10 Things That Can Cause Clotted Period Blood and Tips to Manage It
It is normal to feel worried when you notice something unusual during your period, such as blood clots. However, menstruation is directly related to women's health and fertility.
It is true that jelly-like blood clots during menstruation can be a sign of a condition that needs attention. However, that is not always the case.
To avoid excessive panic, let's look at the potential causes behind blood clots during menstruation.
Are Blood Clots During Menstruation Dangerous?

Thick blood that looks like jelly, which you see when changing your pad and cleaning the intimate area, is common and not life-threatening. Provided that the clots are not as large as a ping-pong ball or larger than 2.5 cm, and do not come out continuously for hours.[1]
Why are there meat-like blood clots during menstruation? To find out, you have to go back to the phase before menstruation.
During this phase, eggs are produced and the uterine lining begins to thicken. Next, hormones prepare the vagina and cervix to receive sperm. If fertilization fails, the egg and endometrium will be released. This release process produces menstrual blood.
To prevent excessive blood loss, the body naturally forms blood clots with the help of plasma and platelets (a part of the blood that helps with clotting).
Next, the formed clots can settle in the uterus first, so their color tends to be dark due to oxidation.
Therefore, the appearance of blood chunks during menstruation is normal and common.[2]
Causes of Blood Clots During Menstruation
In addition to the normal condition above, large amounts of menstrual blood clots in a relatively short time can be triggered by:
1. Uterine Fibroids

This condition refers to the growth of masses inside the uterus in varying sizes and quantities. Although not dangerous, it can cause menstruation to become heavier, thus triggering the release of blood chunks.
2. Endometriosis

Clotted and slimy menstrual blood can be a sign of Endometriosis, a condition where the uterine lining grows outside its proper place. The released clots are generally bright red or dark with a jelly-like texture.
3. Uterine Narrowing

This condition occurs when the flow of blood or fluid in the uterus is disrupted due to the narrowing of the uterine canal. If left untreated, pressure on the uterus will increase, triggering bleeding and the formation of clotted and black menstrual blood.
4. PCOS

PCOS can make menstruation rare or irregular. However, when menstruation finally comes, the blood that flows is usually quite heavy and accompanied by slightly thicker blood.
In Indonesia, PCOS is quite common, even accounting for about 75% of the total fertility problems experienced by women.[3]
5. Adenomyosis

This condition causes tissue from the uterine lining to grow on the surface of the uterine muscle wall, making it two to three times thicker than before.
If the shedding of the uterine wall already causes heavy bleeding in a normal condition, then in this condition, the intensity increases sharply. You may also feel a full sensation in your abdomen and extremely stabbing menstrual pain.
6. Cesarean Section

The process of giving birth via cesarean section can cause increased pain and heavier bleeding during menstruation. As a result, you may find blood clots during the early menstruation after undergoing a cesarean section.
7. Iron Deficiency

Why does menstrual blood clot? Another condition that affects your menstruation is iron deficiency.
Symptoms such as a pale face, easily fatigued body, and dizziness can indicate that your body lacks iron.
8. Cervical Cancer

Cancer in the female area will make the texture of the blood that comes out thick and sticky. However, you do not need to worry excessively, because cervical cancer has a low incidence rate, only 0.8%.[4]
9. Use of Contraceptives

Using a copper IUD contraceptive can make bleeding heavier and accompanied by blood clots, especially in the first few months after insertion.
10. Hypothyroidism

A lack of thyroid hormones will affect your menstrual cycle, including increased bleeding intensity.
Solutions for Clotted Menstrual Blood
In a normal condition, blood clots are not something you need to worry about because they are not dangerous. However, if you feel bothered, here are a few things you can try:
1. Meet Your Iron Needs

Women over 19 years old need 17.0–18.9 mg of iron per day.[5] You can try eating spinach, chicken liver, or tofu to meet this need.
2. Drink More Water

Drinking Water can help you control the volume of menstrual blood. Try drinking 4 to 6 more glasses of water during menstruation.
3. Consume Sido Muncul Kunyit Asam Lancar Datang Bulan

This herbal remedy is made from turmeric, tamarindo, galangal, ginger, and pomegranate, which will help regulate your period and reduce discomfort during menstruation.
Don't let clotted menstrual blood ruin your days! Consume Sido Muncul Kunyit Asam Lancar Datang Bulan and make your period more comfortable.
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