Menstruation Blood Clots

Menstruation cycle or periods is a monthly cycle experienced by a woman after attaining puberty, till she reaches her menopause. A menstruation cycle is when the uterus sheds the endometrial lining every month. This is because every month an egg is released during ovulation that travels through the fallopian tube and embeds itself in the wall of the uterus awaiting sperms for fertilization and conception. When the egg is not fertilized by the sperm, the body releases the egg along with the endometrial lining. The egg, endometrial lining, blood, fluid, etc. are shed at the end of the cycle and termed as 'periods'.

Blood Clots During Menstruation
Menstruation blood clots are a part of the whole menstruation process and are termed as a normal occurrence. The causes of menstrual blood clots are actually the body's way of naturally controlling the bleeding. This is a very complicated process that helps fibrin to form a matrix.

When the blood pools inside the uterus, it develops clots. If this blood is passed outside in the form of menstruation blood, the formation of clots is less. If the blood is bright red, it has been shed out quickly from the body. The darker the blood color, the longer it will take to come out of the body. This leads to the formation of menstrual blood clots.

Causes of Blood Clots
There are many factors that help to determine formation of blood clots during menstruation. The size of the uterus plays a role in formation of blood clots during menstruation. If the uterus is larger, there may be development of blood clots. The ability of the uterine myometrium to contract also helps in formation or no formation of blood clots. Adenomyosis and fibroids are also among the causes. The smaller the diameter of the cervical canal through which the blood flows, the more likely are the chances of formation of blood clots during menstruation. If there are polyps, adhesions, etc. inside the body that obstruct the blood flow, it will result in blood clots.

Darker Blood Clots and Thicker Blood Flow
During the heaviest days of bleeding, one may experience bright red or dark-colored clots. If there are multiple clots in the blood, it will lead to a thicker menstrual blood flow. The body releases anticogulants that help in keeping the menstrual blood from clotting. If there is heavy bleeding, then the anticogulants do not have enough time to coagulate the blood. Thus, menstruation blood clots help in controlling the blood flow.

By the end of the periods, one may experience darker or almost black bleeding. This is a normal color change that happens when the older blood is expelled from the body. If you experience temporary heavy blood flow, it is very normal. But if you regularly experience heavy blood flow, you should consult a doctor, as it may lead to long-term problems like anemia, weakness and fatigue.

Large Blood Clots During Menstruation
If you experience large blood clots during menstruation, that are larger than a quarter, you should speak to the doctor. Also, frequent blood clots passed during the day are also a cause of concern. If you experience large blood blots during menstruation for the first time, you should meet the doctor and discuss these problems.

Blood clots may also indicate a problematic pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experience menstruation blood clots, it may be due to early ectopic pregnancy symptoms, miscarriages or other problems associated with pregnancy. If you have had a miscarriage earlier, passing blood clots or gray tissue clumps may be seen. The presence of non-cancerous tumors in the uterus may also lead to heavy periods and more blood clots than usual. Hormonal changes, menopause, excessive weight change, large uterus due to multiple pregnancies, adenomyosis (presence of uterus lining outside the uterus) may also cause change in blood flow and formation of blood clots.

These were a few reasons as to why you may be experiencing blood clots during menstruation. It is very normal for many women to experience menstruation blood clots as they work in place of anticogulants. But, if you experience large blood clots during menstruation and more in frequency, consult a doctor. Take care of your health, as it is your body's way to help you know something's just not right.