Causes of Black Blood Clots During Menstruation
Jan 12, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xiong Lijuan
Introduction
1. Ectopic pregnancy: This condition can lead to tubal rupture or gestational sac rupture, which may easily cause severe hemorrhage, shock, and even death in women.
2. Gynecological inflammation: The presence of black clots during menstruation may also result from blood-tinged vaginal discharge.
3. Menstrual irregularity: Untreated endocrine imbalances can lead to menstrual disorders.
Black menstrual clots in women may result from “cold uterus” (a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept referring to insufficient warmth or yang energy in the uterus) or qi stagnation and blood stasis. Qi stagnation and blood stasis can impede normal menstrual flow, leading to blood accumulation and clot formation. Drinking ginger and brown sugar tea may help regulate this condition. Below, we address the question: What causes black menstrual clots?
Causes of Black Menstrual Clots
1. Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy may cause dark-colored menstruation. If the ectopic pregnancy leads to tubal rupture or gestational sac rupture, it can result in severe hemorrhage, shock, and even death. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity—most commonly in the fallopian tube—and can significantly impair a woman’s fertility.
2. Gynecological Inflammation
Gynecological inflammation may also trigger black menstrual clots. Such clots may sometimes stem from bloody leukorrhea (vaginal discharge mixed with blood). Observing vaginal discharge can provide preliminary clues about possible gynecological inflammation. The presence of blood streaks in discharge is a common symptom of such conditions. Bloody leukorrhea is frequently associated with severe cervical erosion, cervical polyps, endometrial carcinoma, or submucosal uterine fibroids. Untreated gynecological inflammation may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
3. Menstrual Irregularity
Black menstrual clots are one manifestation of menstrual irregularity. Excessive fatigue, emotional stress, irregular diet, intense anger, or unhealthy lifestyle habits may disrupt endocrine function. If hormonal imbalance remains unaddressed, it may lead to menstrual disorders. Experts emphasize that chronic untreated menstrual irregularity may result in premature menopause and serve as an early warning sign of female infertility.
4. Endocrine Imbalance
Multiple factors may contribute to the presence of numerous clots during menstruation. For instance, endocrine imbalance-induced menstrual irregularities often manifest in various ways, among which menstrual clots are relatively common. Exposure to cold during menstruation may temporarily cause clotting; persistent clot formation, however, could indicate uterine fibroids. Emotional instability, depression, and poor dietary habits may also contribute to clot formation.
5. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis (TCM Perspective)
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the most common underlying cause of menstrual clots is qi stagnation and blood stasis. Typical external manifestations include rough, dull facial skin and acne. Some patients may also develop facial hyperpigmentation, directly affecting their appearance and self-confidence.
The above outlines the primary causes of black menstrual clots. We hope this information is helpful to you.
