what do brown period blood mean

by Jermain Runolfsdottir Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Black or brown is usually old blood, which has had time to oxidize, changing the hue. Brown blood, in particular, is often seen at the start or end of your period. At these times, your flow may be slow, which slows down the process of the blood leaving the uterus. The blood may also be left over from your last period.

Why does my period start with brown blood?

When there is no pregnancy, brown discharge may be caused by:

old blood leaving the uterus a few days after the end of a period
a period just beginning to start, where the flow is very light
ovulation spotting, which may be pinkish-brown
a reaction to a Pap smear test or vaginal exam
a reaction to having sex, especially if vigorous

What can cause period blood to look brown?

What does brown period blood mean?

The beginning or end of your period. When your flow is slow, the blood may take longer to exit your body. ...
Lochia. The bleeding women experience for the first four to six weeks after delivering a baby is called lochia.
Pregnancy. If you experience spotting during pregnancy, some of it may be brown if the active bleed has stopped.
Missed miscarriage. ...

What to do if your period blood start looking brown?

Brown period blood is normal when it's at the beginning or end of your period.
But you should see a doctor if you also experience unusual pain, a foul smell, or blood clots.
If you have brown blood between your periods, then this could be a sign of PCOS.
Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

Is it normal to have brown blood throughout your period?

In most cases, brown blood during your period is normal. The color and consistency of blood can change throughout your menstrual cycle. It may be thin and watery one day, and thick and clumpy the next. It may be bright red or brown, heavy or light. It’s normal for your periods to vary in length, heaviness, and level of discomfort.

What does it mean when you have brown discharge?

Why is my discharge brown?

How long does it take for menopause to start?

Why does my uterus discharge?

How to tell if you have a miscarriage?

What to do if you have brown blood?

What to do if you have a bleeding period?

See 4 more

About this website

What does a brown period mean?

If you notice brown period blood at the start or end of your period, it's because the blood is older and took longer to leave your uterus. The uterine lining darkens the longer it takes to leave the body.

Does brown period blood mean pregnancy?

Pink or brown discharge or spotting before a period may be an early sign of pregnancy. Not every pregnant person will experience this symptom, but some do. This discharge is caused by implantation bleeding that can happen when the fertilized egg burrows into the uterus lining.

Why is my period blood so brown?

The flow of blood is slower at the start and end of your period, meaning it takes longer to exit your body. The longer it sits in your body, the more time it has to oxidize, causing it to turn brown. In some cases, brown blood could even be left over from your previous period.

Is it just my period or am I pregnant?

Changes in mood Feeling irritable, anxious, or sad, or having crying spells, are common in both early pregnancy and the days leading up to a period. These symptoms of PMS typically disappear once menstruation begins. However, if mood changes persist and a person misses their period, this may suggest pregnancy.

Why am I having brown discharge instead of my period?

Brown discharge or light spotting that never turns into a normal period flow could be implantation bleeding, which is an early sign of pregnancy. Typically, implantation bleeding happens between 10 and 14 days after conception. It can resemble a very light period, or may be more pinkish-brown in color.

Does brown discharge count as a period day?

Sometimes, brown spotting is just a precursor to your period. The brown blood or discharge may be the remnants of old blood that was never fully shed from your uterus the last time you had your period. This usually isn't cause for concern.

Can you get pregnant on your period?

Yes — it's possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period. However, it's less common for this to happen. Here's the deal: A woman is most likely to get pregnant from sex that happens just before and during ovulation (when an egg is released).

What does brown discharge mean?

Is brown discharge normal? When blood mixes with vaginal fluid, the result is a brownish discharge. Sometimes, this is just a sign that your period has come to an end. “Normal brown discharge happens at the end of your menstrual cycle,” Dr. Goje says.

Do I count brown blood as the first day of my period?

Menstruation. Brown spotting is often just sign of ovulation or your actual period starting.

What does brown discharge look like in early pregnancy?

Bleeding – light bleeding early in pregnancy is fairly common, and does not mean you will have a miscarriage. Brown discharge: This may look like coffee grounds. This “discharge” is actually old blood that has been in the uterus for a while and is just coming out slowly.

Can implantation bleeding be brown?

Whether heavy or light, most women are familiar with the color of their period (usually a bright to dark red). Implantation bleeding, however, is typically light pink to dark brown (rust-colored) in color.

How can I tell if it's implantation bleeding?

Signs of implantation bleedingColor. Implantation bleeding is more likely to be a pinky-brown color. ... Strength of flow. Implantation bleeding is usually super-light spotting. ... Cramping. Cramping that signals implantation is usually light and short-lived. ... Clotting. ... Length of flow. ... Consistency.

Why is My Period Blood Brown? Causes and Explanations

It may not be a common discussion, but your period can sometimes effectively determine the state of your health. Its color can indicate whether or not there’s something wrong.

What is Brown Period Blood?

Why is period blood sometimes brown? The reason is that old blood turns a brown or even black color and makes period blood look brown.

What causes brown blood during menstruation?

According to doctors from the National Health Service, hormonal contraceptives can cause irregular menstrual bleeding in the first three months. 2.

Why does my implantation bleeding turn brown?

The blood looks brown because it is aged and therefore isn’t bright red like regular menstrual bleeding. 1

Why is my period turning brown?

The reason for the blood turning brown is that older blood is getting released from the body along with regular red menstrual blood. 1 In fact, this can be a reason for sometimes noticing dark or black period blood on your pad.

Why does my period get heavier?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that fluctuations in progesterone levels and estrogen mean that the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. This can result in period bleeding being heavier or lighter than normal, and other months you might have shorter or longer periods. 5

Why does my vagina have brown discharge?

Because the body can still get rid of old blood after menstruation, you may find that you have brown vaginal discharge after your period. However, doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that anytime you notice abnormal changes in your vaginal bleeding, you should see a doctor.

What does it mean when you have brown blood?

However, there are circumstances when noticing spots of brown blood means that it’s wise to pay a visit to your doctor. On rare occasions, brown period blood can be a sign of benign growths in your reproductive system or even cancer. This article looks at the various meanings of brown period blood. In many cases, you will realize ...

What does it mean when your period is brown?

When that happens, the blood goes through a process called oxidation, which turns it brown—hence your brown period blood. Often, you’ll find brown period blood at the very start of your cycle, when there might be a little bit of blood left over from your previous cycle, says Braaten.

Why does my period blood turn brown?

If you have consume a lot of iron—either from supplements or eating a lot of red meat or leafy vegetables —your period blood might skew brown. That's because having more iron in your blood can enhance the oxidation process, says Dana Hunnes, Ph.D., R.D., a senior dietitian at Ronald Reagan-UCLA Medical Center.

Why does my uterus bleed brown?

Birth control options that contain no estrogen (or low-dose estrogen), can make the uterine lining less stable, which can lead to breakthrough bleeding during your cycle—and, because breakthrough bleeding is typically light, it can also appear brown, again, because of oxidation. But keep in mind, this too is totally normal when related to your menstrual cycle.

Is brown blood old blood?

Simply put: “Brown blood is just old blood,” explains Kari P. Braaten, M.D., an ob-gyn at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. As the blood and tissue lining your uterus breaks down and leaves the body, it gets exposed to air. When that happens, the blood goes through a process called oxidation, which turns it brown—hence your brown period ...

Is period blood normal?

First: Dial it back a bit—period blood can come in a range of different colors and consistencies and still be totally normal. But if you're still kind of curious (and you know you are), here's what's really going on if your period blood looks a bit more brown than red.

What It Can Look Like

Brown discharge doesnt always look the same, especially when it comes to color. The color of brown discharge may vary from very dark brown to light brown to pink-brown. Different shades of brown discharge can indicate different things .

You Recently Began Hormonal Birth Control

Generally, people who use hormonal contraceptives have less heavy periods, so if you recently started taking the pill, for example, you may notice a change. As Bedsider, an online birth control support network, explains, The hormonal IUD, the implant, the shot, the pill, the patch, and the ring will all make periods lighter.

If Your Period Seems Watery This Might Be Why

Lets face it: Periods can be weird. At various times they might be clumpy, brown, and, yes, smelly and usually this is all totally standard. But what does it mean if your menstrual blood is thin and watery?

Brown Period Blood Can Be Normal

We usually think of blood as bright red, but “blood becomes darker when it has time to oxidize,” says Christine Greves, MD, a gynecologist at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Your Estrogen Levels Are Low

Low estrogen can lead to a lighter period that may also appear pink and watery, according to a Greatist article medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD. This may be accompanied by other symptoms, including lack of vaginal lubrication, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings.

Orange Period Blood : Possible Infection

Bright red blood mixed with cervical fluid can appear an almost orange color with red flecks or look a bit rusty in color. Bright orange period blood can also be a sign of infection, though. If you see it frequently, it has a foul odor, or it doesnt also have a slippery consistency, see your care provider.

When Its Not Normal

Brown Period Blood | PCOS, STDs, Ovulation | Is Brown Discharge Normal?

What does it mean when you have brown blood?

Brown blood or spotting can sometimes also be an early sign of pregnancy that doctors refer to as implantation bleeding. Brown discharge or spotting during pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

What does it mean when your period is black?

The color is typically a sign of old blood or blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus and has had time to oxidize, first turning brown or dark red and then eventually becoming black. Black blood can sometimes also indicate a blockage inside a person’s vagina.

Why does my vagina bleed pink?

During pregnancy, pink discharge that contains tissue and occurs alongside cramps may indicate a miscarriage. It is important for women who experience vaginal bleeding while pregnant to see their doctor or obstetrician.

What does the color of your period mean?

Summary. The color of a person’s period blood can relay vital health information. For example, orange or grey blood can sometimes indicate a vaginal infection. During menstruation, the body sheds tissue and blood from the uterus through the vagina. This bloody discharge can vary from bright red to dark brown or black depending on how old it is.

Why does my period start with red blood?

Unusual spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection , such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

What causes heavy bleeding?

Growths in the uterine lining, called polyps or fibroids, can also cause unusually heavy bleeding. Rarely, bright red bleeding may be a sign of cervical cancer. Other symptoms of cervical cancer include: heavier periods. periods that last longer than normal.

Why is my period pink?

Using hormonal birth control can lower estrogen levels in the body, which can lead to a lighter flow with a pinkish hue during periods .

Why is my period blood brown?

Pain during intercourse. Frequent urination. Constipation and/or bloating. Pain in your pelvis or lower back. Increased menstrual cramping. Stomach swelling. Below, we will discuss some of the potential reasons why your period blood is brown, along with additional symptoms to be on the lookout for.

What to do if you have brown period blood?

First and foremost, you should know that any unusual vaginal discharge, including brown or dark brown period blood, should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. We suggest that you take notes on when it occurs during your cycle.

Why Do Fibroids Cause Brown Discharge?

When the blood passes the fibroid, it may be brown because it is older and has oxidized.

Why is my period abnormal?

One potential reason for abnormal menstruation is the presence of uterine fibroids, a common type of non-cancerous tumor that can develop in or on the uterus. Fibroids vary in size and number, and can result in a range of painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient symptoms.

What is the term for the condition where the lining of the uterus breaks through the muscular wall?

Endometriosis: This common reproductive condition occurs when the lining of the uterus breaks through the muscular wall. Uterine tissue can then develop on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, or intestines. This type of tissue growth can cause significant pain or discomfort, along with abnormal periods and brown period blood.

What does it mean when a woman bleeds during her period?

Ovulation: A small percentage of women experience bleeding each month when an ovary releases an egg. When this happens, it is typically mid-cycle and can appear as brown or dark brown period blood. Some women also experience implantation bleeding when they first get pregnant.

Can brown period blood be a sign of something wrong?

At USA Fibroid Centers, our specialists want you to be aware that period abnormalities –– such as heavy bleeding and severe cramps –– can be a sign of something wrong. If you experience brown period blood along with other related symptoms, we recommend talking to your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Why is my period brown?

Brown spotting gets its color from old blood, which can start making its way out of your body one to two weeks before the start of your period. For some, this is just a normal part of their cycle. For others, it may be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Here’s a look at the potential causes of brown spotting and other symptoms ...

What does it mean when you have brown spots on your period?

Sometimes, brown spotting before your period is actually implantation bleeding. This is mild bleeding or spotting that happens when a fertilized egg implants itself in your uterus. Keep in mind that only some pregnant people experience implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding usually happens a week or two after ovulation ...

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Implantation bleeding usually happens a week or two after ovulation and resembles brown spotting. The bleeding tends to only last for a day or two. In some cases, it might be accompanied by implantation cramping. Other symptoms of early pregnancy include: breast tenderness.

What does it mean when you have a spotting?

It’s likely spotting, which refers to very light bleeding that happens outside of your usual menstrual cycle. It’s not enough to fill a pad or a tampon, but it’s often visible on toilet paper or underwear. Spotting can range in color from light pink to dark brown.

How long does it take for a woman to bleed after birth control?

You’ll likely experience some spotting and breakthrough bleeding in the first three to six months after starting a new method of hormonal birth control.

What does brown spotting mean?

What causes brown spotting in the pelvis?

In addition to brown spotting, PID can also cause: burning sensation when urinating. pain during sex. pelvic pain. unusual or foul-smelling discharge.

What is period blood?

Period blood is also known as menstrual blood or menses. It's appearance varies from day to day during your period, across different cycles, and across different women.

What does it mean when you see blood during your period?

The blood that you see during your period is similar to but not exactly the same type of blood that you see when you cut your finger. What you see on your pad or tampon or in the toilet bowl is a mixture of both blood and tissue from the lining of your uterus. How much of each, along with other factors, will influence what your period blood looks like.

What is the difference between menstrual blood and blood that you cut?

The fact that menstrual blood contains cells from the lining of the uterus is only one of the things that makes it different from the blood that you see when you cut your finger. Another, very important, difference, is the way that the blood clots—or becomes solid.

Why is my period red?

The brighter red the blood the more recent the bleeding and the quicker the blood is passing through the cervix and into the vagina. Bright red blood is most likely to be present at the start of your period. You may also see brighter blood at times when you have cramps. That's because cramps occur when the uterus contracts, ...

Why is my menstrual flow thicker than normal?

Typically, menstrual blood is a little thicker than normal bleeding because of the tissue it contains.

Why is my period blood darker?

This is because older blood gets released as the deeper parts of the uterine lining get shed and the bleeding slows. Typically the color of menstrual blood is a shade or two darker than normal bleeding.

How long is a period?

Periods come in a wide range of normal. How wide a range? Doctors consider the following things to all be normal: 2 1 Having a menstrual cycle that lasts anywhere from 24-38 days 2 Having a cycle length that varies as much as 20 days over the course of the year 3 Bleeding for anywhere from four and a half to eight days at a time 4 Losing anywhere from 5 to 80 milliliters (ml) of blood over the course of your period

What does it mean when you have brown discharge?

Brown discharge during pregnancy can be a sign of early miscarriage. If you see brown discharge, note whether you have other abnormal symptoms, such as tissue or heavy pink fluid coming out of your vagina. Other warning signs related to early pregnancy include: abdominal pain or cramps. shoulder pain.

Why is my discharge brown?

Getting tested and treated early on can help prevent these issues from developing. Some causes of brown discharge, including menopause, aren’t a problem. However, discharge can be a symptom of a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, that requires treatment.

How long does it take for menopause to start?

Menopause officially begins once 12 months have passed since your last period. During the postmenopausal stage, after you’ve gone 12 months without having a period, you shouldn’t have any bleeding or brown discharge. Most of the time, bleeding or discharge during menopause isn’t a serious problem.

Why does my uterus discharge?

However, blood and discharge can be related to inflammation of your vaginal lining ( atrophic vaginitis ), noncancerous polyps in your cervix, or other issues in your uterus or cervix including cancer.

How to tell if you have a miscarriage?

What to do if you have brown blood?

Talk to your doctor. Brown menstrual blood is usually nothing to be concerned about, but talk to your doctor if you feel that your bleeding is abnormal. Also call your doctor if you are troubled by other symptoms that feel out of the ordinary. Last medically reviewed on July 21, 2016.

What to do if you have a bleeding period?

When you experience bleeding between periods, you should see a doctor or nurse practitioner to make sure it’s not a symptom of a problem.