- 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.
Passing blood clots during menstruation can be normal. The amount, length and frequency of menstrual bleeding vary from woman to woman.
However, passing large blood clots may be a sign that something's not right. If your periods seem heavier than usual — for instance, soaking through one pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing large blood clots, or passing many smaller blood clots in a short time — check with your doctor.
Your doctor can determine if there's an underlying problem causing your heavy periods. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to check for anemia, a blood condition that can cause you to feel weak or tired.
Next questionHeavy periods: Can folic acid help?
- Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/menstruation.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2013.
- Dart R. Approach to vaginal bleeding in the emergency department. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 15, 2013.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 17, 2013.
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