Blood Clots During Your Period: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Menstrual blood clots can be alarming to see, especially when they’re large, dark, or more frequent than usual. While blood clots during your period are often a normal part of the menstrual cycle, in some cases, they may indicate an underlying condition—like uterine fibroids—that warrants medical attention.

If you’re passing blood clots regularly, experiencing heavy bleeding, or noticing changes in your cycle, this article will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek care from a specialist like the team at MTVIR in Dallas, TX.

What Are Menstrual Blood Clots?

A menstrual blood clot is a gel-like clump of coagulated blood mixed with uterine tissue. These clots form when your flow is heavy and blood pools in the uterus or vagina before exiting the body. In many cases, small clots—less than a quarter inch—are entirely normal.

Your body produces anticoagulants to keep menstrual blood flowing smoothly. When the flow is heavier than normal, these anticoagulants may not work fast enough, allowing clots to form.

The Good News

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• Less Anxiety, More Confidence: Chronic urinary symptoms can take a toll on confidence, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. Relief from these issues often helps restore sexual confidence.

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• Improved Sleep = Improved Libido: Better sleep can lead to better energy, hormone balance, and mood, all of which support a healthy sex drive.

What’s Considered “Normal” Clotting?

Small clots (less than a dime or quarter in size) that appear occasionally during the first few days of your period—especially during heavier flow—are typically nothing to worry about.

Other signs that clotting is likely normal include:

• No associated pelvic pain or pressure

• Clots are infrequent and small

• Menstrual cycles are regular and predictable

• Periods last fewer than 7 days

If you’ve noticed occasional clotting and your cycle is otherwise healthy, this is usually just part of your body’s natural shedding process.

When Are Period Blood Clots Abnormal?

Blood clots during your period may be abnormal if they are:

• Larger than a quarter

• Occurring frequently throughout your period

• Accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding (soaking a pad every hour for multiple hours)

• Linked with pelvic pain, pressure, or cramping

• Causing fatigue, dizziness, or signs of anemia

These symptoms may indicate an underlying gynecologic condition such as:

1. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding with large blood clots, longer periods, and pelvic pressure. They’re one of the most common causes of abnormal menstrual clotting, especially in women in their 30s and 40s.

At MTVIR, we specialize in treating fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)—a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids and restores normal menstrual flow.

Learn more about our treatment at https://mtvir.com/uterine-fibroid-embolization

2. Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy, painful periods and clotting.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen and progesterone regulate the buildup and shedding of the uterine lining. When these hormones are off balance, your lining may become too thick, leading to excessive bleeding and clots.

4. Miscarriage or Pregnancy Complications

If you are sexually active or trying to conceive, clots—especially those accompanied by cramping and sudden heavy bleeding—may signal an early miscarriage.

5. Blood Clotting Disorders

Women with inherited clotting conditions may experience heavier menstrual bleeding and larger clots.

How to Tell If It’s Time to See a Specialist

If your periods are interfering with your quality of life—whether due to heavy bleeding, pain, or fatigue—it’s time to talk to a medical provider. At MTVIR, we evaluate women every week who’ve been told that abnormal periods are “just something to live with.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

You should seek medical advice if:

• You regularly pass clots larger than a quarter

• You experience soaking bleeding for more than 2 hours in a row

• You feel dizzy or tired during your period

• You’ve been told you may need a hysterectomy but want other options

UFE: A Game-Changing Treatment for Fibroid-Related Clotting

For women whose menstrual clots are linked to uterine fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is one of the most effective treatments available. Unlike surgery, UFE is performed through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin. It works by blocking the blood vessels that feed the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Benefits of UFE include:

• No general anesthesia

• No incisions or stitches

• Outpatient treatment—no hospital stay

• Short recovery (most patients resume activity in 5–7 days)

• Relief from heavy periods and clotting

Many patients at MTVIR in Dallas begin noticing lighter periods and fewer or smaller clots within the first few menstrual cycles after UFE.

“We’ve helped hundreds of women who struggled with painful, heavy periods and clotting,” says Dr. Travis Van Meter. “Most of them didn’t realize there was a less invasive option than surgery.”

Why Choose MTVIR?

Located in North Dallas, MTVIR is a trusted provider for women seeking non-surgical fibroid care. Patients come to us from Plano, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton, and throughout DFW for:

• Expert UFE consultations

• Private, in-house operating suite

• Board-certified interventional radiology care

• Insurance assistance and scheduling support

We believe women deserve real answers—not just a hysterectomy referral.

Looking for a fibroids clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you’re passing frequent or large blood clots during your period, don’t ignore it. The cause could be something treatable—without surgery.

Book a consultation today with the experts at MTVIR and learn whether Uterine Fibroid Embolization is right for you.