Menstruation is a normal process that women experience at any age. It is characterized by the removal of the uterus ‘ lining as well as the release of blood that is along with the uterine tissue via the vagina. The color of the blood during periods varies and can range in hue from dark red, to bright and even black in certain circumstances, based on variables like flow and duration of time blood is kept within the uterus. It may appear scary, but it’s typically harmless and is simply the result of blood that is old being slower to leave the body.
We’ll discuss the reasons that cause it and how the other colors of period blood may affect your health. We’ll also look at what to do if you’re concerned and seek out a doctor’s guidance.
Normal Period Blood Colour Spectrum
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The blood of the period exercise comes in a variety of shades. Different shades are linked to hormone levels, health issues, and even the condition of your body.
Black-coloured Period Blood
We have previously mentioned that period black blood is often a sign of old blood. A slower flow may delay its departure through the uterus. The exposure to air causes the blood to become darker. This color can be seen during the beginning or at the end of your menstrual cycle. It can also occur following pregnancy. However, the black discharge could indicate problems like miscarriages infection, or menstrual retention. If you notice black-colored period blood the first time, and you feel anxious, speak to your physician.
Brown, or Dark Red colored Period Blood
Periods with dark or brown blood are often seen in the middle or at the close to the end of a period. It’s normal. The color is an indication of older blood leaving the uterus lining that is deeper. It took longer to exude oxidation. Other reasons for dark or brown-colored period blood may be a miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy or bleeding postpartum (lochia).
Bright red-colored Period Blood
A bright red color of period blood indicates fresh blood that has left the uterus fast. It typically appears at the beginning of a period. You may notice the bright red color throughout your period pain, or see the color changing into darker tones as your flow decreases. If you are bleeding abnormally during the menstrual cycle, it could indicate an infection or an early pregnancy.
Pink-coloured Period Blood
It happens when mucus and blood from your cervical lining combine. This is typically seen in small bleeding that occurs at the beginning or the end of menstrual cycles. A spotting during periods or bleeding that is light could make your blood of your period pink. Extreme weight loss or a poor diet or anemia could also trigger pink blood.
Orange-colored Period Blood
Similar to pink-colored period blood, orange-colored blood occurs when the blood is mixed and cervical fluid. But, an orange-colored discharge may indicate an infection, possibly trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis. A rash as well as a painful smell could be the result of symptoms. Contact a medical specialist for a health checkup if you experience these signs.
Period Blood that is gray
Grey period blood can be uncommon and may indicate an infection, possibly bacterial vaginosis. Itching and a sour smell and pain in your vaginal region. If you spot the blood of your gray periods, speak with a doctor. It is important to manage the situation to avoid complications.
When Is Colour Change During a Period Considered Normal?
Changes in color during your period may be normal. They may be linked to hormone changes as well as health problems particular to the individual. Understanding these changes can help to ease fears that dark periods are always a negative indication.
Common Causes of Black-Coloured Period Blood
The causes of black-colored period blood are explained below.
Beginning or End of Your Period
Black discharge at the beginning or the end of your menstrual cycle usually indicates old blood. This indicates an infrequent flow. It’s not a cause for worry unless other signs of concern are present.
Stuck or Forgotten Object
Vaginal objects like a condom, tampon, or contraceptive device may irritate. This can lead to black discharge. Infections that result from the presence of a foreign object within the vagina could trigger more symptoms. There is a possibility that you smell something bad or feel itchy, develop a fever, experience discomfort in your pelvis, or have difficulty to go pee.
Infection
PID, gonorrhea, as well as chlamydia infections, could cause black discharges in your period. These infections may make the vaginal discharge more heavy and may alter the color. It is possible to smell something bad, feel itchy, or experience a burning sensation and experience discomfort in your pelvis.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is a condition that affects female reproductive organs such as the fallopian tube, uterus, or ovaries. It can result from non-sexually transmitted and sexually transmitted infections. It may cause pain of varying severity in the lower abdomen as well as other signs.
Missed Miscarriage
Missed miscarriages occur at the moment that the embryo ceases growing. However, it remains in the body for a long time. Discharge or black spots may be seen in these instances. There could also be a decrease in pregnancy signs as well as cramping, vaginal discharge of tissue or fluid.
The pregnancy
Lochia is a term used to describe bleeding following the birth of a child. It can last as long as six weeks. The slow flow of blood during the lochia process can cause it to turn into a dark black or brown. As time passes, the color is likely to change and become white before it is completely gone.
Hormonal Duration
Menses that are not retracted, also known as the hematocolpometra, occurs when menstrual blood accumulates in the vaginal area. The blood that is kept turns darker and causes a black discharge. Menses retention can be caused by birth defects that affect the vaginal septum, hymen, or cervix.
The Role of Hormones and Menstrual Cycle
Hormone-related health issues could alter the color and feel of the blood that comes out of your period. This is particularly true in the normal menstrual cycle.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is an illness that affects hormone levels in women. It alters the balance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal change can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and occasionally the blood of your period is black in colour. Other symptoms include excessive increase in hair growth and weight and acne.
Perimenopause
It’s the time before menopause. The changes in estrogen levels at this period cause shifts in the menstrual cycle. Dark red or brown period blood could result from these hormonal changes. It’s possible to experience heavier or lighter cycles as well as more spotting. cycles that are longer or shorter than usual.
Low Estrogen
Low levels of estrogen can influence the appearance and sensation of the blood from your period. Sometimes, this may cause a black or pink-colored discharge. The most common causes for low levels of estrogen include menopausal symptoms or a high level of exercise or specific hormonal methods for birth control like an IUD.
When to Be Concerned About Black-Coloured Period Blood?
While black-colored period blood is not usually an issue, it is important to be alert for any signs of danger, which are listed below.
Infections and their symptoms
Infections such as PID or STIs can cause black period blood. They can also cause unpleasant-smelling discharge, pain or irritation in the vaginal region. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should always consult an expert in healthcare for a thorough examination and treatment.
Uterine Polyps, Fibroids, and Adenomyosis
Uterine uterine growths such as polyps and fibroids, as well as adenomyosis (a condition in which the uterine lining expands into the muscle wall) can result in bleeding that is black-colored or blood clots. A prolonged, continuous flow of bleeding could indicate these conditions, and warrant a visit with a healthcare expert.
Persistent Black Blood Clots
Black blood clots that persist throughout your period, especially when you experience extreme pain or bleeding, could be an indication of a medical issue. A medical professional can perform thorough examinations and suggest treatment options.
Signs It Might Be Cervical Cancer
While rare, the presence of the presence of black period blood in your body and strange bleeding patterns could suggest cervical cancer. Pelvic pain during sexual interactions and post-coital bleeding are additional signs. If you notice these signs contact a medical professional to have a thorough check-up.
Conclusion
Understanding the various colors of your period blood and what they mean is essential to your health and reproductive well-being. The dark-colored blood of your period may look frightening, but it’s usually due to the oxidation of old blood. It is not a sign of the presence of danger. However, if it is associated with other symptoms or is seen during menopausal pregnancy or post-menopausal and you are concerned, it is best to discuss it with a medical professional to ensure a thorough examination and advice.