Many women have blood clots during the first few days of menstruation, when the flow is most abundant, and this is completely normal. Usually the body releases anticoagulants that prevent its formation during menstruation; however, in the presence of menorrhagia and rapid bleeding, natural anticoagulants do not have enough time to be effective, thus causing clots to form. The presence of these large lumps is mainly the consequence of heavy bleeding, so you need to focus on bleeding in particular.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing Menorrhagia and Clots
Step 1. Look for blood clots
One of the main symptoms of heavy blood flow (also called menorrhagia) is the presence of large clots in the menstrual blood. To be able to claim to be in this situation, the clots must be at least as large as a 50 cent coin (about 25 mm) to be associated with a heavy bleeding; check your tampon, tampon, or toilet paper.
- The clots look like normal menstrual blood except that they are firmer and have the consistency of jam.
- When they are quite small they are completely normal and should not cause concern.
Step 2. Pay attention to how often you need to change your tampon
If you find that you need to replace it before two hours have passed, it means that you have a heavy bleeding; this situation can prevent you from doing the things you enjoy and are constantly worried about getting dirty.
For example, if you are changing your tampon every hour (for several consecutive hours) and it is heavily soaked in blood each time, it is menorrhagia
Step 3. Pay attention to the length of your period
They usually last from 3 to 5 days, although an interval of 2-7 days is also quite normal. However, if you bleed for more than 10 days, it means that you suffer from this disorder.
Step 4. Check for cramps
They are another indication of abundant flow. As already mentioned, large clots indicate menorrhagia, but when they have difficulty getting out, they can cause painful cramps; therefore, if you suffer from it, it could be another sign that you are suffering from this large blood loss.
Step 5. Check for symptoms of anemia
This is the lack of iron in the blood and often develops in women who have heavy menstruation; usually the main symptoms are fatigue and lethargy, as well as a feeling of weakness.
The term "anemia" also indicates a deficiency of some type of vitamin, but usually the most frequent ailment associated with menstruation is a lack of iron
Part 2 of 3: Contact the Doctor
Step 1. Make a list of symptoms
It is always best to be prepared when going to the doctor; you should therefore draw up a list of the physical symptoms you exhibit, trying to be as precise as possible; don't be embarrassed, remember that the gynecologist is used to hearing everything.
- For example, you can write: heavy flow (on days of higher intensity you have to change the tampon every 3-4 hours), several cramps, clots of the size of 25 mm, feeling of weakness and tiredness, menstrual flow lasting 12-14 days. It can also help to keep track of how many tampons or tampons you need to use during your period.
- It is also important to note any significant changes in life, such as a major event that caused you stress and a sudden weight gain or loss.
- Find out from other women in the family if they are experiencing the same problem as you, as menstrual disorders are often of genetic origin.
Step 2. Ask for a blood test to check for anemia
If you are concerned that you have this disorder, ask your doctor to have you checked; from the analyzes it is possible to define the blood level of this mineral; if you are actually deficient, your doctor may recommend that you increase your intake through diet and supplements.
Step 3. Prepare for a medical examination
In order to diagnose the problem, the gynecologist usually performs a physical exam, including a Pap smear; During the procedure, the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the cervix to have them analyzed in the laboratory and check for any problems.
- He can also take uterine tissue through a biopsy.
- Ultrasound or hysteroscopy may also be necessary; this last examination consists in inserting a small camera into the uterus through the vagina, so that the gynecologist can examine the organ and evaluate any disturbances.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Menorrhagia and Blood Clots
Step 1. Ask to take NSAIDs
They are a class of drugs that include ibuprofen and naproxen that help relieve pain associated with heavy periods; they can also reduce bleeding during your period, thereby helping to relieve clots.
However, in some women taking NSAIDs causes a side effect that can actually increase bleeding
Step 2. Consider taking oral contraceptives
The gynecologist can prescribe them in cases of heavy menstruation and menorrhagia, as they help to regulate the cycle, as well as reduce the amount of blood in general you lose, allowing in turn to limit clots.
- The birth control pill can actually be helpful because sometimes menorrhagia and clots are caused by a hormonal imbalance that the drug resolves.
- There are other types of oral active ingredients that are just as effective, for example progesterone-only pills, as well as some intrauterine devices that release hormones.
Step 3. Learn about Tranexamic Acid
It is a drug that reduces the blood flow of menstruation; it must be taken only during the cycle and not on the other days of the month, as is the case with contraceptives; having a lighter flow, clots are also reduced.
Step 4. Discuss the surgical option with your gynecologist if other methods do not work
If medications don't solve the problem, this may be a possible alternative. During dilation and curettage - also known as D&C or curettage - the doctor removes the top layer of the uterus and part of the lining, helping to limit bleeding and clots. With endometrial ablation or resection, more of the lining is removed.
- Another option is operative hysteroscopy, where the doctor examines the inside of the uterus with a camera, takes small fibroids and polyps and takes action on any other problem to reduce menstrual flow.
- As a last resort, hysterectomy can be performed, which consists of the total removal of the uterus.
