- With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Dr. Mary Gallenberg is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology.
An Antigo, Wis., native, Dr. Gallenberg is a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an assistant professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Gallenberg has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990. She was on the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource editorial board and has been honored for excellence in teaching. She also won a Mayo Clinic Excellence Through Teamwork award.
Symptoms (1)
- Blood clots during menstruation: A concern?
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Heavy periods: Can folic acid help?
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Question
Blood clots during menstruation: A concern?
Is it normal to pass large blood clots during menstruation?
Answer
from Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
It can be normal to pass blood clots during menstruation. The amount, length and frequency of menstrual bleeding vary with the individual. However, if your periods are heavier than usual — especially if you're soaking through one pad or tampon every hour for several hours or you're passing blood clots larger than your fist — consult your doctor. He or she will determine whether there's an underlying problem causing your heavy periods. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to check for iron deficiency anemia.
Next questionHeavy periods: Can folic acid help?
- Menstruation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp049.cfm. Accessed June 9, 2010.
- Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm. Accessed June 9, 2010.
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