Big Clots of Blood/Spotting of Blood

What if I have big clots of blood during my menstrual period?

Dark, chunky clots of blood can be perfectly normal. Many women get them during their menstrual period when they have days of heavy cramping and heavy bleeding. Your body usually makes things called "anti-coagulants," that keep your blood from clotting as it moves to your vagina and out of your body. But during days of heavy bleeding and cramping, your body is pushing blood so quickly out of you that your body does not have time to release these anti-coagulants. Your blood then clots. If you have clots that are bigger than a quarter, it is a good idea to talk with your health care provider.

What if I get spots of blood on my underwear between my menstrual periods?

Bleeding in the middle of your cycle could mean different things. Some women bleed a little bit during the middle of their cycle, when they ovulate (when a mature egg is released from your ovaries). This is nothing to worry about. Other times, "spotting" occurs because of an infection such as a sexually transmitted disease (if you are having sexual intercourse). Sometimes, "spotting" can be because of a cervical polyp (a tumor that may need to be removed surgically). But this is not very common! You should talk to your health care provider if you have bleeding when you don't have your menstrual period.

Written by the Center for Young Women's Health Staff

Updated 5/12/2005

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