Blood clots at periods : what to do?

periods affect all pubescent women. However, every woman's menstrual cycle is different. Premenstrual syndrome, flow volume and viscosity vary according to the individual. When periods are thick, they can even take the form of blood clots. These impressive menstrual periods are often cause forconcern. Rest assured, Elia explains all about blood clots during periods.

What are blood clots at periods ?

With their viscous appearance and dark red color, blood clots from periods can quickly become a cause for concern. Often referred to as a periods disorder, this phenomenon is in fact quite normal, if not widespread. The arrival of periods corresponds to the moment when the uterine lining detaches from the uterus and is evacuated when the ovum has not been fertilized. This mucous membrane, which is none other than the endometrium, is highly vascularized. As it disintegrates, it causes bleeding. The blood clots of periods sometimes give the impression of a loss of pieces of flesh, but this is not the case. It's blood that can sometimes clump together to form clots. During periods, pieces of mucous membrane may be evacuated.

Where do blood clots come from? periods

The body is trained to coagulate blood. When you cut yourself, this slows down or even prevents bleeding. However, during menstruation, the blood must be thinned to be evacuated quickly. Women secrete a natural anticoagulant (plasmin) to prevent the formation of blood clots at periods. This is sometimes not enough, as after a night's sleep. When lying down, blood is more difficult to evacuate. As it stagnates, it clumps together, then flows out in the form of a large blood clot into the periods.

Abundant periods promote blood clots

Blood clots at periods usually occur during the two days of heaviest flow. In addition, heavy bleeding atperiods favors this phenomenon. In the face of heavy flow, the body may show its limits, or fail to secrete enough anticoagulant. As a result, blood clots appear more frequently at periods .

Is it normal to have blood clots during periods ?

It's perfectly normal to have blood clots in the periods, especially after the night, as the flow hasn't been able to s'flow as freely. Similarly, a large blood clot in the periods pill is nothing to worry about. sEven s't isn't menstruation as such, but the presence of blood causes coagulation.

However, you must remain vigilant, as blood clots at periods can also be linked to iron deficiency (anemia). If you're experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, take a look at your diet. Are you eating enough lentils, kidney beans or meat? When blood clots at periods are accompanied by severe fatigue, dizziness or unusual shortness of breath, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. He or she will take a blood sample. If iron deficiency is confirmed, he or she will prescribe dietary supplements.

Finally, if you're menopausal or have bleeding with blood clots, consult your doctor, even if you're on hormone therapy.

Loss of a piece of flesh or mucous membrane

Women often describe blood clots at periods as the loss of pieces of flesh, but this is not the case. During periods, badly disintegrated pieces of mucous membrane may eventually mix with the clots. Their viscous, dark appearance makes them quite similar.

What is the usual size of blood clots?

Blood clots in periods can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Although not alarming, the repeated presence of a large blood clot in your periods (over 2.5 cm) should prompt you to consult your doctor.

Is there a treatment for blood clots?

There is no treatment for blood clots at periods, unless you are anemic. In the case of blood clots due to heavy periods , oral contraception can reduce menstrual flow.

How can blood clots be reduced or eliminated at periods ?

Certain foods and grandmotherly tricks can strengthen the body's ability to thin the blood during menstruation:

  • Foods rich in omega-3 (fish, avocado, eggs, milk, almonds) ;
  • Nettle and thyme infusion (rich in iron);
  • Sage infusion (rich in vitamin K with strong anticoagulant properties);
  • Warm compress on the lower abdomen when the flow is abundant;
  • Food supplements to prevent iron deficiency.

Should I consult a doctor about blood clots?

Blood clots are nothing to be afraid of. However, there are times when the intervention of a health specialist is necessary.

In the event of pregnancy

In the event of pregnancy, blood clots in the periods are not necessarily a sign of miscarriage. However, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to make sure that everything is fine. In fact, even a discharge of blood without a clot should be the subject of a visit to the doctor.

In case of periods bleeding

Hemorrhagic periods can be very uncomfortable. We use this term when the discharge is heavy and lasts for more than 7 days. The presence of blood clots in these periods , which are difficult to control with conventional sanitary products, should also be a warning sign. These periods can be caused by :

  • A copper coil;
  • Early miscarriage;
  • A polyp (small growth of flesh in the uterus) l;
  • Submucosal fibroma;
  • Adenomyosis (more common in women aged 40-50).

 

Bleeding FAQ periods

Are blood clots serious? periods

In most cases, blood clots in periods are not serious. Blood clots or loss of pieces of flesh are nothing to worry about, especially if they measure less than 2.5 cm. Beyond this size, seek professional advice. Similarly, if you experience bleeding during pregnancy or menopause, consult your doctor even if the discharge does not contain blood clots.

What causes blood clots at periods ?

Blood clots at periods appear when the flow is heaviest (one or two days). In this case, your body is unable to secrete enough natural anticoagulant to thin the menstrual flow. A large blood clot in the periods can also be seen in the morning, as the flow has more difficulty being evacuated at night and therefore coagulates. The more abundant a woman's periods , the more prone she may be to this phenomenon.

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