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Aunt Flo's monthly visit can be a real drama queen sometimes. One minute you're going about your day and the next, you're dealing with a flood that would make Noah nervous. And those clots? They can be downright alarming.
It’s easy to feel worried or confused when your period looks like a crime scene, but understanding what’s happening in your body can help you figure out when to shrug it off and when to check in with a doctor. Let’s break it down: no scary medical jargon, just real talk.
Is it normal to have golf ball-sized blood clots?
Passing small clots during your period isn’t usually a big deal. They’re a normal part of the body’s way of getting rid of the uterine lining. But when clots get to the size of a golf ball or bigger, that’s your body waving a red flag.
Consistently seeing clots this large could be a sign of something more than just a heavy flow day. It might be linked to conditions like uterine fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or even a bleeding disorder. If you’re spotting clots bigger than a quarter more than once in a while, it’s worth a chat with your doctor to rule out anything serious.
What do huge blood clots in period mean?
So, what’s behind these monster clots? It usually comes down to one of these culprits:
- Uterine fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and giant clots. They’re pretty common and often come with pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure.
- Endometriosis: When tissue similar to your uterine lining decides to grow outside the uterus. This can lead to heavy periods, severe cramps, and clots that can be darker and thicker than usual.
- Adenomyosis: This happens when the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding and big clots. It’s like your uterus is double-layered, and it’s not having a good time.
- Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that control your period. When they’re out of whack, you can end up with heavy bleeding and big clots. This can happen from stress, weight changes, or even conditions like PCOS.
- Bleeding disorders: If your blood doesn’t clot the way it should, you could experience unusually heavy periods with large clots. It’s rarer, but definitely worth looking into if heavy bleeding runs in your family.
- Recent pregnancy loss: After a miscarriage or stillbirth, it’s common to experience heavy bleeding with large clots as the body clears the uterine lining. However, if the bleeding is extremely heavy or prolonged, it could indicate retained tissue or other complications that require medical attention.
- Iron deficiency: Low iron levels can lead to heavy periods with large clots because the body struggles to maintain normal blood flow and clotting. This can create a cycle where heavy bleeding leads to anemia, which then causes even heavier periods.
What do endometriosis clots look like?
Endometriosis clots are typically thicker and darker than your average period clots — looking like liver or dark purple jelly. This is because the tissue growing outside the uterus sheds just like the uterine lining does, but it’s not as straightforward to get out of the body. The blood can build up and get darker before it passes, often leading to deep red or even brown clots.
If you’re dealing with clots like this and also experiencing intense cramps, pain during sex, or heavy bleeding, it’s worth asking your doctor about endometriosis.
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What does a fibroid clot look like?
Fibroid-related clots are also larger and more jelly-like. Since fibroids can make the uterus bigger and mess with how the lining sheds, you might notice big clots that are bright red or dark maroon, depending on how long the blood’s been in there.
These clots can also come with other symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or feeling like you need to pee all the time. If this sounds like you, it’s worth getting checked out for fibroids.
What does an unhealthy period clot look like?
Not all clots are created equal. Unhealthy clots are typically larger than a quarter and occur frequently throughout your period. They might be accompanied by severe pain, an extra-heavy flow, or bleeding that lasts longer than a week. If your clots look more like something out of a horror movie than a normal period, it's time to consult a healthcare provider.
How big is too big for a period blood clot?
Size matters when it comes to period clots, but not in the way you might think. Generally, clots larger than a quarter (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm) are considered larger than normal. One or two now and then probably isn’t a big deal, but if they’re showing up every month or are accompanied by severe pain, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
Large clots can point to conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis, or hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can help figure out what’s going on and how to manage it.
Can I lose too much blood on my period?
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as losing too much blood during your period. This condition, called menorrhagia, occurs when you lose more than 3oz of blood during your cycle. For reference, a regular tampon holds about 1 teaspoon when fully saturated. If you're changing super-absorbent products every hour or two (or doubling up on pads), passing large clots, your period lasts more than a week, or feeling dizzy and weak, you might be losing too much blood.
When to go to A&E with a heavy period
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Most of the time, heavy periods are something you can manage with your doctor. But if you’re experiencing any of these, get to A&E:
- Severe pain that isn’t helped by painkillers
- Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for more than a few hours
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Bleeding that comes with a fever or foul-smelling discharge
These could be signs of a serious condition like hemorrhage, infection, or even a clotting disorder. Don’t wait it out — get medical help.
Understanding your flow
Understanding what's normal for your body and what isn't is a crucial part of women's health. Heavy periods and large clots can be intimidating, but they're also your body's way of communicating with you. By paying attention to these signals and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, you're taking an active role in your health and well-being — try using a period-tracking app to keep note of your symptoms each cycle so you can show your healthcare provider if needed.
Remember, every woman's cycle is unique, and what's normal for one might not be for another. The key is to know your own normal and to advocate for yourself when things don't feel right. You're the expert on your body, and your experiences and concerns are valid. Don't let anyone, including healthcare providers, dismiss your worries about heavy bleeding or large clots.
So the next time Aunt Flo comes to town with her heavy baggage and supersized souvenirs, you'll be better equipped to understand what your body is trying to tell you. And remember, you're not alone in this journey — millions of women navigate these waters every month. Here's to healthier, happier periods and a deeper understanding of our amazing bodies!
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.