Causes of Blood Clots During Menstrual Cycles

Some women have heavy bleeding during their periods, and these are the women who usually experience clotting. Very often the clotting can cause painful cramping when big clots pass through the cervix.

Heavy Periods

• Heavier than normal bleeding during a period depletes the body's natural anti-clotting abilities, resulting in significant clots.

Endometriosis and IUDs

• Endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, can cause excessive clotting during a menstrual cycle. If a woman has an IUD, she will sometimes experience heavier bleeding and more clotting. However, many times there simply is no reason for the clots.

Pelvic Disorders

• WebMD states that sometimes fibroids, polyps, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), thickening of the uterine lining or endometrial cancer can cause clotting (see Resources). This is why it is a good idea to first see a physician to rule out any serious problems.

Blood and Hormonal Causes

• Women with hormonal imbalances often have heavier periods that lead to clotting. Other causes to consider are an underactive thyroid gland, possible blood disorders or the use of anticoagulant drugs.

Considerations

• A very common and often overlooked cause of heavy bleeding is stress. Sometimes blood clots during the menstrual cycle are simply the body's way of discarding uterine tissue. According to WebMD, the purpose of the monthly menstrual cycle is to get rid of all of the toxins and waste that often come out as blood clots in many women (see Resources).