A. If you notice on heavy days of your period that blood seems extra-thick, and can sometimes form a jelly-like glob, these are menstrual clots, a mix of blood and tissue released from your uterus during your period. They can vary in size and color, and usually, they are nothing to worry about.
Blood clots that appear when you are not having your period can be caused by a range of issues. But since some of them can be serious—including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, bleeding disorders, miscarriage, and cancer—it's best to see a healthcare provider.
“The tissue and cells that are seen in clots are the endometrial tissue itself that is combined with blood during a period,” Dr. Twogood explains. So there's no need to worry. Period blood clots with white tissue are generally completely normal.
Menstrual clots resemble pieces of mashed-up red fruit. They can be bright red or burgundy and may vary in size. They are usually mixed with liquid blood. The longer the blood stays inside the uterus, the darker it is in color, and the likelier it is to form clots.
These clots are usually small, dark-red, and about the size of a quarter or smaller. They may be accompanied by tissue that appears grayish-white. However, if you regularly experience blood clots that are large in size, bright red in color, or accompanied by severe pain, you should speak to your doctor.
What Do Blood Clots Look Like With Endometriosis? Endometriosis blood clots may appear as dark or bright red clumps or blobs in menstrual flow. The clots can vary in size and texture, ranging from small and grainy to larger and more jelly-like in consistency.
What does a decidual cast look like? A decidual cast is usually red or pink. It's made up of tissue, mucus and blood and looks “fleshy” like a piece of raw red meat. It may look similar to a clot you'd see during your period, except it's much larger and has a slightly different texture.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest.
Most often, passing small blood clots during your period isn't a cause for concern. The amount, length and frequency of menstrual bleeding vary from month to month and from person to person. But if you pass large blood clots that are bigger than a grape, seek medical care.
It is normal for a woman to experience having at least one ruptured cyst a month because during a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce a cyst that intentionally ruptures to release an egg, allowing the woman to become pregnant.
With endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form.
The clots that are passed are dark red and look like jelly. They might have what looks like a membrane inside, which is part of the placenta. The sac will be inside one of the clots. At this time, the developing baby is usually fully formed but still tiny and difficult to see.
Fibroids are benign tumors that sometimes lead to heavy or prolonged periods. Though a common condition, these growths can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain. Many women are curious if fibroids can pass during their period. The answer is yes, but it is not common.
When it comes to period blood, jelly-like blood clots during the period usually consist of all kinds of tissues such as dead cells, coagulated blood, parts of the uterine lining, etc. Now, sticky period blood and skin-like discharge during the period can indicate heavier flow, but they are completely natural.
Growths like polyps and fibroids can settle in the uterus and its lining and can cause your period to become heavier and longer than usual. There are many types of benign fibroids, but submucosal fibroids (fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity) are the most likely to cause heavy bleeding and large clotting.
Tampons and pads absorb blood flow but they can not absorb thick blood or menstrual blood clots, and can cause dryness and irritation.
You Get a Gush of Blood When You Stand Up
Yep. “If you've been lying down or sitting for a long period of time, blood will collect in your vagina,” Dr. Herta explains. “When you get up, that pool of blood will come out.”
Conditions affecting the ovaries, womb, or hormone levels can cause sudden heavy periods. These include uterine polyps, endometriosis, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , heavy periods are among the most common health issues that females report to doctors.
If an ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause bleeding and blood clots. Ovarian cysts can also cause irregular periods and heavy, painful menstruation. Other hormonal imbalances: Hypothyroidism, perimenopause, and menopause can all cause fluctuations in your menstrual cycle and result in clots.
People may worry if they notice clots in their menstrual blood. however, blood clots during a period are normal and rarely a cause for concern. Menstrual clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and proteins in the blood that help regulate its flow.
The form of blood that comes out becomes thinner so that it is easy to come out of the vagina. However, there are times when the shed uterine wall has a tremendous flow that forms a clot. These lumps are similar to flesh and are red. This is very normal to occur at the beginning of menstruation.
What does endometriosis look like? Endometriosis is identified at the time of surgery and can have several common appearances. Superficial endometriosis has small, flat or raised patches sprinkled on the pelvic surface. These patches can be clear, white, brown, red, black, or blue.
You may also have small cysts on one or both ovaries, and thick bands of scar tissue called adhesions. Stage 4 or severe: This is the most widespread. You have many deep implants and thick adhesions. There are also large cysts on one or both ovaries.
Endo belly is the colloquial term for abdominal distension caused by endometriosis. Unlike the short-term bloating that sometimes accompanies your period, endo belly is much more severe, triggering physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
Size Matters
Some clots, however, should be considered red flags. A large clot, about the size of a golf ball, is a cause for concern and should send you to your doctor immediately for a checkup.