Painful Menstruation

Painful Periods With Blood Clots

You may ask yourself. Is it normal to have Painful Periods With Blood Clots, What are the causes of painful periods?
It's about that time of the month, and you are worried about your painful periods. Your last menstrual flow was unlike other months as it had blood clots. Could the blood clots be as a result of an infection? Is it normal to have clots?
This article will explain more about why you have painful periods with blood clots.

How does a woman's menstrual cycle work?

The menstrual cycle is a natural change that occurs in women that have attained menarche. It happens every month and is necessary for a lady to get pregnant. The menstrual cycle lasts between 21-35 days and spans throughout the reproductive life of a woman.
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus washes off as period blood. The menstrual cycle is made up of menstruation, proliferative and secretory phases. These steps are necessary, and they prepare the uterus for implantation.
The lining of the walls thicken, more blood vessels are created, and there is an increase in the blood supply to the uterus. Various hormones control these activities.
In the follicular phase, preparation of the follicles take place, and there is an increase in the level of the follicle stimulating hormones. A mature follicle is released during ovulation into the fallopian tube for fertilization to take place.
There is an increase in the level of Luteal hormone during ovulation, and mild spotting may also occur. The spotting can mix with the cervical mucus to form brown mucus discharge. You may also notice pain on one side of your abdomen during ovulation.
In the absence of fertilization, the levels of the various hormones decrease and cause the lining of the uterine wall to wash off as period blood. During this process, some women experience painful periods. Various factors can lead to painful periods.

Understanding your Menstrual Cycle

The typical menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days. In some women, it may be as early as 21 days while others can have as high as 35 days. The usual menstrual flow lasts between two to seven days with an average length of five days.

Menstrual Clots: What Do They Mean

Blood clots appear in a woman's period from time to time, and it may be dark or bright red. Clots are often released on the days with the heaviest flow, and it looks thicker when there are multiple clots in it.
During your menstrual flow, the body produces anticoagulants that prevent the period blood from clotting.
If there are anticoagulants, why then do I have clots? Clots form when you have a heavy flow and the anticoagulants released will not be enough to prevent coagulation. The drop in the level of anticoagulants in the blood will result in the formation of clots.

If you have excess clots throughout your period, you have to see a doctor for proper examination. Various tests will also be carried out to determine the cause of the increase in period clots.

Continue Reading Here: Painful Periods With Blood Clots