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What Causes Menstrual Blood Clots?

Elizabeth West
Elizabeth West

Menstrual blood clots can be caused by an imbalance in the clotting and anti-coagulating factors in blood or by hormonal changes. Fibroids and endometriosis contribute to excess buildup of the uterine lining, which breaks free as clots. Miscarriage can also be seen in thrombus form. Heavy menstrual flow should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure there are no serious problems.

When ovulation does not result in a pregnancy, the uterus sheds the lining it has built up for implantation. This process is menstruation, commonly called a period. Blood and tissue is expelled through the vagina. In women whose periods are heavy, blood clots may be seen. Although alarming, it is usually not a cause for concern.

Birth control pills can make a woman's period lighter and more tolerable.
Birth control pills can make a woman's period lighter and more tolerable.

The uterine lining secretes an anti-clotting factor during periods to assist the blood flow. If the substance is not sufficient to overcome the natural clotting factor menstrual blood clots can form, a process known as hemostasis. Flow may slow down toward the end of a period, and blood can clump. When women are reclining for a time, such as while sleeping, the discharge will pool and blood clots will be dislodged when upon standing. The blood darkens as it sits and sometimes looks brown or black.

A monthly period occurs when ovulation does not result in pregnancy, and the uterus sheds the lining is has built up.
A monthly period occurs when ovulation does not result in pregnancy, and the uterus sheds the lining is has built up.

A fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the uterus. It may cause an increase in menstrual flow and menstrual blood clots. Fibroids usually have no symptoms, but large ones sometimes cause pain and heavy bleeding. They can be removed surgically or shrunk with medication. Most of the time they do not interfere with pregnancy.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining, or endometrium, grows outside it, in the Fallopian tubes or abdomen. The tissue bleeds and sheds as it normally would, but since there is no exit for it, scarring and pain may occur. Heavy bleeding with clots or between periods is one symptom. The condition is treatable with medications and surgery. In severe cases, total hysterectomy along with removal of the ovaries may be the only solution.

A heavy menstrual flow with clotting could indicate a case of endometriosis.
A heavy menstrual flow with clotting could indicate a case of endometriosis.

A woman who is pregnant or may be pregnant and passing large menstrual blood clots may be experiencing a miscarriage. There is typically pain because the uterus contracts to expel the material. The placenta, lining, and other tissues may appear as large clots of blood or clumps of matter. Miscarriage usually occurs because something has gone wrong with the pregnancy and it is no longer viable. Older women and those who have had multiple pregnancies are more prone to miscarriage.

Hormonal changes may produce clots as well. If a woman has very heavy flow and persistent clots on a regular basis, she should consult her doctor. Birth control pills change the hormonal balance and may make periods lighter and more tolerable.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

Clots were what messed me up before I started using tampons. I could deal with just the blood, but the clots... They were awful. I started using tampons when I was a senior in high school and couldn't believe how convenient they were. I might have to change my pad once during the day, and tampons twice or three times, but that was easier than trying to stuff three pads in my purse!

And why haven't the makers always had the "wings" or side pieces that attached to panties? That would have been so great in 1986! Thinner pads that are just as absorbent and wings on the side were the best innovations in feminine hygiene in the past 50 years!

Pippinwhite

I've always thought there was a correlation between clots and cramps. It seems like when I was in high school and having horrible camps and heavy flow, the cramps would get really intense, but if I went to the bathroom and passed a big clot, they would subside.

I probably should have been on birth control in high school, but I didn't know how great it was for helping normalize your periods. If I had, I'd have been to the health department in a heartbeat, getting a prescription. My life would have been so much easier!

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    • Birth control pills can make a woman's period lighter and more tolerable.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Birth control pills can make a woman's period lighter and more tolerable.
    • A monthly period occurs when ovulation does not result in pregnancy, and the uterus sheds the lining is has built up.
      By: Africa Studio
      A monthly period occurs when ovulation does not result in pregnancy, and the uterus sheds the lining is has built up.
    • A heavy menstrual flow with clotting could indicate a case of endometriosis.
      By: ryanking999
      A heavy menstrual flow with clotting could indicate a case of endometriosis.
    • A fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the uterus, and may cause an increase in menstrual blood clots.
      By: designua
      A fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the uterus, and may cause an increase in menstrual blood clots.