Spotting gel-like blood blobs on your sanitary pad or tampons can be quite alarming. They can leave you wondering if all’s well. These blood clots can also add to your period woes by making you feel even more uncomfortable down there, especially if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Folks, if you’re clueless and worried about your heavy period with blood clots, we’re here for you. Here’s all the info you need on the matter:
Reasons Behind Heavy Periods With Blood Clots
Is it normal to experience heavy periods with blood clots? If this question has been bothering you for a while, check out four possible reasons that could be blamed:
Body’s Natural Defence Mechanism
Blood clots happen due to your body’s natural defence mechanism that makes your blood coagulate in a bid to prevent excessive bleeding that can be deadly. Once your body recognises that your menstrual flow isn’t dangerous, the anti-coagulants in the blood break down the clots to help them pass through the vaginal opening. In case of a heavy period, it may not be possible to disintegrate all the clots and that’s why they come out as jelly-like blobs.
Uterine Lining Remains
Your body also sheds off uterine tissue during periods. So, the clot can be nothing but blood-covered remains of your uterine lining that pass off with your heavy period flow and appear as clots.
Underlying Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis can also be the real culprits behind heavy periods with blood clots. Additionally, chronic health disorders like blood disorders and adenomyosis (occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus) can also lead to heavy menstrual flow with large blood clots.
Pregnancy Complications
Heavy period with blood clots could also be a sign of pregnancy-related complications like ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus) or a miscarriage. In such a scenario, you must consult with your doc immediately.
Normal Vs Abnormal Blood Clots
In most cases, it is absolutely normal for one to experience blood clots, particularly on heavy period days. These clots may look like stewed strawberries or clumps of jam, and range from bright red to maroon in colour. They’re usually bigger in size at the start of your period and their size may reduce towards the end of shark week. However, if the clots are unusually big or are accompanied by symptoms like fever, agonising cramps, or dizziness, you must see a doctor.
How To Manage Heavy Period With Blood Clots
Once you’re in the clear about the real reason behind your heavy periods with blood clots, you can consider these four effective strategies to manage it with ease:
Stay Hydrated
Heavy menstrual bleeding can drastically reduce your blood volume and boost clot formation. However, staying hydrated can help you maintain a healthy blood volume and prevent excessive clotting. So drink four to six extra cups of water every day during shark week.
Ditch Pain Killers
Popping non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can give you temporary relief from pain during your periods. However, excess or regular consumption of these pills can make your period heavier and boost the formation of blood clots. So ditch these drugs for natural pain-relieving methods like heat therapy and massage.
Eat Healthy
Heavy periods with blood clots can lead to an iron deficiency, weakness, and anaemia. You must consume iron-rich foods like spinach and fish can help you cover up for the blood loss. You can even start consuming doc-recommended iron supplements to feel better.
Exercise
Exercising thrice a week for 45 minutes every day can boost your overall health. But doing so during shark week can help you a great deal especially if you have a heavy period with blood clots. This is because exercising can boost your blood circulation and prevent the formation of clots.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Manage Heavy Periods With Blood Clots
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Menstrual cups are made with 100% medical-grade silicone, this funnel-shaped device is super-safe to use. It truly is a blessing in disguise for those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding with blood clots as. The cup has a capacity to hold 28 ml of blood and gives leak-proof protection for eight hours straight.
Sirona Dry Comfort Panty Liners
These panty liners are made with breathable material and are handy when it comes to managing heavy menstrual bleeding. You can use them as extra protection along with your menstrual cup and tampons to prevent leakages and staining. They’re ultra-thin, super-duper soft and can help you feel comfier during your period.
Sirona Organic Cotton Maternity Sanitary Pads
Made with 100% organic cotton top layer, these maternity pads can help manage heavy menstrual bleeding with blood clots and lochia with ease. They’re ultra-thin, highly absorbent, and free of toxins to give you max comfort minus any rashes.
Sirona Applicator Tampons
These tampons come with a syringe-like applicator to help insert them easily. They’re comfy, odour-free, and come in three different sizes. You can choose a high-absorbency applicator tampon if you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding for leak-proof protection during shark week.
Folks, if your heavy period with blood clots is accompanied by symptoms like fever, unbearable abdominal cramps, and extreme fatigue, don’t take it lightly. Consult your doc immediately. However, if they are normal, you can benefit from these products that’ll help take the edge off your periods.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Menstrual Cup Folding Methods: Cup newbies, take note. Here’s how to insert your menstrual cup seamlessly.
How to Use Sanitary Pads: For all those who struggle with leakages or have never used a sanitary pad, this article is a must-read.
How to Use Panty Liners: Everything you need to know about using a panty liner like a pro.
Tampons vs Pads: Wondering which period aid is better for you? Read this to find out.
Home Remedies to Reduce Period Pain: Power through a painful period with these super-effective pain-relieving home remedies.
