A chunkier period happens when your uterus is working super hard to expel the uterine lining in your uterus.

During your period, your body will release anticoagulants so that the uterine lining comes out more easily but sometimes, on a heavy flow, the anticoagulants don’t work fast enough to thin out the lining, thus, blood clots appear.

Don’t fret though! This usually happens on days when your period is a lot heavier.

However, if you notice that you’ve been bleeding for longer and the blood clots have not reduced, it’s best to visit a doctor to get it checked out.

This usually happens at the start or the end of your period and it’s nothing to worry about.

The darker shade (brownish and sometimes even blackish in colour thanks to oxidisation) indicates that the blood is older and is taking a little longer for the body to expel.

If you’re on birth control, chances are, your uterine lining is thinner than most women.

The common misconception most people tend to have is that your period consists entirely of just blood but in actuality, approximately two tablespoons of blood is being expelled from your body on a regular menstrual cycle.

So what makes up the other parts that make your period feel so heavy? Uterine lining, tissues, cervical mucus and plenty more.

However, when you’re on birth control, very little uterine lining is made to be shed so what usually comes out is a mixture of some uterine lining, cervical mucus with just a tinge or so of blood.

This is the ideal type of period blood you should be seeing and this usually happens towards the middle of your period.

Bright red menstrual blood usually shows that the blood has recently been expelled and is usually a sign that everything is working normally in your body.

Bright red menstrual blood, when mixed with cervical mucus can sometimes look a little more orange than usual but that can happen.

If you’re worried, be sure to look out for smells and unusual textures because they usually indicate a sign of infection.