Blood clots will look like regular menstrual blood, except they will be more solid, almost jelly-like. Smaller blood clots are normal, and you don’t need to worry about them.
For instance, if you’re changing your pad or tampon every hour (for several hours in a row) and its soaked each time, that’s considered heavy bleeding. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
“Anemia” can actually refer to any type of vitamin deficiency, but generally, low iron is the most common when it comes to menstruation problems. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
For instance, you might write down, “heavier flow (on heavy days, bleeding through a pad every hour for 3 or 4 hours in a row), more cramping, blood clots the size of quarters, feeling weak and tired, blood flow lasting 12 to 14 days. " It can help to count the number of pads or tampons you use while you’re bleeding. It’s also important to note any major changes in your life, such as big events that have caused you stress and sudden weight gain or loss. Ask around in your family to see if anyone else has similar problems, as menstrual problems can be genetic. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your doctor may also take tissue from your uterus to biopsy. You may also need an ultrasound or a hysteroscopy. With a hysteroscopy, a tiny camera is threaded into your uterus through your vagina, allowing the doctor to look for problems. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
However, when taking an NSAID, watch for an increase in bleeding, as it can be a side effect for some women. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Oral contraceptives can help because heavy bleeding and blood clotting is sometimes caused by hormonal imbalances. Oral contraceptives help balance out the hormones in your body. Other types of hormone pills can also be effective, such as a progesterone-only pill, as well as some intrauterine devices that release hormones. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Another option is an operative hysteroscopy, where your doctor will view the inside of your uterus with a small camera, then take out any small fibroids and polyps, as well as work on any other problems, which can also decrease bleeding. Finally, you can have a hysterectomy, where your uterus is removed completely.
