Period FAQs

what does it mean when your period is black

by Anika Gusikowski Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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When the menstrual blood flows out of the body quickly, the color will be red on heavier days or pink on lighter days. Sometimes, however, a woman notices black or brown blood during period. Darker-colored menstrual blood usually just means that the blood is flowing out of the body at a slower rate.

Black blood can appear at the beginning or end of a person's period. 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.

Why is my period more brown than red?

Brown discharge instead of period usually happens at the end of the cycle. This is from old blood that has broken down inside the uterus and comes out brown instead of red as the body begins to shed. On occasion, you can get a brownish vaginal discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle, or during the time of ovulation.

Why is my period so dark?

Dark Red. Period blood that is a darker red, brown, or black, is slightly older blood. This color suggests a slower flow. For most people, the blood gets darker over the course of their cycle. This is because older blood from the deeper parts of the uterine lining is shed and the bleeding slows.

What causes black period blood before or after period?

There are, however, other reasons why you can have black period blood or dark spotting before or after your period. Sometimes, an irregular menstrual cycle, using birth control, and approaching the menopause can all result in dark or black blood around the time of your period.

Why is period blood black causes and treatments?

What causes black period blood?

  1. Normal period. During your period, it is normal to see black blood coming out of your vagina before the start or after your period.
  2. Uterine fibroid. These are abnormal growth in the uterus that can be small or huge affecting fertility in women sometimes.
  3. Uterine polyps. ...
  4. Hormonal imbalance. ...
  5. Ovulation. ...
  6. Pregnancy. ...

How long does it take for implantation bleeding to appear?

What is retained menses?

What happens if you have a black period?

How long does it take for a baby to bleed?

What does dark brown period blood mean?

How long does a period last?

What does black discharge mean?

See 4 more

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Why is my period black?

Usually, black period blood indicates your flow is a little slower than on your heavier days. You may have black period blood at the very beginning of your cycle. If it seems your body takes a day to get your period going, you may experience spotting that looks black.

How long does a Rael menstrual cup last?

We create products that help you honor your body every day of the month. Using Rael’s Reusable Menstrual Cup can give you up to 12 hours of protection with zero leaks. The best part: It’s reusable every month for up to 10 years with proper cleaning and storage.

Why is period blood considered old blood?

Black period blood is usually considered “old” blood because it takes longer to come out. As your flow slows, it changes to a darker color.

What is a screen reader?

A screen-reader is software that is installed on the blind user’s computer and smartphone, and websites should ensure compatibility with it.

What does it mean when you click enter to drink alcohol?

By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol.

Is it normal to have a change in your period blood?

Changes in the color of your period blood are normal and can happen at any time during your menstruating life. Here’s what it means if your period flow has suddenly gone goth.

Is it normal to have black blood before your period?

If you have a few spots of black period blood before your period, you may have premenstrual discharge. This, too, is usually very normal.

What does it mean when your vagina is black?

Black discharge may mean that older blood is leaving the uterus or vaginal canal. Heavy vaginal discharge of any color with a foul odor is also a symptom of these infections. Other symptoms include: bleeding during or after sexual intercourse. painful urination. pain or pressure in your pelvis. vaginal itching.

Why does my menstrual blood turn black?

Retained menses (hematocolpos) happens when menstrual blood is blocked from leaving the uterus, cervix, or vagina. As a result, the blood may turn black over the time it’s retained. The blockage may be caused by anything from a congenital issue with the hymen, vaginal septum, or in rare cases absence of a cervix (cervical agenesis).

What happens when you have your period?

Beginning or end of your period. Your menstrual flow may be slower at the beginning and end of your period. As a result, the blood in your uterus may take longer to exit your body and change from the standard red to a dark brown or black.

How do you know if you have a cervix infection?

Other symptoms you may experience: foul-smelling discharge. itching or discomfort in and around the vagina. swelling or rash around the genitals. trouble urinating. fever. Objects can’t get lost or travel to the uterus or abdomen. Your cervix, which is located at the top of the vaginal canal, has only a small opening.

Why does my uterus turn brown?

You may see this color throughout your cycle, usually around the time of your regular menstrual period. When blood takes extra time to exit the uterus, it oxidizes. This can cause it to appear a shade of brown to dark brown or black in color. It may even resemble coffee grounds. There are some cases, though, where black discharge is a reason ...

Why do menses need surgery?

Retained menses may require surgery to treat any underlying conditions that led to blockage.

What is the sign of a missed miscarriage?

Missed miscarriage. Black spotting and bleeding may also be a sign of a missed miscarriage, which is when the embryo stops developing but isn’t expelled by the body for four weeks or more. Between 10 and 20 percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage. Most happen before the fetus reaches 10 weeks’ gestation.

What is black period blood?

Black period blood is just “blood that’s older, that’s started to clot a little bit ,” says Rachel Peragallo Urrutia, M.D., an assistant professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina. This content is imported from {embed-name}.

What makes you healthy?

But, she says, “the stuff that makes you healthy in general, like getting good sleep, getting regular exercise, eating good quality foods, trying to avoid a lot of chemicals in food and in your environment can all be helpful for hormone balance” and, in turn, overall reproductive health.

Does Uturria change the color of your period?

Uturria says nothing can really change the color of period blood—though if you're concerned with the amount of bleeding that comes with your period, you can talk to your doctor about birth control options like an IUD that might help reduce bleeding a bit (or get rid of your periods altogether).

Is it normal to see red on your pads?

While, yeah, it's unsettling to see anything other than bright red on your tampon or pad, it might be more common than you think. If periods are good at anything—besides, you know, clearing your body of built up uterine lining—it’s keeping you on your toes.

Is it okay to bring up black blood at an obgyn appointment?

Still, it's important to always pay attention to your body and the signs it’s giving you. If you're concerned about your black or dark blood, bring it up during your next ob-gyn appointment—while it might not point to anything scary, it's worth having peace of mind.

Do periods show up when you wear white jeans?

AlexmiaGetty Images. Periods aren't typically a surprise—until they show up a day or two early while you're wearing white jeans. What is surprising is the sight of black blood in place of what is usually red.

Why Can Period Blood be Black or Very Dark?

Doctors from WebMD explain that if no fertilized egg implants itself to the uterus lining (endometrium), the lining is shed and this results in the menstrual period which is usually a red to dark red color. However, every woman’s menstrual cycle is different and not all women experience the same symptoms. 1

How long does implantation bleeding last?

14. However, the difference between implantation bleeding and regular period blood is that implantation bleeding is much lighter and only lasts up to two days.

Why does my period blood turn brown?

Researchers from the Palo Alto Medical Foundation say that brown discharge and spotting is just part of the “cleaning process” when your body gets rid of the uterus lining. Blood that has been in the uterus for longer becomes brown and will affect the color of your regular period blood. 3

Why does my period look dark?

11 Because of these changes to your menstrual cycle, some old blood may be passed out and cause period blood to look dark or black.

Why is my period black?

An irregular menstrual cycle may also be a reason why your period blood is dark or black. Irregular periods can result in changes to your menstrual flow which can result in old blood being passed during your period.

Why does my vagina have brown spots?

This results in dark brown vaginal spotting because of old blood in the uterus. 9

How long does blood spotting last with birth control?

However, most doctors say that dark blood spotting associated with taking birth control pills should only last for the first 3 months or so.

Why does stress affect the menstrual cycle?

During the phase of stress or depression, the inner walls of uterus get thin which can further cause a delay in the shedding of the wall of uterus, thus affecting the menstrual cycle.

What does black blood mean?

The black blood can indicate a miscarriage or abortion.

What happens to black blood at the end of a period?

Black blood in the end of period cycle is a very common occurrence. The blood gets oxidized and becomes old which is later thrown out.

Why does my vagina have brown blood?

The infection can be sexually transmitted or occur due to bacterial overgrowth usually present in the vaginal area. In this condition, the blood can also be accompanied with a foul smell or pain in pelvic area.

Why is it important to have a healthy diet?

Along with exercising it is also important to have a healthy diet in order to keep the blood flow regulated. Caffeinated and carbonated drinks, junk food and untimely meals should be avoided.

Is it normal to have dark red blood during your period?

The changes can be physical, emotional or psychological. A slight change in the regular/normal menstrual experiences can make anyone panic such as the change in the color of menstrual blood. The normal color is dark red or light red but sometimes there can be changes like having black or brown menstrual blood. There can also be blood clots, pain and cramps.

Is black blood bad for periods?

Black blood during periods isn’t a serious issue and can be taken normally. However if the black blood is accompanied by pain, cramps and extends for a longer time than the period cycle with a heavier flow, then it should be taken care of. It is therefore better to consult a gynecologist. Some of the reasons for black blood are:

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Physician graduated in Mastology and Gynecology by UFPE in 2008 and member no. 17459 of CRM-PE, Brazil.

Why is my period black?

Pregnancy. A small amount of pinkish, brownish or dark reddish bleeding is common in the first weeks of pregnancy because the embryo is attaching itself to the walls of the uterus. However, when this bleeding occurs ...

Why does my period turn darker?

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example, cause a more rapid degradation of menstrual blood, turning it darker. In addition, this type of period is usually accompanied by a foul smell, brown discharge before or after menstruation, pelvic pain and a fever above 38º C. 5.

What causes a woman's period to be darker?

Some changes in a woman's emotional state, such as excessive stress or depression, can affect the structure of the uterus by reducing the thickness of its walls. This change delays the peeling of the cells and, therefore, facilitates blood oxidation, making the period darker. 3.

What does it mean when you have a bleed during pregnancy?

However, when this bleeding occurs at a later stage of pregnancy or is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or excessive fatigue, it may indicate the development of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, so it is recommended you go to the obstetrician to verify if there’s any problem. 2.

What is the term for the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus?

Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This type of problem and other conditions such as adenomyosis can cause severe pain in the pelvic region and dark blemishes, similar to the color of coffee grounds, that can occur both during and between menstruation.

Is it normal to have periods for more than 3 months?

Changes in menstrual bleeding are usually normal and do not indicate problems, but you should go to the gynecologist if other symptoms or signs also appear, such as: Period lasting more than 7 days. No period for more than 3 months; Vaginal bleeding between periods; Pain in the intimate area; Fever above 38º C;

How long does it take for lochia to pass?

The duration of lochia varies from person to person, but it usually passes within the first few months after delivery.

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.

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 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.

How long does it take for implantation bleeding to appear?

Dark blood after implantation bleeding is very rare, though. Implantation bleeding sometimes appears 10 to 14 days after a fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining.

What is retained menses?

Retained menses (hematocolpos) is when menstrual blood cannot leave the vaginal canal and fills the vagina, slowly growing darker over time . Congenital conditions of the vaginal septum or hymen are frequently responsible for this vaginal blockage.

What happens if you have a black period?

Aside from black period blood, an infection might cause other symptoms, such as: Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Discomfort or itching in or around the vagina. Rash or swelling of the genital area. Fever.

How long does it take for a baby to bleed?

Normal vaginal bleeding that continues six to eight weeks after childbirth is referred to as lochia. It starts out as a heavy flow that’s reddish in color and contains small blood clots, then slows down after a few days. In the early days, abundant blood can become oxidized and turn so dark that it might seem almost black.

What does dark brown period blood mean?

Lastly, dark brown or black period blood might also indicate other underlying health issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or an ectopic pregnancy.

How long does a period last?

Normal menstrual bleeding lasts two to seven days and occurs about every 21 to 35 days. Black period blood outside of this window may be irregular and needs to be discussed with a health care provider.

What does black discharge mean?

Black period blood has been associated with sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Dark brown or black discharge is occasionally accompanied by other STI symptoms such as:

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