Menstruation with clots: 7 main causes (and what to do)

Menstruation may come in lumps, which are blood clots, but this situation is generally normal, as it arises due to an imbalance in the woman’s hormones. When this hormonal imbalance occurs, the lining of the internal walls of the uterus can thicken, causing more abundant bleeding and the formation of clots, which can vary between 5 mm and 3-4 cm.

Although menstruation with lumps is normal in most cases and does not require treatment, in other cases it can be caused by some diseases such as anemia, endometriosis or fibroids. For this reason, it is important to consult a gynecologist to assess the cause of blood clots and advise appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing heavy bleeding for more than 7 days, see the main causes of menstrual bleeding.

When a woman has more than 2 menstrual cycles with heavy periods, this may mean:

1. Abortion

Blood clots during menstruation may indicate a miscarriage in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, especially if the color is slightly yellowish or grayish. See what other symptoms can help identify a miscarriage.

What to do: to confirm whether a miscarriage has occurred, it is very important to go to the gynecologist to request a beta hcg test.

However, if the bleeding is very profuse, you should go to the hospital quickly to start appropriate treatment and prevent the loss of too much blood. In most cases, the miscarriage happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy and the bleeding only lasts between 2 and 3 days.

Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can cause heavy menstruation, severe pain and clot formation. This disease, despite being more common in women between 30 and 40 years old, can appear at any age.

What to do: you should consult a gynecologist to carry out tests such as transvaginal ultrasound or blood analysis and confirm the diagnosis, starting treatment, which normally depends on the woman’s desire to become pregnant, and can be done with the use of medicines, hormones or surgery. Learn more about when severe menstrual pain could be endometriosis.

3. Mioma

Myoma is a benign tumor on the inner wall of the uterus, which generally causes symptoms such as pain in the uterus, heavy menstruation with clot formation and bleeding outside the menstrual period.

What to do: It is important to consult a gynecologist to perform a pelvic ultrasound and confirm the presence of the fibroid. Treatment can be done with medication, surgery to remove the fibroid or embolization of the fibroid. See how fibroid treatment is carried out.

Read too: Menorrhagia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
4. Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can be one of the causes of lumpy menstruation, as iron deficiency can alter blood clotting, leading to clots during menstruation.

What to do: It is advisable to consult your general practitioner to request a blood test and confirm the presence of anemia. When confirmed, anemia can be treated with an iron supplement, prescribed by the doctor, and the intake of iron-rich foods such as lentils, parsley, beans and meat.

5. Other diseases that affect the endometrium

Other endometrial diseases such as endometrial hyperplasia, which is excessive growth of the endometrium, or polyposis, which is the formation of polyps in the endometrium, can cause menstruation with lumps, due to the growth of the uterus.

What to do: you should consult your gynecologist to identify the correct problem. Treatment can be done with curettage of the endometrial tissue or with the use of progesterone.

6. Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that regulate clot formation, such as vitamin C or K deficiency, alter blood clotting, causing clots to form during menstruation.

What to do: in these cases it is important to investigate which vitamin or mineral is in lesser quantity and increase the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin. Therefore, it is recommended to increase your intake of foods such as spinach, oranges, strawberries, broccoli or carrots, for example, to avoid clots during menstruation.

7. Gynecological exams or childbirth

Menstruation with lumps can also occur after some gynecological exams or when complications occur during childbirth.

What to do: menstruation usually stops showing changes within 2 or 3 days, returning to normal in the following cycle. Therefore, if clots continue to appear, it is important to consult a gynecologist.

When menstruation comes with skin

Menstruation may also come with small patches of skin and this does not mean that the woman has had a miscarriage. These pieces of skin are small pieces of the woman’s own endometrium, but they are discolored. Just as the blood has red cells and white cells, the endometrium can also present this color.

If a woman has menstruation with patches of skin in 2 consecutive cycles, it is recommended to go to the gynecologist so that he can carry out an observational examination and order tests, if he deems it necessary.