From: xx115@ofcn.org (Moderator ofcn.clinic.ob-gyn)
Subject: clotting
Posted-By: xx115 (Moderator ofcn.clinic.ob-gyn)
Organization: Organization For Community Networks
Date: Mon, 13 Feb 1995 03:26:40 GMT
Newsgroups: ofcn.clinic.ob-gyn

During my period, there are many blood clots. Is this normal? Thanks

Answer:

Blood clots during a period are not necessarily abnormal. Blood accumulates in the uterus during a menstrual period. The blood clots inside the uterus and it dissolves by the action of an enzyme called fibrinolysin. What comes out normally, is a brown-colored flow composed of hemoglobin (the red part of the blood), that has undergone changes. If the flow is heavy, since the uterus can hold only a certain amount of blood, it overflows into the vagina, where it clots. So clotting is mostly an indication of heavy flow, which in itself can have many causes, from normal for a certain person, to lack of ovulation. Also, there are many other conditions, some not related to gunecological causes, that can cause a heavy flow.
Your doctor can tell you more about this.

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Sincerely
Ed Kneler, MD

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