During my period most of my blood comes out in quarter-sized clumps. My periods are normally heavy, but do these clumps mean that something is wrong? – Jessica* It's perfectly normal to notice some clumps from time to time during your period. These are blood clots that may contain tissue. As the uterus sheds its lining, this tissue leaves the body as a natural part of the menstrual cycle. So clots of tissue are usually nothing to be concerned about. But if you notice large or frequent clots, talk to your health care provider to make sure your period is normal. You also mention that your periods are heavy. If your period soaks through more than one pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner. It's also a good idea for a girl to get checked out if her periods last for longer than a week or if she is having a lot of pain with her periods. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles All About Periods Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens. Read More Irregular Periods Wondering whether it's normal to have irregular periods? Get the facts about this common problem. Read More Gyn Checkups Girls should get their first gynecological checkup between ages 13 and 15. Find out what happens during a yearly gyn visit -- and why most girls don't get internal exams. Read More Is it OK to Get My Period Twice in One Month? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies When it comes to pads and tampons, there are lots of choices. It may take some experimenting before you find what works best for you. Here are some tips. Read More Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) If periods aren't regular it's usually because a girl's body is still developing. But sometimes, changes in blood flow can be a sign of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Read More Female Reproductive System Why do girls get periods? What goes on when a woman gets pregnant? What can go wrong with the female reproductive system? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article for teens. Read More PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.