They can most definitely be related!I'm taking the pill continuously now, but I used to get horribly painful periods. And those periods had clots... big ones before I was on the pill. And when you're passing a clot, the cramps and other symptoms get a lot worse.I remember one time my period was letting up, but then I got hit by horrible cramps, with nausea too. I felt horrible for an hour or so, then I passed a big clot, and felt better after.The pill can help reduce the number and quantity of clots. And definitely mention this to your gyn on your next visit.