What Is A Menstrual Blood Clot?
Menstrual blood clots are globs of coagulated blood that have a gel-like appearance. These globs can also be tissues and by-products of blood that are expelled from the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Small and less frequent blood clots are a common occurrence, and you don’t need to worry about them. However, if you are regularly passing large clots during your period, it could be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Blood clots are often classified as normal or abnormal, depending on their appearance. Let’s look at the types in detail
Types Of Blood Clots
Normal blood clots are usually:
Smaller (not larger than a quarter) Occasional (usually occur at the beginning of your menstrual cycle) Bright or dark in color
On the other hand, abnormal blood clots are:
Larger than a quarter Occur frequently
So, what causes these clots in the first place? Let’s find out.
What Causes Blood Clots During Periods?
The menstrual cycle of a fertile woman repeats every 28 to 35 days, lasting for about 4 to 8 days. It causes the shedding of the uterine lining (also called the endometrium). The endometrium, which thickens and grows in response to the hormone estrogen, supports a fertile egg upon conception. However, if a woman does not conceive during this period, this lining sheds off. This whole process is called menstruation. This shedding causes blood clots during menstruation. When the lining is shed, it may get mixed with
Blood Blood by-products Mucus Tissue
The endometrium usually pools in the bottom of the uterus and waits for the cervix to contract to be expelled. To help with the breakdown of this lining, your body produces anticoagulants. When the blood flow surpasses the amount of anticoagulants produced, it results in blood clots. Medical conditions responsible for heavy blood flow during your periods are:
Uterine obstructions that enlarge the uterus Fibroids, which are noncancerous muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall Endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and into your reproductive tract Adenomyosis, which occurs when the uterine lining grows into the uterine wall Cancerous tumors Hormonal imbalances
Menstrual clotting can also be accompanied by the following side effects.
Side Effects Of Menstrual Clotting
Anemia due to abnormally heavy blood flow Severe pain or period cramps
We strongly recommended you visit a doctor if your menstrual blood clots are more frequent. This is to rule out potential complications. However, if they are occasional and you are not experiencing the above side effects, you can try these home remedies that can help in easing menstrual blood clots.
Home Remedies To Treat Blood Clots During Periods
How To Get Rid Of Menstrual Blood Clots Naturally
1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
1 teaspoon of red raspberry tea 1 cup of water Honey
You must drink this 2 to 3 times daily. Red raspberry leaves contain fragarine, an alkaloid that helps tone your uterus and balance your hormones (1).
2. Massage
Various massaging techniques help improve reproductive system health and enhance blood circulation around the uterus. They can also ease away the menstrual blood clots as they improve blood flow (2).
3. Cold Compress
An ice pack You must do this whenever you observe blood clotting during your period or right before you are due. Cold compresses help constrict the blood vessels and have a numbing effect, which can ease the blood clots (3).
4. Vitamins
Vitamins A, B, D, and C help relieve heavy menstrual bleeding or clotting. Vitamin A ensures proper replication of red blood cells, and its antioxidant properties protect cells from damage. B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, are necessary for producing prostaglandins that help reduce blood clots. Vitamin D balances hormones to alleviate excess bleeding. And lastly, vitamin C can help strengthen your fragile cells and blood vessels, thereby easing blood clots (4).
5. Cayenne Pepper
½ teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper 1 glass of warm water Honey
You must drink this twice daily. Cayenne pepper enhances blood flow, which is why it is used to treat various bleeding-related problems (like hemorrhage). Regular consumption of cayenne pepper can relieve excessive blood clots as well (5).
6. Blackstrap Molasses
1-2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses 1 cup of warm water or milk
You must drink this once daily during your period or right before it begins. The iron in blackstrap molasses encourages the production of red blood cells, thereby replacing the excess blood lost during menstruation. It also soothes your uterine muscles and walls, alleviating pain and blood clots.
7. Ginger Tea
1 teaspoon of minced ginger 1 cup of water Honey
Drink this twice daily for optimum benefits. Regular ginger intake can reduce heavy blood flow and clots during menstruation, as per a study published in Phytotherapy Research (6).
8. Chamomile Tea
1 teaspoon of chamomile tea 1 cup of water Honey
You must drink chamomile tea on a daily basis. The coumarin in chamomile tea helps in blood thinning, which helps in reducing blood clots. And the tea’s anti-inflammatory properties help you deal with menstrual cramps and pain (7).
9. Garlic
Minced garlic You must do this daily, especially when you are on your period. Sulfur, an important compound in garlic, exhibits anticoagulant activity against clotting disorders like thrombosis (8). Hence, garlic can help to get rid of menstrual blood clots.
10. Pumpkin Seeds
2 tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds Consume pumpkin seeds daily. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols as well as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (which get converted to prostaglandins) that can help ease blood clots during menstruation (9), (10). Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your health. In addition to the home remedies, you can also follow these prevention tips to deal with blood clots during menstruation.
Prevention Tips
Avoid consuming foods that contain vitamin K. Consume fruits rich in vitamin C. Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. Exercise regularly.
How long do you bleed on your period? Bleeding during periods may last anywhere between 2 to 7 days. Bleeding that continues for longer may need medical attention. Is it normal to have a blood clot when you are on your period? It is completely normal to notice blood clumps or clots during your periods. But if these clots are accompanied by heavy blood flow and last for more than one normal period, it could be an indication of an underlying medical issue. Are blood clots a sign of miscarriage? If you are pregnant, rapid bleeding and cramping, accompanied by contractions, can lead to the removal of large blood clots and tissues from your uterus. This is most often a sign of a miscarriage. What does the color of your period blood tell you? While bright red blood hints at the beginning of your cycle, dark red blood occurs towards the end and is an indication of the end of your period. Brown or black blood is usually present at the very end of your period and has been around for longer whereas light brown blood usually surfaces at the very beginning of your period, right before you notice the bright red spotting. When to see a doctor? You must visit your doctor immediately if: • Your pad or tampon is soaked in blood in an hour for several hours • You experience irregular bleeding • You experience vaginal bleeding after menopause Can ovarian cysts cause blood clots during a period? Yes, if an ovarian cyst bursts, it may cause blood clots. Additionally, the cysts may lead to heavy, uncomfortable menstruation and irregular periods. Do blood clots make you tired? Yes, blood clots during periods can make you feel weak and tired. Does walking prevent blood clots? Yes, walking can help prevent blood clots by boosting blood flow and making you feel better during your period. However, be careful not to overdo it. Can stress cause blood clots? Yes, external causes like stress can make your period heavier and lead to blood clots.
