It’s only natural that blood clots sound scary, but they can actually be rather good on many occasions. For instance, when we get injured, blood cells coagulate in order to form a blood clot that will prevent further bleeding and protect the wound. When it comes to period blood, jelly-like blood clots during the period usually consist of all kinds of tissues such as dead cells, coagulated blood, parts of the uterine lining, etc. Now, sticky period blood and skin-like discharge during the period can indicate heavier flow, but they are completely natural. However, constant heavier flow can mean that there’s a more serious underlying issue. That said, it’s important to inform yourself more on the matter so that you can act and react accordingly.
In most cases, jelly-like clots during the period are a perfectly normal part of menstruation. Small and even stringy blood clots during the period may not be a reason for concern at all, especially if the clots don’t show up larger than a dime during the period of the heaviest flow, and you don’t feel any unusual discomfort. The color of these blood clots can also vary from one person to another and from one day in the cycle to another and go from light to very dark red.
The Consistency of Your Period
Stringy blood clots during the period and sticky period blood don’t have to be alarming as this kind of consistency usually just means that the uterus is ejecting the clot. Also, blood clots that are no bigger than a dime (a quarter) are completely normal. After all, keep in mind that the body has to discard the entire uterus lining and your period blood is precisely the mix of the lining tissues, vaginal fluid, and blood.
Stringy blood clots during the period that show as long strands of sticky period blood mean that the concentration of the discarded uterine lining is at its highest. At this point, the blood goes from bright to dark red.
It’s highly possible you’ll notice jelly-like blood clots during the period from then on. And these clots can show up to the very last days of your period, even when the flow subsides. You might even see skin-like discharge during the period, which all usually points to these clumps of the last bits of the uterine lining leaving your body.
When it comes to consistency, stringy, jelly, sticky, and similar all fall under the normal category. However, if you notice watery consistency with fresh, bright red blood, this could be alarming and point to an injury or even a miscarriage. Call your gynecologist in Florida, or another place of residence, if your period blood is suspiciously watery and clear.
When Are Period Blood Clots Worrisome?
As we established, skin-like discharge during the period and blood clots are completely normal. However, there could be a reason for health concerns when your flow lasts for more than seven days. Also, if, together with clots, you have some of the symptoms below, don’t hesitate to contact your gynecologist as quickly as you can.
- Fever during period
- Blood clots that appear larger than a quarter
- Very heavy flow that’s enough to fill a tampon/pad every hour
- Bleeding longer than 7-10 days
- Unusual clots that you’ve never seen before
- Bleeding and spotting in the middle of your menstrual cycle
If you have any questions and concerns about any of the symptoms or your period in general, feel free to reach out to University Park OBGYN, and we’ll help you deal with whatever issue you may have.
Potential Causes of Large Period Blood Clots
As mentioned, having blood clots during the period is nothing unusual. What’s more, every woman knows what kind of blood clots are normal to her, so there’s no need to panic and instantly think something’s wrong. But, if you constantly have large blood clots and heavy flows, this may be a sign of other conditions.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids refers to noncancerous growth of the uterus that typically has no other symptoms than a long period with heavy bleeding accompanied by pelvic pain.
Endometriosis
When the tissue lining the inner uterus (the endometrium) grows outside, it can also spread to pelvic organs. In that sense, women affected by this condition can experience heavy bleeding, rather painful periods and intercourse, and sometimes even infertility.
Adenomyosis
Endometrial tissue growing into the uterine muscular walls causes a condition called adenomyosis that usually results in heavy flows and longer periods and pelvic pain, and severe cramping.
Uterine polyps
The endometrium overgrowth is the cause of uterine polyps that can attach to uterine inner walls and reach all the way to the cavity. This condition then results in heavy and often irregular bleeding. Even though these polyps are benign, there is a risk of them turning cancerous.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Due to the hormonal disorder that causes higher levels of male hormones, women affected by this condition can develop small cysts in their ovaries. This consequently causes issues such as weight gain, acne, hair thinning, and rather irregular periods.
Other hormonal imbalances
Conditions that affect hormonal levels, such as menopause and perimenopause, hypothyroidism, etc., can result in fluctuating menstrual cycles with blood clots.
Miscarriage
Unusually large blood clots may also be a sign of miscarriage, which can happen even before the woman is aware of the pregnancy.
Cancer
Period blood clots can point to cervical or uterine cancer in very rare cases.
What Can You Do to Prevent Blood Clots During Your Period?
If your goal is to keep your period in check, the best solution would probably involve some kind of hormonal therapy. However, if this is not an option for you for one reason or another, and you want to minimize the heavy flows, you can also take ibuprofen up to three times a day, on those days when the flow is the heaviest. This should also help with cramping relief.
Furthermore, a balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle are also effective when it comes to regulating hormonal levels and minimizing heavy bleeding during periods. Still, if the bleeding is a result of something unrelated to hormones, the issue will have to be addressed appropriately.
In case you’re unsure about whether your period and blood clots you’re noticing are normal for you, the best course of action would be to see your OBGYN and get a proper and professional look at what may be wrong if anything.
You know your body the best. Pay attention to things you feel and the way your menstrual cycle presents so that you can immediately spot when something feels off. There are many cycle tracking apps that you can use if you wish to keep better track of your period. Of course, you should always take the time to have regular visits to your gynecologist. We at University Park OBGYN welcome you to put your trust in our team of experts. Being open and honest with your doctor is key to living a healthy and happy life, and our clinic is here to support you all the way to reaching that goal.
