Period FAQs

why is my period dark

by Aliza Hahn DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Causes of Black Period Blood

  • End of period blood is darker The most common reason for black period blood is that it occurs at the end of your period. ...
  • Irregular menstrual cycle An irregular menstrual cycle may also be a reason why your period blood is dark or black. ...
  • Birth control ...
  • Uterine Fibroids ...
  • Perimenopause ...
  • Cancer ...
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ...
  • Implantation Bleeding or Pregnancy ...

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. Blood that stays in the uterus long enough will react with oxygen (oxidize). Blood that has had time to oxidize appears darker.

Full Answer

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 did I start my period 4 days early?

What causes your period to come early?

  1. Pregnancy. This is the commonest concern among women with early menstruation. ...
  2. Stress or heavy work. If you’ve had a stressful month or weeks, then it’s possible it can affect your hypothalamus in your brain.
  3. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) If you have PCOS, then you may experience an early or irregular period. ...
  4. Birth control pills. ...

More items...

Why did my period stop and not come back?

There are many reasons why your period may stop and then start again, and most of them are completely harmless and nothing to worry about. The most common causes are hormonal imbalances (like estrgoen excess), a tilted or flexed tuerus, liver qi stagnation, emotional blockages and endometrial tissue blocking your cervix.

Why am I Dizzy few days before my period?

What causes dizziness before period

  1. Your menstrual period is about to start. If you feel a cyclical pattern of dizziness before the start of your period, then likely, you new episode is because your ...
  2. Vertigo. If you are experiencing dizziness all the time, its possible you have vertigo. ...
  3. Low blood sugar levels. ...
  4. Low blood pressure. ...
  5. Iron Deficiency Anemia. ...

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What does a dark period mean?

Changes in period blood color are normal. Dark red, brown, or black period blood is simply blood that has reacted with oxygen. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have grayish or pink watery discharge, as this can be a sign of an infection or something more serious like cancer.

Is dark period blood normal?

Seeing different shades of red, brown, and even black blood during your period is typically normal and nothing to worry about. Blood contains hemoglobin and iron, a mineral that oxidizes when it comes into contact with air. When this occurs, it causes blood to become darker.

Is dark period healthy?

Generally, small quantities of dark blood during a period is normal and does not indicate any health problems. especially if it occurs at the beginning or end of a period. However, it occurs frequently, it can be a sign of hormonal changes, uterine problems, stress or a sexually transmitted infection.

Does black blood mean pregnancy?

Black blood may suggest implantation bleeding, which can happen as a sign of conception. So, if you notice black spotting and haven't had a period, you may want to consider taking a pregnancy test. You may also notice black blood during your regular menstrual cycle, usually at the beginning or end of your period.

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 black and smelly?

The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Why is my blood so dark and thick?

Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system.

What do period colors mean?

“The color of period blood depends on how long the blood stays in the uterus and vagina,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “The longer it sits, the darker it gets because the blood oxidizes — it reacts with oxygen in your body and gets darker.”

Why is my period black and not flowing well?

It's the beginning (or end) of a period. Blood flow tends to be slightly slower at the beginning and end of a period. The longer it takes for blood to leave the body, the more time it has to oxidize and turn into black period blood.

Why is my blood so dark and thick?

Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system.

Why does my blood look black?

Darkened blood color is often observed in critically ill patients generally because of decreased oxygen saturation, but little is known about the other factors responsible for the color intensity.

What color should your period blood be?

Your menstrual blood may be thin and watery or thick and sticky. Thin and watery period blood is usually pinker, while thick and sticky discharge is usually more brown. These changes in consistency are common at the end of your cycle. This is because most of the endometrial tissue already has been passed.

Why Can Period Blood Be Black Or Very Dark?

Your menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days and your period starts on the first day of the menstrual bleeding. Doctors from WebMD explain that if...

Black Period Blood at The Beginning of The Period

At the beginning of your period you may notice dark brown or black period blood which could be completely normal. This could indicate that some of...

Causes of Black Period Blood

Having dark and even black menstrual blood doesn’t always mean that there is something wrong. Let’s look at some of the reasons why period blood ca...

What to Do If You Have Black Or Dark Period Blood

Most cases of having a black period are just old blood that has been in the uterus too long and gets expelled through the vagina. This can often ha...

Black Or Dark Period Blood – When to See A Doctor

In some cases of vaginal bleeding, it is wise to see a doctor for a checkup. Especially if you are pregnant, you should mention any type of vaginal...

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 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

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 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.

How do oral contraceptives affect your period?

Oral contraceptives affect your body’s hormones to prevent monthly ovulation and affect the lining of the uterus to prevent any conception and pregnancy taking place. These changes to your estrogen and progesterone levels affect your monthly cycle and can cause dark period blood.

What to expect during your period?

You probably know what to expect during your period: how long it will last, when it’ll be the heaviest, and which days you’ll feel the worst. So when you spot something abnormal, such as brown discharge or dark brown blood, you may be concerned.

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 vagina hurt after IUD?

pain in your vagina or lower abdomen. fever that could indicate an infection. fatigue. heavy bleeding beyond your normal period flow. brown discharge after the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) seeing brown discharge when you’re taking tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment.

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?

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: 1 abdominal pain or cramps 2 shoulder pain 3 feeling dizzy, weak, faint, or lightheaded 4 not experiencing nausea or your normal pregnancy symptoms

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.

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.

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 ...

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 a period with low blood volume?

Dr. Sheila Sedicias. Gynecologist. May 2021. Whatsapp. Facebook. Generally, a period with dark and low volume of blood is normal and does not indicate any health problems, especially if it occurs at the beginning or end of menstruation. However, when this type of menstruation is recurring, it can be a sign of hormonal changes, uterine problems, ...

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;

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.

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 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.

How long does a black discharge last?

Black discharge at the start and end of your period usually isn’t a reason to worry. A typical period may last anywhere from 3 to 10 days and happen every 3 to 6 weeks. Periods can be different from month to month.

Why is my period blood dark brown, stopped after 4 hrs. is this a period?

Brown = blood : Brown equals old blood. If this is right after your period then you are just passing some of the blood that has been siting at the back of the vagina. ... Read More

Why is my period blood a shiny murky dark kinda but brightish red? am i fertile or something?

Period: If you're on your period, that means your chance of pregnancy at this time is 0. As far as fertility goes, you are fertile as long as you ovulate. Shi... Read More

What happens when you have a cycle?

Normal: Keep in mind that when you have a cycle, it's the inner lining of your uterus that is being shed. Much of the thick consistency of the vaginal discha ... Read More

What does it mean when you're on your period?

Period: If you're on your period, that means your chance of pregnancy at this time is 0. As far as fertility goes, you are fertile as long as you ovulate. Shi ... Read More

What does it mean when your period is unusual?

IUD:unusual period: At your age, and with a history of regular periods, it is unusual to have a change in menstrual flow. The "thin, watery" discharge may indicate possib ... Read More

What does brown mean in blood?

Brown = blood : Brown equals old blood. If this is right after your period then you are just passing some of the blood that has been siting at the back of the vagina. ... Read More

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 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 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.

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 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.

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, ...

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 menstrual flow thicker than normal?

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

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

How many women have abnormal uterine bleeding?

Around the world, up to a quarter of reproductive-age women experience some type of abnormal uterine bleeding. 2 Abnormal uterine bleeding takes on a variety of forms including periods that:

How does your period start?

Then, your period starts when hormonal changes cause the endometrium to start to break down and separate from the wall of your uterus. 1  The excess blood and tissue flow down through your cervix and out through your vagina.

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