Why do women get blood clots during their period?

Menstrual bleeding is considered normal in women, but should also be examined if you have a history of gynecological problems.

Things to know about women's menstrual bleeding

Blood clots are normal during periods but can also be a symptom of gynecological health problems that need to be examined early. When a woman's menstrual cycle begins, a woman's body also combines plasma and platelets (blood cells), forming a blood clot to prevent a lot of blood loss.

In a research report from the BioMed Center (USA) January 2021, menstrual blood clots are often caused by tissue fragments from the lining of the uterus or blood clots can be a mixture of both endometrial cells. bow and blood clot. Dark red or blackish blood clots may appear during the first few days of your period - when the bleeding is at its heaviest. Bright red blood clots can also appear when the "red light" is about to end, because the blood flows quickly and heavily, so it is not oxidized to cause darkening. When experiencing gynecological problems, blood clots may become larger due to abnormal menstrual flow.

Causes of menstrual blood clots

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), menorrhagia is the phenomenon of heavy menstrual bleeding and lasts more than 7 days, women change dressings or sanitary pads less than 2 hours each time. Depending on your age and medical history, you may experience menorrhagia or abnormal blood clot formation.

Uterine disease

Your age and medical history can cause abnormal blood clots to form. Some obstetric and gynecological diseases can lead to bleeding and clotting such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, glandular disease - myometrium.

Hormonal imbalance

Women with hormonal imbalances can develop hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, and menopause. Hormonal imbalance leads to irregular menstrual cycle, causing shedding of the uterine lining, leading to blood clots, and unwanted vaginal bleeding.

Miscarriage

Mothers who do not know they are pregnant, unfortunately, have a miscarriage and will experience symptoms of blood clots and bleeding from the vagina.

Blood clots during menstruation can signal a gynecological health problem that needs to be examined early.

Vaginal scar

A scar after medical treatment that is accidentally torn again can also cause abnormal bleeding. Although there are not many specific studies, uterine cancer or cervical cancer can also be a risk factor for vaginal bleeding and blood clots.

How to treat menstrual blood clots?

Women should see a doctor when they have abnormal blood clotting during their period or have sudden vaginal bleeding. Your obstetrician will ask about the length of your period, your menstrual flow, your menstrual schedule, your pregnancy history, and your gynecological medical history, if any. A number of tests, such as ultrasound of the uterus, laparoscopy, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus may be recommended during the exam. After knowing the cause of the disease, women are guided to treat and use drugs according to the doctor's prescription.

Iron supplement

Research published in Health Science (Pakistan) shows that 63.4% of women of reproductive age with menorrhagia may also be anemic. Anemia can cause fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and reduced quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend dietary supplements to help restore iron levels in the blood. Iron supplementation can overcome the symptoms of anemia, improve and regenerate healthy red blood cells in the patient's blood.

Pregnancy control

According to BioMed Center (USA), doctors can recommend some drugs to treat obstetrics and gynecological diseases such as hormonal IUDs; Combination birth control pills containing estrogen, progesterone, birth control pills containing progesterone. These pills or injections help patients stop menstrual bleeding 80%. Hormonal IUDs are also 95% effective in stopping bleeding after one year of use. Your doctor may also prescribe medication containing ibuprofen or aspirin during your period to relieve pain and prevent menstrual cramps. However, some studies show that taking aspirin and other pain relievers can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

Hormonal therapy

According to a research report from the American Society of Hematology, hormone therapy is different from hormonal birth control pills. Hormone therapy to maintain fertility is preferred for women who want to have children and have regular periods.

Antifibrinolytic drugs

BioMed Center (USA) said that anti-fibrinolytic drugs are also recommended to treat menstrual blood clots, including drugs containing tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid, which can help stop bleeding thanks to the drug ingredient that helps to slow down the process. fibrinolysis prevents blood clotting.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment may be recommended when surgery for fibroids is needed, including laparoscopic methods, surgical removal of the uterus or tumor, and laparoscopic surgery. When the disease is severe, hysterectomy is also one of the treatment options. This option helps to end the patient's menstrual period and pregnancy permanently.