Why Do I Have Heavy Periods With Blood Clots

Heavy Periods In Perimenopause: What’s Happening

PERIOD 101| Everything You SHOULD Know

During a normal menstrual cycle, levels of follicle stimulating hormone rise, causing eggs in the ovaries to mature. These egg follicles produce more estrogen, which stimulates the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, to thicken in preparation for a fertilized egg. When you ovulate, or release a mature egg, more progesterone is created which stops the lining growth. If the egg isnât fertilized, the drop in progesterone signals your body to slough off the endometrium, and you get your period.

To understand how things change during perimenopause, some menopause doctors describe it like maintaining your lawn. The endometrium is the grass. Estrogen is the fertilizer, which causes the grass to grow. And progesterone is the lawnmower that cuts the grass. You sometimes over fertilize the lawn and get really good growth. Some months the lawnmower is broken and the grass keeps growing, longer and longer until you get a chance to mow.

What exactly heavier means varies from woman to woman. Some notice a slight increase in flow or duration of their period others are unwilling to leave their homes for fear of leaking. If you need to change your tampon or pad more often than you used to, then itâs heavier. You may also see blood clots, especially during the heaviest part of your cycle. As long as the clots are smaller than a quarter, no worries.

Emergency Treatment To Rapidly Stop Heavy Bleeding

Some women have very heavy bleeding during a period. This can cause a lot of blood loss, and distress. One option as an emergency treatment is to take a course of norethisterone tablets. Norethisterone is a progestogen medicine. Progestogens act like the body’s natural progesterone hormones – they control the build-up of cells lining the womb .So, if a period is very heavy or prolonged, your doctor may advise that you take norethisterone tablets. A dose of 5 mg three times daily for 10 days is the usual treatment. Bleeding usually stops within 24-48 hours of starting treatment. If bleeding is exceptionally heavy then 10 mg three times daily may be given. This should then be tapered down to 5 mg three times daily for a week, once your bleeding has stopped.

Changes To Your Birth Control

I have written about methods of contraception in previous blogs but here I focus on how changing birth control methods can affect the amount you bleed.

Contraceptive patch and the pill

These contraceptives usually result in a lighter flow so if youve recently stopped using either of them you may experience a heavier period.

The non-hormonal coil

This common contraceptive is non-hormonal and commonly referred to as the ‘copper coil.’ It is inserted in the uterus by a doctor or nurse to stop you getting pregnant. Although it is very effective and can last for years, it comes with the unfortunate side effect of heavier and more painful periods.

Nevertheless, this is only temporary problem and things should settle down after a few period cycles. After all, the body needs time to adjust to the new hormone balance that contraceptives bring.

There is an alternative, hormonal coil known as the Mirena coil which can offer some hormonal support, and in some cases, make periods much lighter, shorter, or can even cause them to disappear completely.

Read Also: What Does A Period Feel Like

Question: I Was Wondering How Do You Know If Your Period Is Heavy Or Moderate Because I Really Dont Know If I Should Show My Mother Shes Asked And I Tell Her Im Not Suer How To Tell Please Help

Dr. Farah Kroman: If you need to change your regular pad or tampon more often than every 3-4 hours because it’s full, then that would be a heavy flow. If so, you’ll need to ask your mum to buy super pads/tampons for those heavy flow times. Then go back to regular when the period flow backs off a bit.

Changes In Your Periods

Why do I keep getting those little dark red or black things in my ...

Your periods can change for example, they may last longer or get lighter. This does not necessarily mean theres a problem, but it does need to be investigated.

You can see your GP, or visit your nearest womens clinic or contraceptive clinic.

Bleeding between periods, bleeding after having sex, or bleeding after the menopause needs to be checked by a doctor.

It might be caused by an infection, abnormalities in the neck of the womb or, in rare cases, it could be cancer.

You could be pregnant if you miss a period and youve had sex. See your GP if youve taken a pregnancy test and the result is negative and youve missed 3 consecutive periods.

They will investigate the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.

Read more about stopped or missed periods.

Also Check: What Can Help My Period Cramps

How Is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask a series of questions about your medical history and menstrual cycle to diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding.

Your provider may ask about:

  • Your age when you got your first period.
  • The number of days your period lasts.
  • The number of days your period is heavy.
  • Family members with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Your pregnancy history and current birth control methods.
  • Current medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter ones.

Come prepared to talk about your quality of life, too. Your provider needs to know if you’ve been doubling up on menstrual products, avoiding activities or placing restrictions on your life in any way because of heavy periods.

Some Are Normal But Others Can Be A Sign Of Issues Like Uterine Fibroids

Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women’s health.

For most individuals who menstruate, occasional period blood clots are normal and nothing to be concerned about. That said, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions can cause blood clots to appear in your period blood too.

One sign of an abnormal blood clot is that it is the size of a quarter or larger.

This article explains what period blood clots are made of, how they form, and signs that they may not be normal and need to be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner.

Also Check: How To Tell If Your Period Is Over

When Should I See A Doctor For Heavy Periods

Heavy periods arent something that you have to put up with. If your period affects your daily life by causing you to miss work or school, cancel social activities or plan your day around bathroom breaks, its time to seek treatment.

We recommend making an appointment with one of our womens health experts if you experience any of the the symptoms described above. An expert will be able to diagnose whats causing your heavy periods and recommend effective treatments. If youre not sure whether your period is normal, just ask.

Potential Causes For Large Blood Clots During Your Period

Brown Period Blood – Meaning, Causes

Passing blood clots during your menstrual cycle is often a normal occurrence during the heaviest days of your period. In fact, most women experience clots at some point in their lives however, heavy bleeding and passing large clots can sometimes Read More

Passing blood clots during your menstrual cycle is often a normal occurrence during the heaviest days of your period. In fact, most women experience clots at some point in their lives however, heavy bleeding and passing large clots can sometimes be a cause for concern.

Are huge blood clots normal during your period? What other symptoms can you look out for to ensure that more worrisome health conditions arent occurring?

Menorrhagia is defined as menstrual bleeding that can be heavier than usual. If youre changing your tampon every two hours or sooner, or are passing blood clots the size of a quarter or larger, you may be suffering from heavy periods. This is uncomfortable and often painful, and many women suffer from the debilitating symptoms that come from heavy periods.

There are numerous potential reasons that your period is getting heavier and youre passing abnormal period clots, and the good news is that many of the conditions and reasons for these symptoms are both common and treatable.

Here are seven reasons why you may be passing big blood clots and experiencing heavier-than-normal periods:

Read Also: When Do You Ovulate After Your Period

Menopause : : Bleeding Bright Red Blood After No Periods For 2 Years

I am 47 years old and havent had a period for at least 2 years. However, i starting bleeding bright red blood about 3 days ago, and this has been quite heavy as i am normally only very light.It isnt like period blood. This has happened before in this 2 year period and it was bright red then too. ive been on warfarin since last december due to a pulmonary embolism in my lung. Is it necessary to see a doctor, i dont want to feel like im making a fuss.

What To Do About Heavy Periods

Heavy bleeding isnât only annoying and inconvenient, it can have some negative effects on your health. Here are steps to take to minimize bleeding and its effects.

Up your fluid intake. Blood loss can result in a lower blood volume. Tell-tale signs are dizziness, heart pounding, or lightheadedness when you get up from lying or sitting. To prevent a drop in blood volume, bump up your fluid intake by four to six cups a day. If you notice any of these symptoms, include some salty fluids like tomato juice and broths.

Eat more iron-rich foods. Repeated heavy cycles could deplete your iron stores, resulting in anemia. Good sources of iron include fortified, whole-grain cereals, beef, shellfish, spinach and other dark leafy greens, dried fruits, and mushrooms. Since the iron in plant sources is harder to absorb, combining these foods with foods high in vitamin C increases absorption. You might also want to talk to your doctor about an iron supplement, but donât supplement on your own since too much iron can be problematic.

Manage your weight. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which, as explained above, thickens the uterine lining, and the thicker lining results in a heavier period. If youâre carrying around some extra pounds, making some sensible diet and exercise changes could be a win-win.

Take NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Aleve can help reduce blood loss.

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Use Of Hormonal Contraceptives And Medications

Hormonal contraceptives stop the growth of the lining of the uterine wall. An IUD with progestin-release may also help to reduce around 90 percent of the flow. Birth control pills also help to reduce almost half of the menstrual flow. Some women dont prefer the use of hormonal medication. They can opt for medicines with tranexamic acid as it helps in controlling blood clotting.

What Do Period Blood Clots Say About My Health

Period Clots: When You Should Be Concerned

Usually, period clots are nothing to worry about , and they just come with heavy-ish periods. But in some cases, a heavy flow can signal a bigger medical problem.

Keep in mind: Many of these issues are accompanied by pain and other symptoms not *just* period blood clots.

For example, sometimes period blood clots are a sign that you could be anaemic, which is when youre low on healthy red blood cells, sometimes due to too little iron or vitamin B12 .

Other times, menstrual blood clots are related to down-there issues such as uterine fibroids , pelvic inflammatory disease , endometriosis , or adenomyosis .

Polycystic ovary syndrome , a common health problem caused by out-of-balance reproductive hormones, is also linked to blood clots during your period.

Susan also says if you experience heavy periods with clotted blood that also leave you pale and light-headed, you should consult a doctor to rule out von Willebrand disease , a condition that prevents blood from clotting properly.

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The Restricting Effects Of Fibroids

Fibroids are generally believed to prevent the uterus from contracting the way it needs to. Menstrual bleeding, therefore, is in a sense left unchecked. This explains why flow is so much heavier in women who have these growths.

Additionally, fibroids can produce proteins that activate blood vessels within the uterus. Those vessels, in turn, bleed more freely into the uterine cavity. Remember that this is the source of blood clots during period, forming when the body cannot produce enough anticoagulants to keep pace with flow. The number of clots you pass during menstruation therefore become more numerous.

Tests And Treatment For Heavy Bleeding With Clots

The cause of heavy bleeding can usually be determined by your physician by doing a few tests. Blood may be drawn to look for clotting or blood disorders. An endometrial biopsy may be done to check for presence of abnormal cells, an indicator of uterine cancer.

Other tests that may be done include X-ray or ultrasound images of the uterus or use of devices to view the inside of the uterus or abdomen .

Treatment depends on the cause of the heavy bleeding with clots and the needs of the individual patient. It may include hormones such as IUDs and birth control pills, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, the non-hormonal medicine tranexamic acid and possible surgery.

Due to heavy blood loss, females with heavy bleeding are prone to develop anemia as well and may require treatment for that also.

You should discuss with their physicians all their treatment options before making any decisions regarding how to treat or manage heavy menstrual bleeding.

Surgical procedures such as removal of the uterus or procedures which are less invasive such as endometrial ablation should be considered carefully. Due to hysterectomy a female will not be able to bear children in the future and due to endometrial ablation future pregnancy will be risky and unlikely.

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Causes Of Menstrual Clots

During menstruation, the endometrial cells that line the uterus strip away and leave the body.

As this happens, the body releases proteins that cause the blood in the uterus to coagulate. This coagulation prevents the blood vessels in the uterine lining from continuing to bleed.

The blood that the body has already shed also contains these coagulation proteins.

When the flow is most substantial, the coagulation proteins within the blood may start to clump together, resulting in menstrual clots.

Although it is normal to have clots in the blood during menstruation, this symptom can sometimes signal a medical issue. It is advisable to seek medical advice if the clots:

  • are larger than a quarter in size
  • are very frequent
  • occur with an abnormally heavy flow that requires a person to change their pad or tampon at least every 12 hours
  • occur with significant pain

The following conditions may cause abnormal menstrual clots:

How To Treat The Problem

2 month Period while pregnant!!

If you have one heavy period, it can be common to experience these infrequently and there may be no need to consult your GP. However, if you experience a persistent change with a heavier flow for three months or more, you should consult your doctor. Also, the NHS state that if you are experiencing other symptoms such as severe cramp and bleeding between periods then a doctor will be able to see if there is an underlying cause for this.

Some common treatments for heavy periods include contraceptives though I won’t go into the details much more than this as what you are prescribed will depend on what’s going on with your body!

Once you’ve got the green light from your doctor, a herbal remedy such as Agnus castus may be used to address heavy periods.

This symptom is often associated with too much oestrogen or too little progesterone but the remedy helps to balance these things out. Please note however, that Agnus castus cannot be used alongside hormonal contraceptives.

Also Check: Is It Normal To Have A Late Period

Am I Pregnant : : Unprotected Intercourse

So for the last year or so ive been on the depo provera birth control. I have not gotten my last injection due on the 16th of march. And was very lightly bleeding for about a week during that time for the next shot then it stopped for a few days and then started bleeding heavy for the next five days. Finally stopped on april 3. Keep in mind My periods have never been normal. I had unprotected sex on the 8th and 12th and now am lightly spotting. Can i be pregnant?

Whats Considered A Heavy Period

You might be surprised to learn that about one in five women experience menorrhagia, the medical term for heavy periods. Because each womans period is unique, it can be tricky to know if what you think is normal for your cycle is actually excessive bleeding. In fact, half of women who experience menorrhagia dont realize they have it.

While the best way to know if your heavy periods are chronic is to talk to a doctor, you can keep an eye out for some common symptoms of menorrhagia.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, any of the following is considered a symptom of heavy bleeding:

  • Bleeding for more than seven days
  • Blood soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour
  • You need to change your pad or tampon during the night
  • You need to double up on protection to keep from leaking
  • The blood clots in your flow are the size of a quarter or larger

Also Check: 11 Day Period And Still Bleeding

Is It Normal To Have Blood Clots During Period

Yes. During the early stages of your period you may experience severe increase bleeding with blood clots. These subsides in few days. A menstrual cup can help with heavy clots during periods.

Other causes of causes of blood clots in period are vaginal infection, endometrial thickening or cancer. You should inform your doctor if period bleeding is more than 7 days.

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