During your period, you may find not only liquid blood on the pads you use, but also blood clots. However, you do not need to worry, because most women also experience the same thing. So, is menstrual blood clotting a normal or dangerous condition?
Blood clots that come out during menstruation is a common thing experienced by women and should not be too worried. This condition generally occurs in the first few days of menstruation and will disappear after menstruation stops.
However, you still need to be vigilant because menstrual blood clots can sometimes also be caused by certain medical conditions, especially if accompanied by bleeding, irregular menstruation, or lasts for a long time.
Causes of Blood Clots During Menstruation
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for pregnancy. However, if pregnancy does not occur, there will be hormones that signal to the uterine lining to shed blood so that menstruation occurs.
This bleeding usually appears as blood clots during menstruation. This blood clot often occurs when menstruation is heavy, generally at the beginning of the menstrual period. However, menstrual blood clots can last longer in women who usually have longer periods.
The shape of blood clots during menstruation generally resembles a gel with a bright red to dark brownish red color. Blood clots are considered normal when the clots are small and occur only occasionally.
This condition becomes abnormal and requires immediate medical attention when the blood clots during menstruation appear large (more than 2.5 cm) and appear frequently or do not subside, especially if you have to change pads every 1-2 hours.
Conditions to Watch Out for
In addition to normal conditions due to heavy menstrual blood, blood clots during menstruation can also be caused by several more serious conditions, such as:
1. Hormone imbalance
The condition of the lining of the uterus depends on the balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. If the amount of this hormone is too much or too little, the amount of blood that comes out during menstruation can increase or be excessive. The amount of blood that comes out during menstruation can cause menstrual blood to clot.
2. Miom
Myomas or fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the uterine wall. This condition can cause menstrual blood to come out more, thus making menstrual blood clot.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue called the endometrium grows outside the uterus. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. However, there are several factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing endometriosis, including heredity, hormonal disorders, and a history of pelvic surgery.
Women with endometriosis often experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding with blood clots, and pain.
4. Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine wall, causing the uterus to thicken and enlarge. This condition can cause bleeding in large quantities accompanied by blood clots from the vagina.
5. Miscarriage
One of the common signs and symptoms of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding accompanied by the discharge of tissue resembling flesh or blood clots. This condition usually occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Some women who miscarry may not realize that they are pregnant.
6. Cancer
Uterine cancer and cervical cancer can be characterized by heavy bleeding accompanied by clots. Bleeding can occur outside the menstrual cycle or after sexual intercourse.
In addition to clotting bleeding from the vagina, uterine cancer and cervical cancer can also cause other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss.
Menstrual blood that clots and goes away on its own is generally not a dangerous condition. However, you still need to be alert if the menstrual blood clots very much or is accompanied by other complaints, such as pain during sexual intercourse, weakness and paleness, menstrual blood appears outside the menstrual cycle, or clotting menstrual blood has occurred for a long time.
If you experience menstrual blood clots, especially if accompanied by these complaints, you should immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination and get the right treatment.