Fibroid Tumor & Large Blood Clots

Large blood clots from the uterus are often associated with fibroid tumors. The blood clots are often accompanied by heavy cramping and most often occur during menstruation. In and of themselves, these clots are of no concern. The location of a fibroid can cause this unusual bleeding.

Fibroid Definition

• Fibroids are muscle tumors within one or more of the three layers of the uterus. These layers are the inner endometrial layer, the muscular myometrial layer and the outer subserosal layer.

Endometrium

• The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus. During the child-bearing years, the endometrium proliferates each month in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed in a process called menstruation.

Submucosal Fibroids

• Submucosal fibroids abut or impinge on the endometrial layer of the uterus. This means that they touch or press on the endometrium.

Effects of Submucosal Fibroids

• Submucosal fibroids can cause heavy menstruation accompanied by large blood clots. This is because they are touching the endometrium, which can cause irritation.

Metrorrhagia

• Fibroids may cause bleeding in between periods, called metrorrhagia. The extent of the bleeding can range from spotting to heavy bleeding accompanied by large blood clots.

Treatment

• Fibroids that cause heavy bleeding and blood clots are often surgically removed. Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure in which the endometrium is removed. This can also alleviate abnormal bleeding, including the blood clots.