Blood Clots During Period – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Blood Clots During Period – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment






Menstrual cycles are not the same each month. One time there can be heavy vaginal discharge and the next time there would be light bleeding. It is normal to have some blood clots during the monthly periods but it can be a matter of concern if it gets intense along with other symptoms like fatigue and abdominal cramps.

Blood clots can be part of vaginal discharge during menstruation. Quantity of Vaginal Bleeding varies from one month to the next and also it varies from one woman to the other. Several factors can influence the intensity of vaginal bleeding including metabolism, number of RBC and general health condition.

If you are passing heavy blood clots in your periods, it is definitely a matter of concern. You need to consult your doctor promptly if you have such heavy bleeding with plenty of blood clots. For many women few blood clots can be present in the first day of monthly periods and not on consecutive days. Heavy bleeding and intense blood clots can be due to underlying problems. Several factors like anemia and intake of hormonal drugs can influence the rate of vaginal bleeding.

Having monthly period indicates that you are healthy and your reproductive system is good. It is a definite sign of the process of ovulation and secretion of sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It is true that some women (or most of them) may have premenstrual syndrome and other signs like Headache, mood swings, Depression and fatigue before the onset of period which gradually disappears on the first or second day.

Ovulation :

Ovulation is the process during which certain hormonal changes stimulate the ovary to produce an egg. Ovulation happens about 12-16 days before the next monthly cycle starts. Eggs are normally stored in ovaries and one of the eggs is released from the ovary which is fully grown and ready for fertilization. During this process plenty of estrogen is produced and the uterus prepares itself for the fertilized egg by making a thick inner lining of endometrium. This egg can get fertilized if it meets the sperm and fuses with it and which can be done only up to 24 hours after the ovulation process. Once the egg does not get fertilized the uterus shed off its inner lining tissue which is nothing but vaginal bleeding.

For a healthy woman, menstrual cycle occurs anywhere from 28 to 35 days.

Symptoms Of Blood Clots During Period :

It is normal to have few blood clots with heavy menstrual bleeding. But you need to check with your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs :-

Heavy bleeding with additional blood clots

Heavy bleeding that warrants you change the tampon for every hour

Abdominal cramps

Foul smelling discharge from the vagina

Flu like symptoms (fever, fatigue and nausea)

Irregular periods

Discharge or spots between periods

How Blood Clots Are Formed ?

As the uterus gets ready for holding a baby once it gets fertilized it forms thick supportive endometrial tissue. Normal bleeding can happen easily from the uterus and expelled through vagina. But for release of blood clots excess of pressure is required. Hence if there is heavy menstrual bleeding (more volumes of blood than regular) it could push the blood clots which get discharged via vagina.

You can expect blood clots from your vagina when there is heavy bleeding (probably on the first day of the period). The color of the blood can be dark brown or even black during such time. Uterus contains fibroids (small cyst like growths) in them which are gradually expelled through vagina along with normal bleeding. Thus presence of fibroids can cause blood clots during monthly period.

Miscarriage can occur to pregnant women during the first 2-3 months of pregnancy. Recent miscarriage or abortion can cause release of leftover blood clots or tissue clumps along with vaginal bleeding.

For some women there would not be balance in two vital sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Such an imbalance of hormones can trigger formation of blood clots which gets released during period. Hormonal changes and imbalance can occur due to Stress, intake of certain medications or sudden increase in weight.

After pregnancy, uterus takes some time for returning to their normal size. In such cases walls of the uterus remain enlarged helping in the storage of blood for more time than normal. Since the blood remains for extended time it is likely to form blood clots.

Blood clots can be formed when there is any interruption in the normal blood flow to the cervix region. Menopause can cause this condition slowing down the blood flow leading to formation of blood clots. Adenomyosis is a rare condition in which the thick uterine lining forms outside the uterus. This can cause heavy bleeding along with blood clots.

Anticoagulants :

Whenever there is blood leakage, body’s mechanism triggers release of certain chemicals that binds the blood particles causing blood to clot thus arresting the blood loss. In the same manner, if there is heavy bleeding, anticoagulant are released in the blood for allowing the blood to clot. Such blood clots are released along with vaginal bleeding in due course.

Blood Clots During Period Diagnosis :

• Based on the symptoms and physical examination, your doctor may request for series of blood tests. Imaging tests like ultrasound scanning would be helpful in detecting the problem clearly.


• If any problem is detected in ultrasound, your doctor may suggest for MRI scan to get more accurate picture.


• Sometimes, even a simple biopsy (removing small tissue sample) from the cervix can help in the diagnosis.

Treatment :

• For women with heavy bleeding with blood clots, diagnosis would be made to rule out any abnormalities in the uterus.


• In case of anemia (iron deficiency) your doctor may recommend iron supplement along with iron rich diet.


• Taking multivitamin pills that contains folic acid can be helpful.


• Suitable treatments are initiated for removing uterine fibroids and hormonal imbalance.

Blood Clots During Pregnancy

Blood Clots During Pregnancy

When you have a cut on your skin, platelets in your blood rush to the area in order to stop the flow of blood. Those platelets create a blood clot. Normally, this is a natural thing that helps your body. But blood clots during pregnancy might be a very different story. When you are pregnant, your blood is more likely to clot in order to help you avoid losing too much blood during labor and delivery. But sometimes, this clotting mechanism can lead to the formation of blood clot during pregnancy that causes risks for you or your unborn child. Here's what you need to know about this rare problem.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots During Pregnancy?
Keep in mind that blood clots during pregnancy are rare. There are some signs and symptoms to watch out, which might indicate a blood clot. These include significant swelling or pain in one part of your body, especially in the legs. You might also notice that the pain gets worse as you move around or walk. The veins might look larger than normal as well, and might even look raised as though they were jutting out from your skin.

What Causes the Blood Clots During Pregnancy?
Though some blood clots tend to happen for no apparent reason, there are usually some causes that doctors can pinpoint. The most common reasons for blood clots during pregnancy include:

• Increased clotting, which is actually a survival mechanism. Your body recognizes the possibility of bleeding during labor and delivery, and increases clotting potential to avoid losing too much blood.


• The blood flow through your veins slows down during pregnancy, thanks to the hormones that are surging through your body. This slower flow can make your blood more likely to clot.


• Damage to your veins can sometimes occur from the pressure of your baby's weight on your body, especially on the veins in your legs. This damage might be slight, but it can be enough to lead to blood clots during pregnancy and even several weeks after delivering.

Will the Blood Clots During Pregnancy Affect the Baby?
In some cases, blood clots can be treated without worrying about the unborn baby. However, there are some cases in which the situation could become serious. A blood clot that breaks off and travels through your body could lodge in your lungs, leading to a Pulmonary Embolism – a serious condition that requires immediate help. Blood clots might also form inside the placenta, in the umbilical cord, or in other areas of the body, which can affect the baby and lead to serious problems.

However, good medical care can help prevent these serious issues. Your doctor will look at suspected blood clots with ultrasound, CT scans and other options. That can really help determine your risk of something going wrong.

How to Treat Blood Clots During Pregnancy
If you do develop blood clots during pregnancy, there are some treatments that might help. Blood thinners, such as heparin, can be injected. These will help reduce the clotting mechanism of your blood, which can help you alleviate or avoid clots. These treatments will take place during your entire pregnancy and even beyond that. Other options include wearing compression stockings, which can assist the flow of blood through your legs and help you avoid some of the most common clots.

Some medications that are commonly used for blood clots, such as warfarin, are unsafe during pregnancy and should not be considered.

How to Prevent Blood Clots During Pregnancy
Though no one knows if you will develop blood clots during pregnancy, there are certain risk factors that can make the problem more likely. These include a family history of blood clots, health problems like Diabetes or Hypertension, being pregnant with multiples, Dehydration, being of advanced maternal age, having a cesarean delivery, and using oral contraceptives before pregnancy.

So you'd better prevent the issue by keeping tabs on the following points:

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to reduce it before pregnancy to a body mass index of 30 or below.


• Eat right. Drink lots of water, eliminate salt from your diet as much as you can, and look for a balanced diet filled with leafy greens, lean proteins and the right kind of carbohydrates.


• Move around. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can make you much more prone to blood clots throughout the body. Get some exercise every day, even if it is only a simple stroll around the block.


• Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of blood clots dramatically, even if you are not pregnant. When you are pregnant, the risk skyrockets. Don't smoke and stay away from second-hand smoke, too.


• Use compression. Compression stockings press gently on your legs to help the blood flow through them. This is especially important if you will be traveling or are on bed for rest.


• Talk to your doctor. Let your doctor know about any symptoms that trouble you, and be sure to mention if there is any history of blood clots in your family, including blood clots during pregnancy.

Birth Control & Blood Clots

Birth Control & Blood Clots

Blood clots can occur in many different locations in your body. Blood clots are not always bad; in fact, it is important to stop bleeding of a cut or an injury. However, a number of other conditions can also cause blood clots in brain, lungs or other critical locations that need immediate medical attention. Many women feel concerned about using birth control because they are worried about birth control blood clots. Is this really true? Keep reading to find out more.

Can Birth Control Pills Cause Blood Clots?
Birth control pills are among the most widely used contraceptive methods in the US. Birth control pills do not directly cause blood clots, but their regular usemay increase your risk of developing blood clots by 3-4 times.

In some women, the estrogen found in combination hormonal birth control pills increases the risk of developing blood clots in lungs, known as Pulmonary embolism or PE, or blood clots in legs, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT. Blood clots in a leg can travel through the Circulatory System and result in pulmonary embolism. Compared with past birth control pills, the modern day hormonal contraceptives have a fairly low risk of causing DVT or PE. To put it simple, the risk for PE or DVT is higher for pregnant woman than for non-pregnant woman taking hormonal contraceptives.

Some combination hormonal birth control pills

that contain the progestin called desogestrel may increase your risk of blood clots more as compared to birth control pills with other types of progestin.

Besides, there is more estrogen in birth control patches than in the low-dose birth control pills. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) warns women who use birth control patches are a bit more likely to get blood clots than those who use the pills.

If I Have Clots, Can I Use Birth Control Pills?
You should also ask your doctor questions related to birth control blood clots if you have had clots in the past. Besides, you should stop taking birth control pills in the following circumstances:

• If you are already at high risk of developing blood clots, you should avoid birth control pills.


• Stop using birth control pills if your blood clotting problem has not been treated successfully and you're on progestin-only type of pill.


• You should avoid using the combination pill if you have inherited blood clotting disorders or if you have had vein inflammation in the past.


• You should consult with your doctor if you are planning to use other estrogen-based birth control devices because birth control patches, implants, vaginal rings and injections can also increase your risk of developing blood clots.

Other Factors That May Cause Blood Clots
While birth control blood clots are definitely possible, many other factors can also cause blood clots.

1. Blood Clots in the Heart
Atrial Fibrillation is a condition in which the upper chamber of your heart fails to beat in a rhythmic fashion and does not have a single electrical impulse. This makes the atrium jiggle like a bowl of Jell-O. The condition may lead to the development of blood clots along the lining of the atrium. The clot in this area can travel to other parts of the body, causing diseases such as ischemic bowel or Stroke.

2. Blood Clots in the Veins
Deep vein thrombosis refers to a condition in which blood clots not only develop in the veins of your legs, but also in veins of your arms or regions around the pelvis. The most common risk factors are pregnancy, prolonged immobility, smoking, inherited blood clotting disorders and hormone therapy like birth control pills.

3. Blood Clots in the Arteries
The excessive buildup of plaque can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, which will increase your risk of developing blood clots in the arteries. Plaque is a collection of calcium, cholesterol, cell waste products and fibrin. The plaque can rupture and form a clot that can completely block an artery. The most common risk factors are high Blood Pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, Diabetes and a family history of Heart disease.

4. Other Kinds of Blood Clots
Except for the birth control blood clots and other blood clots mentioned above, there are still other blood clots you should know. Sometimes, bleeding occurs outside an artery, which will cause the blood to pool and clot. Sometimes, you may notice blood clots in the vagina, urine and stool. It could be caused by Hemorrhoids or simple bladder infections, but you should go to see your doctor to ensure there is nothing serious.

It is important to bear in mind that blood clots in the urine may well be a sign of a bladder Tumor. It may also happen due to the irritation of the bladder lining. This is usually the case with older male patients who have enlarged prostate glands. Blood in the stool is never normal. Some common illnesses causing rectal bleeding are Anal Fissures, Hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, diverticular bowel disease and infections. Go to see you doctor to rule out the possibility of having some serious illnesses.

Blood Clots

Blood Clots






For any organism to survive flow of blood is essential. Blood flows to and fro from the heart transporting oxygen and other nutrients to various organs of the body. Our heart pumps blood via arteries which carries oxygenated blood to all parts which is returned back in the form of deoxygenated (impure) blood from body parts through veins. Veins send it back to the heart for purification and this process goes on as long as you are alive.

Blood clots occur when normal blood flow is interrupted. Blood vessels carry blood and clotting of blood is a vital process for body metabolism. It is the clotting process that saves you from heavy blood loss during accidents or cut injury. Blood platelets are responsible for clotting of blood. Blood clots are described as thrombus in medical terms. Blood clots are formed as routine repairing process of the body which is very much needed for metabolism. But when clotting of blood occurs unexpectedly it can cause complications.

Depending on the place of blood clot it is treated as mild or serious consequences. Clots that are formed in the veins that supply blood to the brain, lungs and kidneys are very serious and needs immediate medical attention. Blood clots can be diagnosed using radiologic test and ordinary blood clots can be treated using anti-coagulants. Three important materials are included in every blood cell. They are categorized as red blood cells (which carry oxygen to all the cells), white blood cells (which prevent infection) and platelets (that are responsible for clotting of blood).

How does clotting occur?

Whenever there is any injury or cut in your body, blood platelets are immediately rushed to the injured area. This would release certain chemicals to initiate the clotting process which takes place as a series of reaction. Fibrin, a protein is produced during this process that combine together to form a mesh leading to blood clot. Thus heavy blood loss is prevented by this process.

Types of blood clots based on its place of origin :

Blood clots are formed beneath the skin as inside the small veins. They are called Phlebitis which may cause moderate pain and swelling. Generally phlebitis will not need any treatment. However when clots develop in large size inside large/deep veins it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis which is serious problem. Often such clots occur in the legs causing intense pain and swelling.

Blood clots that are formed in large sized veins (DVT) will sometimes break away and travel elsewhere. In case it happens to travel till your lungs it can cause pulmonary embolism which is very serious condition. Some blood clots may occur inside the chambers of your heart due to Atrial Fibrillation. These clots may move towards your brain causing potential complications like Stroke and sometimes travel to the arteries thus blocking the blood flow causing Heart Attack.

Causes :

Several factors and medical conditions can cause blood clots. Medical issues like atherosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis, heart arrhythmias, anti-phospholipid syndrome, Peripheral Artery Disease, Polycythemia Vera, heart attack, heart failure and factor V Leiden can cause blood clots. If you are obese and have family history of blood clot related diseases then you have more risk for developing blood clots than others.

Types :

Venous thrombosis occurs when blood clots develop in veins. It occurs in people who are immobilized and confined to bed for long term. Since the muscles of the organs are not contracting properly due to lack of movement, it will create a back-pressure pushing the blood back into the heart. These blood clots will develop gradually and sometimes grow into bigger size blocking the entire vein causing serious problem. Venus thrombosis occurs gradually and it will take hours, weeks or even months together to affect the organ.

Arterial thrombus occurs when blood clots happen in arteries. People with atherosclerosis certain substances (called plaque) start blocking the artery leading to narrowing of blood vessel. It can cause life threatening diseases like heart attack or stroke. In case the plaque ruptures inside then it becomes even more serious. Arterial thrombus can develop suddenly causing serious damage to the affected organ. Arterial thrombi can cause acute heart attack or stroke. Blood clots can develop in the bladder which will prevent the normal flow of urine causing urinary retention. When blood clots are formed in the uterus can cause heavy Vaginal Bleeding (Menorrhagia).

Who are at risk?

• People with blood related problems like high Blood Pressure, high cholesterol, and those with family history of blood clots are prone to get blood clots.

• Smoking habit can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

• People who are confined to bed for certain medical problems and those who are traveling long distances (without any movement) can develop blood clots like DVT.

Symptoms :

The area where blood clots occur may develop inflammation. If the blood clots occur on your legs, it will eventually start swelling and you can feel intense pain. The area becomes tender and warm to touch. These symptoms occur when blood clots occur in the veins.

Arterial clots can block the oxygenated blood to the body tissue making it prone to die (Ischemia). It can cause intense pain and loss of specific function. The symptoms vary according to the area in which arterial clots are formed. For instance the clots developing in the artery of your heart it can cause heart attack. Particular organ that is deprived of oxygenated blood will become weak and will cause decreased sensation. In rare cases, the organ may temporarily be paralyzed.

Tests and Diagnoses :

The doctor will first collect the patient history to know about his health condition and any medical issues. Having a blood clot will not always create a problem but when it occurs in critical locations it poses risk. Physical examination is done after observing the symptoms to detect blood clot. Your doctor will check for swelling and warmth over the affected area. In case the person does not have any sensation in the affected part it can be due to death of tissue caused by arterial thrombosis.

Ultrasound testing procedure is used for confirming the blood clot. Venography is another process wherein a dye is sent into the vein of hand which will be monitored continuously using video X-ray for identifying the area of clot. Blood test results will indicate presence of D-Dimer if blood clots are there. In case the doctor suspects pulmonary embolism (Blood Clots in Lungs) he will immediately do electrocardiogram test. Computerized tomography, serum creatinine test, ventilation perfusion scan are also done for checking pulmonary embolism.

Treatment :

Treatment for blood clots depends on the location and seriousness of the problem. Your doctor will observe the symptoms and consider how far it is serious. Blood clots that develop in the legs or arms will cause swelling of the extremities. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and apply warm compress over the affected leg for getting relief.

If you are diagnosed with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) your doctor may prescribe anti-coagulants for thinning the blood. He would give a shot of Lovenox to thin the blood density that will remove further clotting. Oral pills are given in the form of Warfarin. Sometimes combinations of oral as well as injections are given. However blood results are monitored regularly to avoid any complications.

Blood clots that develop below the knee region have fewer chances to cause pulmonary embolism. Persons detected with pulmonary embolism are given in-patient treatment. He would consider factors like your age, health condition, severity of the symptoms and problems in lung functions. Supplementary oxygen will be started to restore normal oxygen to facilitate breathing. Arterial blood clots are to be treated aggressively. Medications like Alteplase or tenecteplase are given for dissolving the clot. In case of sudden heart attack, after stabilizing the patient, the doctor will do cardiac catheterization for locating the blood clot and normal blood flow is restored.

Complications :

Deep vein thrombosis can sometimes cause life threatening situations when the blood clots get loose to travel into the veins for reaching the lungs. It can arrest the normal lung functions putting life at risk. Arterial thrombosis can cause potential complications like heart attack or stroke.

Prevention :

To prevent blood clots you should be always active. For people who travel frequently by air or car for long distances, should make simple movements for every two hours. In case you have blood pressure or high cholesterol you should quit smoking to prevent getting arterial disease. After discussing with your doctor you can use Lovenox pills or injection in small doses. Wearing tight stockings on your legs will promote smooth blood flow and it will prevent clotting of blood.