Period FAQs

why my period so dark

by Tressie Macejkovic Published 1 year 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 ...

What does black period blood mean? Seeing black period blood can be alarming, but like brown blood, it's usually just old blood that's lingered in your body too long. This is most likely to happen during low flow days at the start or end of your period.

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. ...

More items...

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.

Why is my period black?

What does dark brown period blood mean?

What is retained menses?

What happens if you have a black period?

How long does a period last?

What does black discharge mean?

What does black period mean?

See 4 more

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Why is my period blood so dark?

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.

What does a darker period mean?

‌Bright red blood: As your uterus starts to actively shed blood during your period, you may notice that the color is bright red. This just means that your blood is fresh and has not been in the uterus or vagina for some time. Dark red blood: Dark red blood is simply blood that has been in the vagina for longer.

Is dark period blood healthy?

Spotting between periods 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.

What does period blood color mean for fertility?

Dark Purplish Red Women with very dark menstrual blood may have difficulties with fertility and conceiving, and may also put the mother at a greater risk for clotting problems that can affect the placenta in pregnancy.

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.

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.

Can you have a dark brown period and still be pregnant?

Brown vaginal discharge can be a normal sign of early pregnancy, but, alongside other symptoms, it can sometimes indicate complications. Anyone experiencing concerning changes in vaginal discharge or dark brown discharge should contact their doctor.

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.

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.

Can you have a dark brown period and still be pregnant?

Pregnancy. Brown blood or spotting can be a sign of implantation bleeding, which is an early sign of pregnancy. It usually occurs around 10 to 14 days after conception.

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 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...

Black Period Blood: What It Means & Is It Normal? | Rael

You’re capable of taking on practically anything, but seeing black period blood will make anyone’s heart skip a few beats. Your first thought might be, “What is wrong with me?” But we can assure you that it’s probably standard procedure for your body. 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 ...

What does black blood mean? | Zocdoc Answers

I have an ugly mole on my arm that I sometimes pick at (I know it's a bad habit, can't help it) and recently when I scraped it raw, it bled. The freaky thing was that the blood was almost black. What does this mean? Is blcak blood a sign of some kind of infecetion or blood poisoning?

What Does It Mean When You Are Bleeding Black Blood? - Reference.com

If blood appears black or dark red, it means the blood has a low oxygen level, notes Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine for About.com. Bleeding blood of this color by itself is not a cause for alarm since all blood in the veins has relatively low oxygen.

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 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

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.

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 .

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

Why is my period black?

Here are eight possible causes of black period blood: 1. 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. 2.

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.

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 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:

What does black period mean?

Black period blood is blood that takes extra time to leave the uterus, becoming oxidized along the way. When blood is exposed to oxygen, it becomes oxidized and turns dark brown or blackish, similar to the color of coffee grounds.

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