What's wrong with blood clots during menstruation?

Blood clots during menstruation may be a normal physiological phenomenon, or may be related to pathological factors such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

Menstrual blood clots are usually a normal symptom of endometrial shedding, especially on days 2-3 when menstrual flow is heavy. When menstrual blood stays in the uterine cavity for a long time, hemoglobin oxidation will form dark red or purple-black clots, which are mostly physiological phenomena when the diameter is less than 3 cm and there are no accompanying symptoms. However, if the blood clot persists and is larger than the size of a coin, it may be related to weakened uterine contractions. This condition is common in women who are sedentary or have abnormal uterine position.

Pathological blood clots are often accompanied by heavy menstrual flow, increased dysmenorrhea, or cycle disorders. Patients with uterine fibroids often expel large amounts of blood clots and experience frequent urination due to uterine cavity deformation. The blood clots formed by endometriosis are often chocolate-like in texture and are accompanied by progressively worsening pelvic pain. People with coagulation disorders may develop abnormally large blood clots, accompanied by bleeding tendencies such as subcutaneous ecchymosis. You also need to be alert to the possibility of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Such blood clots are often mixed with gray-white tissue and disappear with pregnancy symptoms.

It is recommended to record the cycle stage, size and accompanying symptoms of blood clots, and avoid strenuous exercise and cold food during menstruation. If the blood clot lasts for more than 3 menstrual cycles or is accompanied by symptoms of anemia, gynecological ultrasound and hormone level testing are required. Daily iron-containing foods such as duck blood and spinach can be supplemented in an appropriate amount, but it is not advisable to take blood-activating drugs by yourself. Pay attention to distinguish physiological blood clots from pathological bleeding. If there is a sudden increase in blood clots or accompanied by tissue discharge, you should seek medical treatment in time.