Why are my periods thick?

Menstruation is a natural periodic blood flow that is unique to each woman. Their duration, color, composition and volume vary according to the individual. If you have a thick period, you may find pieces of endometrium and even clots in your menstrual blood. Want to know more about slimy periods and what causes them? Here's a rundown.

Is it normal to have a thick period?

Having a thick period can be a concern for some women. These impressive periods are generally benign and completely normal. In fact, remember that period is not just blood. It's also made up of :

• Uterine lace, i.e. fragments from the wall of the endometrium (mucous membrane lining the inner wall of the uterus);
• Vaginal secretions (white discharge, also called leucorrhoea);
• Viscouscervical mucus.

These things can change the appearance and consistency of the menstrual flow. For example, you may have a slimy period with a few pieces of endometrium or a slimy, red period depending on the time of the cycle. In most cases, thick periods go hand in hand with heavy periods and do not indicate any particular problem.

Be careful! If your bloody discharge is foul-smelling and associated with intense pain in the lower abdomen, consult your doctor or gynecologist without delay.

What causes viscous menstruation?

Viscous periods can be caused by two things: pieces of endometrium and blood clots.

Endometrial lumps in your period blood

Have you noticed lumps in your period and are wondering what they are? It is simply debris from the uterine lining that naturally passes out of the vagina. In the absence of fertilization, the upper part of the endometrium detaches and is eliminated by the body to be renewed. These pieces of endometrium are found in greater quantities on the heaviest days of the cycle. They can make your period look slimy and red.

Blood clots in your period

It is also possible to see blood clots in your period. These are not pieces of endometrium, but clotted blood. Dark red in color and slimy in appearance, blood clots can be a concern. However, this phenomenon is completely natural and quite common.

During menstruation, the body secretes plasmin, an anticoagulant enzyme that helps thin the blood and prevent clots from forming. When you lie down during the night, the blood is more difficult to evacuate and clots. When you wake up, you may find clots in your sanitary napkin or menstrual panties, which is perfectly normal.

The heavy periods also encourages theappearance of blood clots. Too much flow is sometimes difficult for the body to control because it doesn't secrete enough plasmin. If you lose a lot of blood during your period, you'll probably notice blood clots on the days when your flow is heaviest.

Thick periods: what are the changes related to the menstrual cycle?

The phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormones produced during it can affect the color of the period as well as their consistency. Your bleeding may be more viscous at certain times and change in color as the days go by.

Color change

Menstrual blood can range in color from light pink to black to all shades of red. At the beginning or end of the period, when there is less flow, the bleeding remains darker (dark red, brown or black). This is due to the oxidation of the blood, which remains in contact with the air for a longer period of time before being evacuated.

From the second or third day onwards, the blood often turns bright red , meaning that it is rapidly draining from the uterus. It is at this point in the cycle that you may experience a thickened period with lumps of endometrium and blood clots.

Variation in consistency

The consistency of menstrual blood can vary depending on the phase of your menstrual cycle, your hormone levels, but also the general state of your body. Menstrual periods can be very liquid or very thick, depending on the situation.

If you are healthy, your blood will be quite fluid and you may see a few lumps in your period. If your period is sticky and red, it means that your flow is very abundant and that you are evacuating a larger quantity ofendometrium. If you have a thick period with lots of clots, it means you may have a deficiency, a hormonal imbalance or that your contraception is not suitable.

In fact, some pills act on thethickness of the endometrium and cause viscous and abundant periods. During the menopause, women experience hormonal changes that sometimes lead to thick and irregular periods. Finally, a slimy period with blood clots may indicate an iron deficiency(anemia). So don't hesitate to make an appointment with your midwife or gynecologist to check your condition.

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Should I consult a health professional if I have a thick period?

Many women have thick periods every month. We have seen that this phenomenon is frequent and generally benign. It is perfectly normal to have a slimy, mucusy period with a few pieces of endometrium.

If you notice blood clots in your period, don't be alarmed either! This is something that happens, especially after a period of sleep where the blood flow is less easy due to lying down. However, we recommend that you keep an eye on them, especially if you notice that they are larger than an inch.

You should consider seeing a health care professional if:

• You have a thick period with severe pain in your belly and lower back and burning;
• You notice that your period has changed color and has a foul odor;
• You are in the menopause and you have viscous, abundant and long periods with blood clots;
• You notice dark red discharge and blood clots for more than a week;
• You have dark, thick bloody discharge outside of your period.

These symptoms could indicate an infection, a uterine fibroid or polyp, a gynecological pathology(endometriosis, adenomyosis) or a miscarriage. So stay tuned to your body and contact your doctor quickly if you have any doubts.

FAQ about thick periods

Is it normal to have lumps in your period?

Why are my periods sticky and red?