Are Blood Clots Normal During Your Period?

It’s been ten years since I was first diagnosed with endometriosis. At the time of my diagnosis, I experienced extremely painful periods with thick blood clots. It’s wild to think that prior to my diagnosis, I thought that was the norm. But the more I described my experience to my doctor, the more I realized they were classic signs of endometriosis.

Eventually, I underwent a laparoscopy, which provided significantly more relief than I anticipated. Since that procedure, I’ve been proactive—using diet, lifestyle changes, and acupuncture to support healthy cycles and hormonal balance.

The return of the clots

Recently, however, I've noticed that I still occasionally experience blood clots during my period. They're not the same large clots I used to have, but they've got me thinking, "Is this a sign that my endometriosis is acting up again?" It’s one of those thoughts that just kind of lingers in the back of my mind, and I just want to know what's going on.

So, I did a little research and here’s what I’ve discovered.

Understanding menstrual clotting

It turns out the presence of blood clots during your period, isn't an automatic cause for alarm. While it’s not necessarily the “norm,” it’s also not abnormal. In other words, yes, the big, thicker clots can be associated with endometriosis, but women can experience smaller clots during a normal, healthy cycle.

Hormonal imbalances, certain medications and contraceptives like IUDs, and even lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can all influence clotting during a period. For example, women with heavier periods (menorrhagia) may be more likely to experience clotting, because the enzyme that the uterus releases to keep menstrual blood from clotting, simply may not be able to keep up during a heavy flow.

Some clotting can also be normal as we age and our bodies change.

So, while this question can’t be accurately answered for each one of us without connecting with our doctor about our specific health history and symptoms, it gives me peace of mind to know that any little clot is not an automatic sign of endometriosis rearing its head again.

It’s possible, but not necessarily the case.

Is it a recurrence?

The recurrence of endometriosis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some may experience pain and discomfort similar to what they felt prior to treatment, while others might have completely different symptoms, or even none at all. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation.

So, while these clots are noteworthy, they aren't necessarily cause for alarm. It's always good to keep an eye out for changes, but we can’t jump to conclusions. (Anyone else guilty of this?)

Partnering with your medical team

As always, the best course of action if you're concerned about changes to your menstrual cycle or any other symptoms is start tracking your experience and connect with your doctor. They can help you sort through your symptoms and give you the peace of mind you're looking for.

This is yet another example of the importance of tuning into the rhythms and changes in our body as we live with a chronic illness like endometriosis. So, let’s listen to our body and collaborate with our medical team for the best care through all seasons of endometriosis.