The phenomenon of menstrual blood clotting is considered normal in women but should be examined if there is a history of gynecological issues.
Important Information About Menstrual Blood Clotting in Women
The occurrence of blood clots is a normal phenomenon during menstruation, but it can also be a symptom of gynecological health issues that need early examination. At the onset of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s body naturally combines plasma and platelets (blood cells) to form blood clots to prevent excessive blood loss.
According to a research report from BioMed Center (USA) in January 2021, menstrual blood clots are often formed from tissue fragments from the uterine lining, or the clotted blood may be a mixture of both endometrial cells and clots. Dark red or slightly black blood clots may appear in the first few days of menstruation when menstrual flow is at its peak. Bright red blood clots may also appear towards the end of the period, due to rapid blood flow that prevents oxidation and darkening. In the case of gynecological issues, blood clots may be larger due to an abnormal amount of menstrual flow.
Causes of Menstrual Blood Clotting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), menorrhagia is characterized by heavy menstrual bleeding lasting more than 7 days, requiring women to change pads or sanitary products every 2 hours. Depending on age and medical history, women may experience menorrhagia or develop abnormal blood clots.
Uterine Disorders
Age and medical history can lead to the formation of abnormal blood clots. Some gynecological conditions can result in bleeding and clotting, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
Hormonal Imbalance
Women with hormonal imbalances may experience conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, or menopause. Hormonal imbalances can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, causing the uterine lining to shed and resulting in clotting and unwanted vaginal bleeding.
Miscarriage
Women who are unknowingly pregnant and experience a miscarriage may encounter blood clotting and vaginal bleeding.
Menstrual blood clotting can indicate gynecological health issues that require early examination. (Image: Freepik)
Scar Tissue in the Vaginal Area
Scar tissue from previous medical treatments that accidentally tears can also cause abnormal bleeding. Although there is limited research, uterine cancer or cervical cancer may also pose a risk for vaginal bleeding and blood clot formation.
Treatment for Menstrual Blood Clotting
Women should seek medical attention if they experience abnormal blood clotting during their menstrual cycle or sudden vaginal bleeding. An obstetrician will inquire about the duration of the menstrual cycle, flow rate, menstrual schedule, pregnancy history, and any gynecological medical history. Some tests, including ultrasound of the uterus, hysteroscopy, CT scans, or MRI of the uterus, may be recommended during the examination. Once the underlying cause is identified, women will be guided on treatment and prescribed medication as necessary.
Iron Supplementation
A study published in Health Science (Pakistan) found that 63.4% of women of reproductive age with menorrhagia may also suffer from anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and decreased quality of life. Doctors may prescribe medications or recommend dietary supplements to help patients restore their iron levels. Iron supplementation can alleviate anemia symptoms and improve the production of healthy red blood cells in patients’ blood.
Pregnancy Management
According to BioMed Center (USA), doctors may recommend certain medications for treating gynecological conditions, such as hormonal IUDs, combined contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progesterone, or progestin-only contraceptives. These oral or injectable medications can help reduce menstrual flow by 80%. Hormonal IUDs can also effectively control bleeding by 95% after one year of use. Doctors may also prescribe medications containing ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain and prevent menstrual cramps. However, some studies suggest that using aspirin or other pain relievers may lead to increased menstrual bleeding.
Hormonal Therapy
According to a research report from the American Society of Hematology, hormonal therapy differs from contraceptive medications. Hormonal therapy aims to maintain fertility and is prioritized for women wishing to conceive and regulate their menstrual cycles.
Antifibrinolytic Medications
BioMed Center (USA) states that antifibrinolytic medications are also recommended for treating menstrual blood clotting, including medications containing tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid, which can help control bleeding by slowing down the fibrinolytic process and preventing blood clot formation.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment may be recommended for conditions requiring the removal of fibroids, including hysteroscopic surgery, endometrial resection, or abdominal surgery. When conditions worsen, a hysterectomy is also one of the treatment options. This option permanently ends menstruation and pregnancy for the patient.
