Period Blood Clots: Normal or Not?

If you’ve passed blood clots during your period, you may be anxious. You’re likely wondering if this is normal, or a sign of something going wrong with your body. And that’s a fear we’re here to address.

To begin with, we want you to understand passing period blood clots is actually a normal part of your monthly cycle. Because, while your body does have anti-coagulants, it’s pretty common for some clots to form on heavy flow days. In some cases, however, those clots could be a warning sign that trouble is brewing. So, what’s normal and what’s not? Here’s what you need to know!

Consider the Size
When deciding if that period blood clot is normal or problematic, size will be an important factor. Large clots—defined as measuring close to golf ball size—are possibly problematic. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away if you see a clot this size. Additionally, even if you’re passing smaller clots, if they’re coming frequently, that’s something worth mentioning to your doctor at your next checkup.

Large Period Blood Clots: What’s the Issue? 
Passing large clots, along with long or heavy menstrual bleeding, could be a sign that you have uterine fibroids. These are non-cancerous, muscular tumors that form on or within your uterine tissue.

Even if you don’t have fibroids, large clots or a heavier than usual menstrual period could mean you’ve had a miscarriage; are living with endometriosis; or could even have cancer. As such, you should mention any changes in your menstrual cycle to your trusted healthcare provide.

Now, if it turns out that you do have fibroids, an early diagnosis means you’ll enjoy more treatment options. In our Atlanta fibroids practice, we offer a minimally invasive, out-patient fibroid treatment known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or UFE. Many women have found relief from heavy bleeding and other fibroid symptoms with UFE. However, women with numerous or extremely large fibroids may not be candidates. And, since untreated fibroids can keep growing larger, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our fibroid specialists in Atlanta as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Together, we’ll discuss your treatment options and determine if you’re a candidate for UFE.