7 Potential Causes for Large Blood Clots During Your Period
It is not out of the ordinary to pass blood clots during your menstrual cycle, especially on heavier flow days. That being said there is a point where regularly passing large blood clots or experiencing heavy bleeding for long periods of time can raise some concerns.
Passing large clots can be painful and uncomfortable, but often times when clots are brought on from certain conditions or factors they may be treatable.
First, What is a menstrual blood clot?
Menstrual clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the uterine lining, and proteins in the blood that help regulate its flow.
Clots are normal & happen during menstruation when 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.
Most of the time you don’t need to worry if you are passing small clots during your period. The amount, length, and frequency of your menstrual bleeding can vary from month to month and person to person, BUT if you pass a clot larger than a grape - you need to seek medical care.
This can be a sign of fibroids, polyps, other health concerns , or even miscarriage. You can find a link here with more information from a Gynecologist.
Now, let’s talk about seven of the most common causes for large blood clots during your period.
Thyroid Conditions
Your thyroid is the gland assigned to both producing and distributing your hormones throughout your body. When the thyroid is having difficulty doing so, it can result in major impacts on your cycle. The thyroid can have trouble producing enough of the thyroid hormone at times or just the opposite, can have difficulty with producing too much of that thyroid hormone.
Either way, too much or not enough thyroid hormone, you and your cycle can suffer as a result. Chatting with your doctor for a full thyroid panel, or seeking care from a naturopath can be supportive.
A full thyroid panel may include: T3 and T4 levels, thyroid antibodies, reverse T3, urinary spot iodine test, basal body temperature and Thyroflex testing.
Holistic therapies like reflexology can also be helpful for supporting & regulating your thyroid.
Polyps & Fibroids
Polyps and Fibroids are both types of cell overgrowths that exist in the lining of the uterus. These overgrowths are usually harmless but can be a cause for blood clots during your period as they act as an obstruction to the outflow of blood.
A test as simple as an ultrasound can tell you a great deal surrounding the nature of the obstruction. Consulting a healthcare professional is always the first step in understanding possible treatments to potential underlying conditions.
You may also want to do some research into castor oil packs, as there has been some research suggesting its effectiveness for reducing the size & quantity of fibroids & polyps.
Birth Control
Finding the best suited type of birth control for you and your body can be a process of trial and error. In today’s world there are multiple different options when it comes to birth control and these come with varying side effects. What works for one person, might not work so well for another.
Passing large blot clots can be a symptom of certain methods of birth control. If blood clotting is something you already experience, exploring different options with your healthcare provider is crucial in deciding which method of birth control is best suited to your body and overall health.
You might also seek natural birth control support with the help of a Holistic Reproductive Practitioner, Cycle Coach, or Fertility Awareness Educator.
Medications
Over the counter and prescribed medications can play a role in your cycle. Heavy bleeding and clotting can be related to taking many different kinds of prescriptions or over the counter pills.
Ensure you are keeping track of any medications you are taking as they could play a role in contributing to abnormal periods and bleeding. As always, consult your family doctor or a healthcare professional if you have concerns surrounding your cycle and possible side affects of medications.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage can appear as a super heavy period or as a very large seeming blood clot. Experiencing an early loss of pregnancy can look very similar to a typical period blood clot, but as these clots get larger it can raise more of a concern. If you are pregnant and experiencing blood clots, especially larger than normal, consult with you family doctor or a healthcare professional.
If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, you may want to reach out to the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows on the outside of the uterus. This generally results in a great amount of pain and is typically difficult to diagnose, but once the root of the pain is found medications and various treatment plans can be implemented.
Endometriosis can appear in a variety of ways, from being symptomless to experiencing large blood clots and heavy bleeding during your cycle. Endometriosis may be a chronic illness but it is also treatable in various ways.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the result of a hormone imbalance and is another common condition that can cause heavy bleeding and blood clotting in your cycle. This kind of hormonal imbalance can cause extremely irregular periods and may be treated through medications, changes to your lifestyle, as well as fertility treatments.
Castor Oil Packs may reduce the symptoms of both PCOS and Endometriosis.
Hopefully that helps you on your journey to understanding & healing your blood clot concerns, and as ALWAYS seek your health care professional if you have concerns about your body/your baseline!
