If you’re on your period and notice that you’re passing blood clots along with your period blood, don’t be alarmed. Blood clots are chunky, jelly-like masses that are expelled from your body when you menstruate. They may seem like a warning sign indicating some internal complication but in most cases it is quite normal and is experienced by women during their heaviest flows. Blood clots during your period may be a cause for concern in some specific cases. If you’re curious to find out the possible reasons as to why you’re expelling blood clots during your period, read on.
Why Do Blood Clots Form?
When a woman menstruates, the thick uterine lining breaks away and is expelled as blood. During this process, anticoagulants are released so that it helps breaks down the thick blood masses. When the individual in question has a heavy flow, the anti-coagulants may not act in time causing the formation of clots. Listed below are some other reasons why you may experience increased blood clot formation.
1. Post Abortion Or Miscarriage
Many women after a miscarriage, abortion, or other pregnancy-related complications may experience heavy bleeding along with blood clots. Clotting may also occur when there is excess coagulation in the womb of a pregnant woman as a result of smoking, drinking, or taking strong medication.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is an issue faced by many women. It takes place as a result of an imbalance between the estrogen and progesterone which are hormones produced in the female body. Its symptoms includes increased acne, thinning of head hair while thicker hair begins to grow on the face and bodies, increased weight, irregular periods, and infertility. As a result of the irregular bleeding, the built-up lining in the uterine walls are expelled all in once causing a heavy flow with blood clots.
3. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids also called uterina myoma are abnormal growths that tend to occur in the uterus. Studies have found that almost seventy percent women experience this condition before the age of fifty. Although many women do not experience any symptoms, fibroids can cause severe pain and heavy bleeding leading to the formation of clots in some individuals.
4. Endometriosis
The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a painful condition that occurs when the endometrium grows outside of the uterus. Even while in a displaced position, it continues to perform the same function of bleeding during periods. This may cause chunkier masses of blood to be expelled when you’re on your period.
5. Hormone Imbalance
It is essential that there exists a balance between the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone for healthy functioning. The ovaries may also produce trace amounts of the male hormone testosterone. An imbalance in these hormones may cause heavy coagulation and bleeding. Several factors like age, stress, lifestyle, and use of some medication like steroids can cause a hormonal imbalance.
6. Enlarged Uterus
There are many reasons why a woman’s uterus may become enlarged including pregnancy and menopause. In several cases the enlarged uterus may bleed excessively and can be painful. This excess blood may clot inside the uterus before it is expelled. It is recommended to get yourself medically examined if you notice a regular passage of blood clots along with painful cramps.
7. Endometrial Polyp
Endometrial polyps are usually non cancerous growths that may occur on the uterine walls. These polyps most commonly occur in women who are going through menopause.They may block the passage of blood during periods causing clotting to occur inside the uterus.
