Your menstrual cycle and the nature of your period are good indicators of female health. Many women do not pay attention to the first signs of problems in the reproductive system. But when large blood clots resembling tissue chunks come out during menstruation, almost everyone feels concerned. Although period clots can be a normal part of menstruation, sometimes they can signal that something is wrong with your body.
Should I Contact a Doctor about Period Clots?
Usually, blood clots are considered normal when a woman has a heavy period, as long as they are smaller than the end of your finger.
Why Is It Happening?
1. One of the main reasons for period clots is menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Its symptoms are:
- your tampons or pads are soaked every hour;
- changing 2 pads at a time;
- bleeding lasts for more than 7 days;
- blood “gushing” or “flooding” out;
- passing large clots;
- constant fatigue during period.
2. Hormone imbalance can be a reason for heavy bleeding. In particular, appearance of large period clots may indicate that the level of hormones responsible for the growth of the endometrium is significantly increased.
3. If you have an IUD, your body may not accept the intrauterine device. Often, heavy periods with clots and mucus are the result of an incorrectly installed IUD.
4. Another possible reason is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
5. Another common reason is endometriosis. This condition is characterized by tissue that makes up the uterine lining (the lining of the womb) present outside the uterus on other organs inside your body.
6. Adenomyosis can be another possible reason. Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. Read more about adenomyosis here.
7. Uterine fibroids. These are benign tumors in the uterus that affect the duration and nature of menstruation, including the possibility of clots. They are the most common reason why women have heavy periods.
To make sure that period clots are not an indication of a serious health condition, you should make an appointment with your doctor if:
– your periods have become too heavy and long;
– there are multiple blood clots and they are large;
– menstruation is accompanied by severe pain;
– discharges have an unusual unpleasant smell;
– you observe gray-yellow clots.
Whatever the reason for blood clots is, a timely visit to your doctor will help identify the reason. If the reason is uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, you do not need to opt in for an invasive surgery. Today, there is an option that allows you to keep your uterus: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or uterine artery embolization (UAE). And best of all, this nonsurgical treatment lets you keep your uterus!
To learn more about UAE/UFE from one of the world’s leading providers of this procedure, call the Atlanta Fibroid Center at 770-953-2600 or make an appointment online.
