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What could be the reason for blood clots during periods?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Last month, I got my period 33 days ago, and during that time, I was not doing any exercise. However, since 24 days ago, I have been doing intensive workouts, including cardio and strength training for two hours daily. It has now been 22 days of consistent exercise. Yesterday, I got my period again, but this time, it was only blood clots. Usually, I experience liquid blood. I am concerned about this change in my menstrual cycle and would appreciate any suggestions, as I am feeling a bit anxious about my period health.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

It is understandable to feel anxious about changes in your period, but based on what you described, intense exercise could be the reason for blood-clot-heavy periods this time.

Possible causes of blood clots during periods after intense exercise:

  1. Heavy workouts can disrupt hormones: Sudden intense exercise (such as two hours of cardio and strength training daily) can lead to hormonal imbalance, affecting estrogen and progesterone levels. This may cause irregular shedding of the uterine lining, leading to more blood clots than usual.

  2. Low body fat or rapid weight loss: If your body fat has dropped quickly, it may affect estrogen levels, leading to changes in flow, clots, or even missed periods.

  3. Dehydration and poor blood flow: Intense workouts can cause dehydration, making period blood thicker and forming clots.

  4. Iron deficiency (anemia): If you are not eating enough iron-rich foods to compensate for your workouts, it could contribute to clotting issues.

What you can do:

  1. Hydrate well - Drink plenty of water and electrolytes.

  2. Balance your exercise routine - Reduce high-intensity workouts if you feel overly fatigued.

  3. Eat a nutrient-rich diet - Include iron (spinach, red meat, beans), vitamin C (oranges, bell peppers), and healthy fats.

  4. Track your next cycle - If this continues next month, consult a doctor to check for hormonal imbalances or deficiencies.

When to see a doctor:

  1. If you miss your next period entirely.

  2. If you experience very heavy bleeding (changing pads every one to two hours).

  3. If you have severe pain, dizziness, or weakness.

For now, it sounds like a temporary change due to your new workout routine, but keeping track of your cycles and adjusting your exercise intensity may help.

Please let us know if you have any further queries. We would be happy to answer.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 10, 2025
Reviewed At July 7, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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