During your period, have you ever noticed that you’re passing blood clots? Has it left you feeling anxious, or wondering if something abnormal is going on with your body? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
First of all, know that clotting during your period is common and, usually, just a normal part of your body’s functioning. Even with the anti-coagulants in your body, some blood clots are likely to form during your period, especially on the day’s when your flow is heaviest. So, when is it time to worry?
Size Matters
Some clots, however, should be considered red flags. A large clot, about the size of a golf ball, is a cause for concern and should send you to your doctor immediately for a checkup. In addition to paying attention to the size of the clots, you may also want to see your doctor if you’re passing lots of clots on a regular basis, even if they aren’t extremely large in size.
Why the Worry?
While not always the case, excessive or heavy bleeding can be a sign that you’re developing uterine fibroids, non-cancerous tumors that grow on or within the tissue of the uterus. While not always the case, excessive menstrual bleeding is a major warning sign that a woman has developed fibroids. Heavy periods can also be a sign of a miscarriage, endometriosis or even certain kinds of cancer, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor about any kind of menstrual bleeding that seems unusual for your body.
When it comes to treating fibroids, early detection is best. In our Houston fibroids practice, we are able to proved most patients with a minimally invasive, out-patient fibroid treatment known as UFE. There’s no reason to sit at home, waiting for things to get better. If you’re concerned about heavy menstrual bleeding and clots, schedule an appointment with our fibroid specialists, Dr. Fox and Dr. Hardee, to discuss your treatment options.