Many women begin to experience heavy periods with blood clots after the age of 40 as they enter into a phase of their life known as perimenopause. This phase can last anywhere from a few years to a decade and can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, including heavier bleeding and the presence of numerous or large clots.
Understanding what can cause heavy periods after 40 with clots, other symptoms you may encounter, and the treatments available can help you prepare and navigate through these changes more smoothly and comfortably.
Why Do Women Get Heavy Periods After 40 with Clots?
As women get older and into their 40s, their hormone levels begin to fluctuate more frequently, which can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, medically known as menorrhagia, as well as other unpleasant symptoms. Common signs of menorrhagia include periods that last longer than seven days, passing blood clots that are bigger than a quarter, and needing to change sanitary products very frequently.
This happens because the woman’s natural levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to get out of balance and cause their uterine lining to build up thicker than usual. Then when her menstrual cycle occurs and this thicker lining is shed, she experiences heavier bleeding and larger blood clots.
What Can Cause Heavy Periods with Clots After 40?
There are several underlying conditions that can contribute to heavy periods with large blood clots during perimenopause, including:
- Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone.
- Uterine fibroid tumors growing in the uterus.
- A condition called adenomyosis, which involves the uterine lining growing into the muscular wall of the uterus.
- A condition called endometriosis, which involves the uterine lining growing outside of the uterus.
- Endometrial polyps which are benign growths on the lining of the uterus.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
When Should I Be Worried About Heavy Period Clots?
Heavy periods and passing blood clots can be a normal part of getting older for some women, but there are certain symptoms that you should get your doctor to check out to rule out any conditions that could be more serious, including:
- Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days.
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter.
- Needing to change your sanitary pad or tampon as frequently as every hour.
- Severe pain during your cycle.
- Bleeding after sex.
- Chronic breakthrough bleeding.
- Pain when using the bathroom.
- Experiencing symptoms of anemia, such as chronic fatigue, lightheadedness/dizziness, chewing/craving ice, or shortness of breath.
Treatment Options for Heavy Periods After 40 with Clots
There are a number of treatment options available to help eliminate or reduce the symptoms of heavy periods with clots:
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or tranexamic acid can sometimes help reduce menstrual blood flow and relieve pain.
Hormonal therapy like birth control pills or an IUD can help regulate periods and reduce bleeding.
Surgery
Sometimes doctors will recommend surgical procedures like endometrial ablation, which removes or destroys the uterine lining and is not the preferred method for fibroid-related bleeding and is best used for nonstructural causes of heavy bleeding in a patient who is not interested in future fertility.
If the medical therapy does not address the bleeding and is not due to fibroids or a structural cause in the uterus (e.g., fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps), hysterectomy can be a treatment option.
UFE
If the medical therapy does not address the bleeding due to fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an excellent nonsurgical, outpatient treatment option.
Are There Home Remedies for Managing Heavy Periods?
Sometimes certain home remedies may be able to help you manage your heavy periods and your level of discomfort. Some things you can try to help you manage pain and bleeding include:
- Engaging in regular exercise or light physical activity can help reduce stress and may alleviate cramps and other types of menstrual discomfort.
- Using a heating pad on your lower abdomen can help relieve cramps associated with heavy periods.
- Including certain foods in your diet, like flaxseed, green tea, etc., may help to regulate your menstrual cycle by balancing out your hormone levels. Likewise, avoiding certain foods like foods with a high fat concentration, alcohol, foods high in sodium, etc., can help prevent bloating, inflammation, or thinning of your blood and exacerbating pain and bleeding.
- Staying properly hydrated can help keep your body functioning like it should and can reduce bloating.
- A study showed that aromatherapy and massage can sometimes help reduce menstrual pain. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, rose, fennel, etc., can be added to a carrier oil like sweet almond oil and used to massage your back or abdomen.
Passing Large Blood Clots During Perimenopause Or Menopause
Passing blood clots during your period can be surprising to some, but it is often normal for women during perimenopause and as they get closer to menopause. There is usually no need to worry unless you are experiencing clots larger than a quarter or they are accompanied by severe pain. If this is the case, you should set up an appointment with your doctor to determine if you are experiencing menstrual clots or if they could be from a condition like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids.
Is It Normal to Have Jelly-Like Blood Clots During Perimenopause?
Yes, experiencing jelly-like blood clots during perimenopause is fairly common because these are just clots that form when blood pools in the uterus before being expelled, which allows it to coagulate. If your clots are consistently large or you have other concerning symptoms, consult with your doctor to find the underlying cause.
Stop Heavy Periods & Clots After 40 – Try an Effective Non-Surgical Fibroid Solution!
If you are experiencing heavy periods with clots after 40, you may have uterine fibroids. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or have been told by your doctor that you need surgery, you may be a good candidate for a non-surgical procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This quick 30-minute procedure can eliminate fibroids or adenomyosis, which are the most common causes of heavy bleeding and blood clots.
UFE does not require a hospital stay has a very short recovery time at home and leaves your uterus intact. If fibroids are the root cause of your heavy periods and blood clots, UFE may be just what you need to regain your quality of life. Get in touch with the Atlanta Fibroid Center today and set up your personal consultation today.
