots during menstruation, which are composed of coagulated blood, tissue, and blood. They can be bright to dark red in colour and resemble simmered strawberries or fruit clumps occasionally found in jam.

The uterine lining is lost by most women of reproductive age every 28 to 35 days. The term "endometrium" also refers to the lining of the uterus. Estrogen, a female hormone, causes the endometrium to thicken and expand throughout the month. It serves as support for a fertilised egg. The lining starts to shed if pregnancy doesn't happen, according to other hormonal processes. Additionally, uterine lining tissue fragments are seen in the menstrual blood. Therefore, clots form when the coagulation proteins starts to clump along with the blood.

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Small blood clots that are only present sometimes and are no bigger than a quarter are often not a cause for concern. Blood clots during periods are mostly not a sign of any danger, unlike clots that grow in your veins. It may be necessary to be checked out if you consistently pass huge clots throughout your period. So how can you figure out if your clot is normal? Some signs are:

• are tiny or around 1cm
• very occasionally take place, often around the start of your menstrual cycle.
• have a strong or deep red hue.
• Frequently occurring clots that are abnormally very large in size (mostly larger than a quarter)

If your period is very heavy or if you have clots bigger than a quarter, consult a doctor. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as changing your tampon or menstruation pad every two hours or fewer for several hours.

If you frequently get big clots, see your doctor. Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most serious side effects of excessive menstrual flow. When there is insufficient iron in the blood to produce healthy red blood cells, anaemia develops. Chest pains are one of the symptoms, along with weakness, exhaustion, pale complexion.