If you are still in the reproductive years, you most likely have regular monthly flow. Certain contraceptives stop the monthly flow completely, but some don’t. Whether you are on contraception or not, you probably experienced this monthly visit at some point of your life.

For some people, the monthly flow is like a breeze, and for others it’s no fun at all. One of the signs I want to talk about is clots in the menstrual blood. Some ladies probably never see clots on their pads or menstrual cups. But when you do, you might ask yourself, is this normal?

Well, the answer is, it depends.

Our menstrual blood is caused by the shedding of endometrial lining. With the change of hormones during our cycle, estrogen stimulates the endometrium to thicken. After ovulation, if there is no fertilization, then blood vessels will not get support from progesterone and the endometrial lining will start to shed. 

Our body has natural coagulation mechanisms to stop us from bleeding too much. But our body also releases anti-clotting material in order for the shedding to go as smooth as it can. When the blood flow is too heavy, especially for the first 2 to 3 days of the period, the tissue is too slow to pass out the body, and thus starts to clot. That’s why we see more clots in the menstrual blood in the first few days when the cycle starts.

Most of the time, a clotty period is normal. However, there are a few exceptions. If you find yourself having a heavy period with longer flow, then you need to pay more attention to your menstruation. Sometimes heavy flow can lead to anemia and cause some other health problems.

There are other health concerns that come with a clotty period, such as uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of endometrial lining), and endometrial cancer. The signs to watch out for are if you have heavy flow for more than 2 weeks, heavy clots throughout the flow, menstrual cramps, and anemia, then it’s time to talk to your health professionals to find out what really is causing it.

Small, scanty clots are not really concerning in TCM. However, if you have clots along with cramps, heavy flow, backaches, and foul vaginal discharge, then it will be worth looking into. 

In TCM, menstrual water flow is the metaphor of menstrual flow. It is a convergence of kidney, spleen and liver qi. The monthly flow reflects the flow and abundance of the qi in these three Zang Fu organs. Ensuring the healthy balance of qi in your body is essential to the smooth and comfortable experience during your period.