Did you know your period is one of the main signs of your health? You can tell if your body is stressed or if your hormones have shifted by how your period shows up. Blood color, thickness, flow, and the length of time you bleed can each tell you something. There is a relatively wide range of what it means to have a healthy period. Although things like medicine, stress, alcohol use, and hormones all impact your cycle, clumps can sometimes signal something is off. Here are four things clumps in your period could be. Remember, these are mere possibilities and not a diagnosis. 

Keep track of your clots, and talk to a doctor if your clots are…

• are larger than a quarter in size
• are very frequent
• occur with an abnormally heavy flow that requires a person to change their pad or tampon at least every 1–2 hours
• occur with significant pain

Everything is normal

As your uterine lining shedding causes your period, it is normal for small clots to occur; especially during your heavier days. Clumps in your period are caused by the same coagulation that happens when you have a cut; clots are usually a mix of coagulated blood, tissue, and mucus. Although it might be surprising, it may be how your body is bleeding that day.

Fibroids can cause period clots.

Healthline states, “Fibroids are typically noncancerous, muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall.” Fibroids can cause blood clots in your period, pain during sex, lower back pain, irregular period, and fertility issues. 

Clumps in your period may point to a Hormonal imbalance

Hormones play a significant role in how your period shows up and when. New birth control, a recent miscarriage, or hormonal supplements, can all drastically impact your hormone levels. Symptoms can be heavy periods, mood swings, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss or gain, among other symptoms. 

Endometriosis

The Mayo Clinic says, “Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis often involves the pelvic tissue and can envelop the ovaries and fallopian tubes.” Although being diagnosed can take years, and there is still a lack of recognition of how Endometriosis impacts women, treatment is available. Symptoms are similar to fibroids: intense pain during sex, abdominal pain, fatigue, bowel problems, excessive bleeding during your period, and painful periods. 

Remember, your body is constantly cycling, and you can use your cycle as a guide for what your body needs, whether extra naps, vitamins, or a trip to the doctor to get to the root of an issue. Use our app to track your symptoms and periods to better know your body and cycle.