Menstrual Clots and Your Period

Menstrual clots are a natural part of your period that many women experience at one time or another.

While it may surprise you and feel disconcerting to see them appear during your period – especially for the first time – you can rest assured that for the most part, these little gel-like blobs are completely harmless.

Noticing these blood clots – particularly on your heavier days – is normal. In fact, around 1 in 3 have heavy periods, which usually result in some blood clots. Even if you have lighter periods, you may still see them at the start of your period when the flow is at its heaviest.

What are menstrual blood clots?

While it may look like you bleed more, on average your body will release around 30-50 ml of menstrual blood each month. This is made up of the wall of the uterus as it breaks down. You may also notice some thicker clumps or chunks of blood, usually when your flow is at its heaviest, which can vary in texture and colour (from brighter red to dark red).

These are also known as menstrual blood clots. Remember: you are not alone – most people will experience clots during their period at some point in their lives (or maybe even during every period). They are a perfectly normal and natural part of your menstrual cycle. Clots usually appear during the first few days of your period when your flow is at its heaviest.

What causes menstrual blood clots?

So, here’s the scientific part: just like when we get a cut, during our period, when the thick lining of your uterus wall breaks down, we release a substance known as “procoagulants” that help your blood to form blood clots.

At the same time, “anticoagulants” are also released, forming a balancing act that ensures the blood is thinned out enough. During the heaviest phase of your period, the anticoagulants can be outpaced by your flow, so they don’t have time to kick in and break down the clots before they are released from the body.

That is why during the first few days of your period, when your flow is at its heaviest, you may see some clots. You can experience clots during every period or only occasionally. Just as each body and menstrual cycle is unique, so is your own menstrual bleeding and its appearance.

Is it normal to have menstrual blood clots during my period?

For the most part, menstrual blood clots are a normal part of every cycle and nothing to worry about. However, if you notice any significant changes, or any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to consult your doctor in case of an undetected medical condition or health issue:

They appear wider than about 3 cm
You pass large clots frequently over a short period of time
They are greyish in colour
You have excessive menstrual bleeding or HMB (heavy menstrual bleeding) – i.e. you need to change your menstrual hygiene product every hour
You experience prolonged periods that last over 7 days
You suffer from symptoms such as severe cramping, inflammation or swelling
There’s mid-cycle bleeding or spotting.

Is my period blood normal?

All periods are different and even your period will change from one month to the next.

One month you may experience a lot of blood clots and heavy period flow, while the next, your flow may be lighter or a different colour.

In general, when the blood is redder and brighter, it has come out of your body quicker. The darker or blacker it appears, the longer it has taken to be expelled from the body. This is why you may notice that the blood is darker or even almost black towards the end of your cycle.

How to manage menstrual blood clots?

Most menstrual clots are perfectly healthy and normal and no cause for concern. However, it is important to keep tabs on your overall flow each month in case of any significant changes.

Things to look out for include the consistency and colour of the blood and the size of any clots.

Some period products, such as a menstrual cup, can help to you to easily monitor your flow, as it collects the blood instead of absorbing it. Cups are also ideal if you have a heavy flow, as they can hold up to 3 times more blood than a “super” absorbent tampon or pad can.

What can menstrual blood clots mean?

If you notice that you are passing many large clots or experiencing prolonged bleeding, if you have a heavier than usual flow or you are suffering from severe cramping or inflammation, it’s advisable to check in with your doctor to rule out any other medical condition or health issue.

Excessive clotting can be a sign that your hormones are out of balance. Stress, illness, menopause or medication can also cause excessive clotting, as can a rare condition known as endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful syndrome that can cause the uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus, usually in the ovaries or sometimes on the fallopian tubes, bowels or bladder.

Symptoms can include heavy periods, excessive clotting and pain in the abdomen, pelvic area and lower back. An estimated 1 in 10 women are known to suffer from endometriosis.

While this may sound scary, for the most part, these little clumpy blobs that appear during your period are just part and parcel of your cycle and nothing to be worried about. If in any doubt, always consult your doctor for advice.