Question:
Menstrual Clots, does this mean my blood tends to clot?

I know this will sound crazy, but I have been having heavy menstrual cycles, and have some medium to heavy clotting for 24 hrs. Should I be concerned that my blood within my body will have a tendency to clot too?    — D. K. (posted on January 2, 2004)

January 2, 2004
NOT TO BE TOO TERRIBLY GRAPHIC, BUT I TOO HAVE BLOODCLOTS DURING MENSTRUATION. IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD THEM AS LARGE AS MY FIST. (PCOS ALSO) HOWEVER, I HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD BY ANY OF MY DOCTORS THAT I TEND TO CLOT. I HOPE THIS HELPS.
   — Amy L.

January 2, 2004
This doesn't mean that you have a tendency to clot. However, if you are concerned, talk to your doctor. They can test you for clotting disorders. I have a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden. I almost died from a pulmonary embolism in 1998. It's not something to take lightly.
   — A M.

January 2, 2004
I had that all of my menstrual life, I am now in menopause at age 50. Most women for the most part will clot a little or a lot during their period. It is just cells that are sloughing off of your uteruswall. The cells that were put there during your cycle that perpared you if you fertilized that month's egg. Relax, you are being a normal woman. Oh, by the way, you did not say how old you were, but I remember that I clotted a LOT at about 10 years before I went into menopause. Now, take a deep breath, you are normal.
   — ChristineB

January 2, 2004
What we call "clots" during our period is not really a "blood clot". What those "clots" really are is the lining of the uterus. So besides sheading the egg you shed the lining of the uterus as well. Most women tend to only loose only a tablespoon to tablespoons of blood during their period...
   — NJChick

January 3, 2004
Not to worry. I'm an OB/Gyn nurse. The blood clots are caused by the blood and tissue sloughing off the uterine walls but not coming out of the cervix for awhile. This delay causes the blood to clot. It's hard to know why you are clotting now if you haven't before- lots of potential reasons. If it continues month after month, call your OB/Gyn or family practice provider.
   — Susan F.