Are Blood Clots During a Period Normal?

Noticing blood clots during your period can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what’s considered normal. Many women experience clots at some point in their cycle, but it can still be unsettling when you see them.

The truth is, period clots are often a natural part of menstruation, but sometimes they may signal that your body needs a little extra attention.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand why clots happen, when they’re normal, and when it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor.

What is the Period Blood Clot?

Period blood clots are a more solid form of menstrual blood. It resembles a dark red blob. Many people ask, “Is it normal to have blood clots during a period?” Yes, passing small blood clots during your period is usually normal.

The size of a normal blood clot may vary, but it usually ranges from the size of a dime to that of a quarter. However, if you experience discomfort along with large blood clots, it can be a serious issue.

Causes of Blood Clots During Period

It is normal to experience blood clots during menstruation, but certain factors can increase the risk of blood clots during this time. Here they are:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding – When the blood flows faster than the body can absorb, it can increase the risk of clot formation.
• Hormonal Imbalance – During periods, if there is high estrogen or low progesterone, it can lead to thickening of the uterine lining. This causes heavy flow and clots.
• Uterine Fibroids– This condition can interfere with normal uterine contractions, which can cause blood to pool and form clots.
• Endometriosis– If women are having issues related to endometriosis, then it affects the hormone levels, leading to heavier periods and clotting.
• Adenomyosis– This condition thickens the uterine wall, leading to heavy, painful periods with clots.
• Uterine Polyps– These can disrupt blood flow, which can cause clotting.
• PCOS– Due to this condition, hormonal irregularities can occur. This causes a thicker uterine lining and heavy bleeding.

Other causes can be iron deficiency, early miscarriage, or bleeding disorder (rare). If you face frequent and painful large clots, then you should consult a doctor.

What Does Period Blood Clot Look Like?

Menstrual blood and uterine tissue can occasionally pass as a jelly-like mass that resembles a blood clot. This is because there is more blood in the uterus during a strong menstrual flow, and blood clots typically become larger. Additionally, the blood may be stringy or thick, and the clots may have different colours. Older blood will get darker, although your menstruation may begin with bright red clots.

Diagnosis of Period Blood Clot

When you see a doctor concerning blood clots during your period, they will ask you questions that can guide the diagnosis, like:

• What is the duration of your menstrual cycle?
• How heavy is your typical flow? Has anything changed?
• How big are the clots?

A thorough medical history, including information on medications, birth control use, prior pregnancies, and any surgeries, will also be taken. To determine the cause of your blood clots, your doctor will likely order additional tests and perform a pelvic exam. The examinations may consist of:

• Blood tests: A variety of blood tests can detect anaemia, thyroid issues, hormone abnormalities, and platelet issues.
• Imaging: To assess the structural causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, ultrasound uses sound waves. In addition to computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a specialised ultrasound known as a sonohysterogram may be utilised to assess the uterus.
• Hysteroscopy: To see inside the uterus, a lighted scope is inserted through the cervix.
• Endometrial Biopsy– A sample of endometrial tissue is taken for microscopic examination during an endometrial biopsy.

Treatment of Period Blood Clots

Even though blood clots are normal during a period, there are some cases in which treatment can be required. Here are the most common treatments:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) – This helps reduce menstrual cramps and decrease blood flow, which further minimizes clot formation.
• Hormonal Birth Control- Pills, patches, or injections are at times recommended to regulate periods, thin the uterine lining, and reduce heavy bleeding. It is especially useful for cases with hormonal imbalance, PCOS, adenomyosis, or unexplained heavy periods.
• Tranexamic Acid– These are used to control very heavy bleeding by stabilising blood clots.
• Treating Underlying Conditions-
• Fibroids: Medication, minimally invasive procedures (UFE), or myomectomy
• Adenomyosis: Hormonal therapy, pain management, or surgery
• PCOS: Hormonal regulation, lifestyle modification
• Uterine polyps: Surgical removal if causing heavy bleeding
• Thyroid disorders: Thyroid medication to restore menstrual balance
• Lifestyle Changes – There are lifestyle changes that can help with hormonal imbalance, like regular exercise, stress management, good hydration, and a balanced diet.
• Advanced Procedures (for severe cases): When none of the above-mentioned pointers help, then procedures like hysterectomy or endometrial ablation is used.

Does it Affect Pregnancy

Pregnancy is not directly affected by blood clots during your period, but the underlying reason may be. When one faces heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle, it can be because of many reasons, such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, adenomyosis, or other hormonal abnormalities. These can make conceiving difficult.

It is mainly because they impact the uterine lining health, ovulation, or implantation. However, timely diagnosis and treatment can help women deal with these problems. There are fertility treatments like IVF that can be done in case the medications don’t work. Always see a gynaecological when you see any of the symptoms mentioned above. They will review your past cycles and provide the correct treatment plan.

How to Manage Blood Clots During Periods

Here are some easy ways to manage heavy blood clots during your period:

• Stay hydrated always. This prevents the solidification of the menstrual blood.

• Use a hot bag to alleviate cramps and calm the uterine muscles.

• Try menstrual cups or high-absorbency sanitary pads to handle the excessive flow.

• To maintain healthy blood levels, eat a balanced diet high in iron, leafy greens, and vitamin C.

• Keep track of your menstrual cycles to identify any changes in bleeding flow or formation of clots.

• If a doctor recommends hormonal treatments (birth control pills, IUDs) to control heavy periods, take them into consideration.

• If clots are big, frequent, or accompanied by excruciating pain or profuse bleeding, consult a gynaecologist.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience frequent clotting, extremely heavy periods that last more than seven days, or very large blood clots (larger than a ₹1 coin), you should consult a doctor. Medical treatment is also required for severe pelvic discomfort, vertigo, or anaemia symptoms like exhaustion and dyspnoea. An underlying problem, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or hormonal imbalance, may be indicated if your monthly cycle abruptly changes or if you are passing clots along with severe cramping. If clotting is persistent or problematic, anybody attempting to conceive should get evaluated.

Conclusion

Period blood clots are generally not a cause for concern. However, it’s crucial to contact a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment if you experience excessive period bleeding, several clots, excruciating menstruation pain, and clots the size of a quarter or larger.

Oral painkillers, iron supplements, hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and antifibrinolytic medications are possible forms of treatment. Uterine surgery may be advised in certain situations.

FAQ’S

Are jelly-like blood clots during the period normal?

Yes, they are normal, but if you face discomfort and pain, then you should consult a specialist.

What does a large blood clot during a period mean?

A large blood clot during your period often indicates very heavy menstrual bleeding, where blood pools and thickens before passing. It can also signal underlying conditions, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or hormonal imbalance, if it occurs frequently.