Why does menstrual bleeding have blood clots? Is it normal? – Dr. Shalini Varma

When a lady in her menstrual phase the blood that comes out is the lining of the uterus which is called as the endometrium along with shedding of the blood vessels that have been formed in the menstrual cycle. As a protective phenomenal by the body itself, certain proteins called as the prostaglandins are released in the lining of the uterine canal. This is to reduce the bleeding and to keep it under control. When a lady bleeds more than what is normal, this is what we call excessive bleeding or menorrhagia or excessive bleeding during periods, the amount of bleeding is more than what these coagulatory system can control. Hence the woman produces larger clots that what can be controlled, along with the menstrual flow. Small clots are part of normal cycle but bigger clots making the patient uncomfortable and painful. The pain during menses is called as dysmenorrhea, which is worsening with each periods can be pathological. In such cases we have to investigate what are the causes. It can be anything related to the uterus like large fibroids, or adenomyosis where the bleeding is excessive or it can be related to ovarian factors were the ovarian cysts can cause these. Even thyroid related problems can cause excessive clotting and heavy bleeding.