“NORMAL OR NOT? DEMYSTIFYING PERIOD BLOOD CLOTS” by Elodie Otatungi
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We’ve all been there. On the toilet, staring down at a red, gel-like clump. Asking ourselves, “What exactly am I looking at?”. Contemplating the merits of grief (over a blood clot), of resorting to a sense of imminent doom (it’s a blood clot) or maybe of shrinking back in confusion and disgust (again, a blood clot, though a far more measured response). Either way, not the most glorious of moments.
Yet, whether you have erred on the side of rationality or instant irrationality, this is the blog to help you better understand your menstrual cycle and get to the root of period blood clots altogether - what they are, what causes them and whether or not you ought to be concerned.
WHAT ARE PERIOD BLOOD CLOTS?
What are period blood clots anyway? Period blood clots are jelly-like blobs of coagulated blood and tissue that leave your body as a natural part of the menstrual cycle. They can vary in shade and colour, from bright red to deep burgundy, and often range in size too - between 1.8cm to 2.5cm (about the size of a 10p coin). Unlike clots formed in veins, period clots are not dangerous themselves. In fact, for women with heavier flows, it is estimated that one in three experience menstrual clots.
WHAT CAUSES PERIOD BLOOD CLOTS?
What, then, causes these blood clots? Well, the answer is far less mystical than we might initially think. But, to best answer this question, we need to first take a look at what a menstrual cycle really is.
As part of your monthly cycle, your uterine lining thickens during the course of 28-35 days, in preparation to support a fertilised egg. However, if you do not become pregnant during that window of time, this thickened lining begins to shed away, as it realises it is not needed. Then, your uterine lining collects at the base of your uterus, and sits and waits for your cervix to contract, so that it can be expelled (hence the cramps).
To help break this lining down, and make it easier for it to pass through, our bodies produce an anticoagulant - a chemical that makes the lining thinner. It is then released as blood from the uterus, through the cervix and out from the vagina. This is what a period is.
NOW, FOR THE CLOTS
When your blood flow is a little faster than the pace at which your body is producing these anticoagulants, the lining that is expelled is still quite thick - which we call menstrual clots. This explains why women with heavier flows are more likely to experience period clotting. Heavier flow = longer waiting time in the uterus = potentially more clotting. Likewise, if your uterus sometimes has trouble contracting properly, blood will also pool at the base, coagulate and eventually be released as clots.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WITH MY MENSTRUAL CYCLE?
But how can I know whether or not I should be concerned with my period? Firstly, to be doubly clear, period blood clots are so, so common, and more than likely aren’t anything particularly noteworthy. So much so, that most women will experience them at some point in their lives - especially during the first couple of days of your period, when your flow is heaviest.
It’s also during these first few days, or maybe for the entirety of your period (!), that the urge to flush your tampons or sanitary pads can be especially tempting. But - quick interjection here - the lasting pollution of our rivers and oceans is so not worth this seemingly quick fix! Seal them in your sustainably sourced FabLittleBag and throw it away at your soonest convenience. Be a binner, not a flusher.
If you are worried that there may be an underlying issue with your cycle, there are some symptoms that you can be on the watch for.
5 SYMPTOMS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:
- Passing blood clots that are bigger than 2.5cm (roughly the size of a 10p coin)
- Heaviness of your flow affecting your daily life
- When on your period, you feel severe pain during sex and when using the toilet
- Bleeding through tampons or sanitary pads every 1-2 hours for several hours
- Your period lasts 7+ days
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, consider speaking to your local GP. They will be able to help you track your symptoms and advise you as to the best treatments that you might want to take.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY BETTER
All in all, better understanding what your body is up to during your period is the first step in knowing how to best manage your cycle. Here at Fablittlebag, that’s what we’re all about! Helping educate women and girls, so that we can all make more informed and conscious choices when it comes to caring for ourselves and our world.
Are there any other period health questions that you need demystifying? Why not check out some of our other articles, and see the differences you can make for yourself and others!
- 5 Period Myths That Need To Be Debunked by Phoebe Walls – FabLittleBag HQ
- Six Period Taboos We Need To Break | Fab Little Bag
- HOW GREEN ARE MY PERIODS – AND HOW CAN I TELL? BY GEORGINA CLOSE-SMITH – FabLittleBag HQ