What causes blood clots during menstruation?
My menstrual cycle has been somewhat irregular for the past two months. During bleeding, there have been blood clots, although I haven't experienced any other discomfort. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Menstruation, also known as a period, is accompanied by blood clots for many women, which is generally a common phenomenon and usually not a cause for excessive concern. However, this condition could also be caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits or certain diseases.
Blood clots mainly consist of endometrial tissue and coagulated blood. During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, this portion of the endometrium sheds and exits the body along with blood, forming menstrual flow. When the blood flows out slowly, the body's natural anticoagulant mechanisms may weaken, possibly leading to the formation of larger blood clots.
Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as having multiple sexual partners, frequent sexual intercourse, or sexual activity during menstruation, as well as emotional distress during the menstrual period, may trigger infections, which can lead to symptoms such as increased menstrual bleeding and blood clots. Additionally, conditions like endometritis and endometrial polyps can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, preventing plasmin from effectively dissolving the clots, thereby allowing some blood to coagulate and form clots. Moreover, abnormal uterine bleeding caused by dysfunction in the reproductive endocrine axis can lead to endometrial thickening, resulting in heavy menstrual bleeding and the presence of blood clots.
