- Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Growths in the uterus, like polyps and fibroids, may block the exit of blood and tissues, giving them more time to clump together.
- Endometriosis: Clotting and unusual bleeding may also happen if you have endometriosis, a condition where the tissues lining the uterus appear elsewhere such as in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
- Enlarged Uterus: A larger than normal uterus allows for more space for the blood and tissues to pool, giving them more time to coagulate or clot. A woman may have an enlarged uterus after pregnancy or due to other conditions, such as uterine fibroids.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions involving hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even menopause can lead to irregular endometrial shedding, causing menstrual blood clots and heavy periods.
- Bleeding disorders: Bleeding disorders can also influence menstrual flow, leading to heavy bleeding.
- Cancers: Although rare, cancers in the uterus and cervix may also result in menstrual blood clots and heavy periods.
Additionally, women who experience pregnancy loss or miscarriage can pass large clots. Note that pregnancy loss may happen before the woman discovers her pregnancy, leading her to think that she’s just having irregular menstruation.
The next steps
If you frequently see large menstrual blood clots and experience other unexplained symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They will conduct a health interview and physical assessment and may order some tests, such as blood tests or pelvic ultrasound, to identify the root cause of the problem. From the results, they’ll recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
Learn more about menstruation, here.
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