Period FAQs

why is my period so dark

by Michel Lesch 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 ...
More items

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

What causes your period to be shorter or lighter than normal?

Many factors can alter a person's menstrual flow and make their period unusually light. Body weight, exercise, and stress can all cause light periods and knowing why can be helpful. Lighter periods than normal do not usually cause concern.

Why is my period Brown and very light?

Why is my period so light this month?

  1. Pregnancy. This is a common cause of very light period in women. ...
  2. After your first period or years before menopause. If you are less than 20 years or more than 40 years, then its possible you may have very light periods ...
  3. Weight loss or obesity. ...
  4. You are on birth control pills. ...
  5. You have Eating Disorders. ...

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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.

What causes long periods and when to seek help?

If you are below 4o years, then you may have pain and prolonged periods. If your doctor finds uterine polyps as the cause of your prolonged periods, a D&C will be advised. 4. Cancer of the endometrium. Cancer that affects the endometrium of the uterus can cause bleeding in women especially after 40 years.

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Why is my period blood very dark?

Your endometrium does not separate all at once, it's a slower, controlled separation, and it takes time for your endometrial tissue to make its way down through your cervix and vagina. This initial blood and tissue may appear dark red or brown, or even black because it takes longer to exit your body.

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 period blood mean pregnant?

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 blood mean I'm pregnant?

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.

Is dark brown period blood normal?

Blood changes from the standard bright red menstrual blood to brown blood or discharge when it has had time to oxidize. Brown period blood is usually normal, but there are a few cases that may require evaluation by your physician.

What period color says about your health?

Bright red blood may mean more consistent, steady flow. Darker red blood, or a light flow of brown to black blood, may indicate old blood, or a slower flow, meaning it takes longer for the menses to travel from your uterus out of your vagina. Pink-tinged discharge could mean there is not a large volume of blood.

Is it normal to have brown blood for 5 days?

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.

What color is period blood with low iron?

If your menstrual blood is watery or pink, you may have difficulty making enough red blood cells or they may not contain enough iron. Common causes of pale blood include being anaemic, eating an imbalanced diet, or poor digestion/absorption of nutrients.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

How long does it take for a period to last?

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following: periods that last longer than 7 days. less than 21 days between periods or more than 35 days between periods. not having a period for more than three to six months. bleeding between periods.

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.

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 does my vagina have black discharge?

Black discharge may be a sign that a foreign object is stuck in your vagina. This can happen if you accidentally put in a second tampon or forget about one at the end of your period.

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.

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