Blood clots during menstruation are normal, but heavy flow, hormonal imbalances, fibroid tumors, and pelvic inflammatory disease can increase clotting. Contraceptive methods can also cause clotting. Seek medical attention if clotting frequency increases.
Passing blood clots during a period is normal, because the thickened lining of the uterus is shed and pushed out. Other reasons for clotting during menstruation may include some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or taking medications. A visit to a doctor may be needed if the frequency of blood clots increases, as serious health problems could develop.
A heavy flow is among the reasons for passing blood clots during a period. The blood thinners that the body makes to allow blood flow and prevent clots from forming are not as effective during heavy menstrual cycles. As a result, clotting is more likely to occur and may make menstrual bleeding feel thicker.
Miscarriage, the termination of a pregnancy, can also cause blood clots to form in a woman. In the case of a miscarriage in which disorders such as lupus are evident, clotting prevents the placenta from receiving blood. Over-the-counter medications such as baby aspirin can be used to thin the blood and reduce the risk of clots in these circumstances.
Fibroid tumors that grow in the uterus also contribute to the passage of blood clots during a period. These noncancerous tumors can cause heavy, abnormal menstrual bleeding. As a result, fibroids increase the amount of clots that form during menstruation.
A hormonal imbalance of progesterone and estrogen is another cause of clots during a period. The hormone progesterone is produced by the ovaries to help the uterus prepare for fertilization when an egg is released. Estrogen helps in the process of reproduction, development of female sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. The balance between progesterone and estrogen can be disturbed due to a variety of factors, including menopause, medications, significant weight loss or gain, benign polyps, and endometriosis. When an imbalance occurs, the lining of the uterus becomes thick and causes heavier bleeding, which increases the development of blood clots.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could be one of the more serious reasons for passing blood clots during menstruation. This disease is an infection of the reproductive organs, including the fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix. PID causes abnormal menstrual bleeding and is associated with sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Contraceptive methods such as oral contraception, the use of an intrauterine device (IUD), and the use of an injected contraceptive can also cause blood clots to form during the menstrual cycle. Side effects of these contraceptive methods include heavier, irregular, and prolonged menstrual bleeding, which increases the risk of clotting.
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