Blood clots

Hi, this is a bit embarrassing for me.  I've always had pretty normal periods but the last few I've passed clots up to the size of a babies fist.  Is this normal to just start happening?  It's freaking me out a bit. Every woman in my family has had "female problems" so it just worries me to just start happening

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Clots up to about the size of a quarter are considered normal.  If you are frequently passing larger ones, it would be a good time to touch bases with your doctor.  If you were my patient, I would probably want to do an ultrasound to evaluate the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for any evidence of thickening or polyps, also the wall of the uterus, looking for fibroids.
Good luck!
Dr B

[Kelseago]

Would I still need to be menstrating when I visit my doctor or after?