Blood clots in menstruation: what are they due to?

There are many women who, during their menstrual phase, present clots. At first, this is not something serious and there is no reason to be alarmed, the blood has simply accumulated in the uterus for a period of time and has clotted.

If our rules are light, it is likely that we do not have clots. We tend to be more prone to them if our menstrual bleeding is abundant. In this article we tell you what blood clots are due to during menstruation.

Why do menstrual clots occur?

  • As a general rule, blood tends to coagulate. It is a “defense” system of our body to avoid losing blood, for example in a wound. So that our period flows lightly and can be expelled, the uterus generates an anticoagulant. If our menstrual phase is very abundant, said coagulant is more intense so that this bleeding is cut off.
  • While it is true that most of the time there is no need to worry, there are also times when these clots are a sign that something is not working well within our body. And whenever we have abundant clots during a period, we should consult a doctor or gynecologist to verify that everything is normal.

Other Possible Causes of Menstrual Clots

  1. Endometriosis

Many people believe that blood clots can be caused by endometriosis, but this is not the case. Endometriosis does not manifest with clots, but is the passage of blood into the peritoneal cavity. It is thought that heavy bleeding can cause endometriosis, but endometriosis does not cause clots.

  1. Miscarriage

If we bleed very profusely, considering it excessive, we may be pregnant and are in danger of miscarrying. We must see a doctor immediately. The most frequent cause of heavy bleeding in reproductive age is an abortion, so we cannot forget it.

  1. Menopause

If we are close to an age where it is possible that we are before the start of menopause, suffering very heavy periods with many clots, it can be a sign that we are reaching the end of our fertile age. Any woman in this stage who has heavy bleeding should go to the gynecologist since, sometimes, it can be a sign that something is not right.

  1. Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a real problem for women. It is very common that, in cases where very abundant periods are experienced, iron levels are reduced. And the less iron we have in our body, the more problems the uterus will have to generate the aforementioned “natural anticoagulant”.

Hence, anemia is one of the causes why women have blood clots in their menstruation. In these cases, it is advisable to carry out analyzes periodically to verify that the iron is maintained at its adequate levels. Otherwise, it would be necessary to cover the deficit with some type of supplement recommended by the medical professional. The iron deficiency in women has the rule as its first cause.

  1. Hormonal imbalances

It is very common for both adolescents and women who have just given birth to experience discharge with blood clots. This is mainly due to small imbalances between estrogen and progesterone. This same process is similar to the one that occurs just before we enter menopause.

  1. Fibroids, polyps or cysts

New uterine growths in the form of fibroids, cysts, or polyps are often accompanied by heavy menstrual periods with increased clots and unusual bleeding to which we are accustomed.

  1. Other gynecological diseases

As we have previously pointed out, the presence of blood clots during menstruation is common in many women. However, if these clots are accompanied by a very painful period, it is essential to consult a gynecologist since it could be due to some type of disease such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

This pathology is usually related to clots during the period and presents with strong and deep abdominal pain in the pelvic area. Sometimes, clots do not appear but irregular, scarce and bad-smelling bleeding does occur. It may be caused by a type of bacteria that causes an infection that travels from the vagina and up to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or pelvis. It is one of the most serious gynecological ailments, which is why it is important that in the event of any discomfort you immediately go to a doctor to be evaluated by a professional.

  1. Blood problems

Alterations in platelets or coagulation factors can cause clots in the menstrual period.

  1. Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are two very harmful factors for our body, especially with regard to menstruation. It is common for women who suffer from excessive nerves to experience excessively abundant periods with the presence of clots.

  1. Other alterations

Other chronic health problems such as, for example, thyroid problems, liver or kidney diseases are also often the cause of heavy periods that can lead to poor blood clotting and lead to periods with clots or lack of blood. of rules.

Are blood clots causing period pain?

No, the clots themselves do not cause pain. However, they usually occur when the bleeding is abundant and dense and this can influence menstrual pain. Both pain and clotting can be symptoms of increased vaginal bleeding.

How to avoid clots in menstruation?

  1. The truth is that there is no formula or technique to prevent clots from appearing during our menstruation. However, it is recommended to lead a life as healthy as possible that allows a correct general blood circulation. It is recommended to carry out relaxation techniques that help combat stress as well as eating foods rich in bioflavonoids such as broccoli, grapes, citrus fruits, cherries, tomatoes or green peppers. All of these products help strengthen blood vessels and decrease clotting.
  2. On the other hand, if the appearance of clots is very frequent or is accompanied by pain, it is essential to consult a doctor. Usually, in these cases, the professional will make a diagnosis and prescribe some type of medication indicated to control vaginal bleeding, such as birth control pills, aspirin or mefenamic acid.

Does menstruation with clots favor pregnancy?

No. Blood clots during menstruation do not affect conception. The fact that our period presents clots does not mean that pregnancy is easier or more difficult to achieve. The odds are the same with or without clots. Of course, in case the clots are common, you are trying to get pregnant and the pregnancy does not come, it is advisable to consult a specialist since there could be a problem related to the endometrium.

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