Black Blood - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Introduction

The color of a person's period blood may tell a lot about their health. During menstruation, the body expels tissue and blood from the uterus via the vaginal canal. Depending on how old the blood discharge is, it might range from crimson red to dark brown or black color.

Blood that has been in the uterus for a long time will react with oxygen (oxidize). Blood that has oxidized appears darker. The color and texture of period blood can be affected by hormonal changes and medical problems. The various hues of period blood might imply different conditions. Recognizing color changes during the period is important.

What Is Menstruation?

Menstruation is referred to by the terms menses, menstrual period, cycle, and period.

The female body goes through a number of changes during the menstrual cycle in preparation for conception. During ovulation, one ovary releases an egg once a month. In addition, female hormones prepare the uterus for pregnancy. One of the ovaries produces an egg once a month.

If ovulation occurs, but the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining sheds via the vaginal opening. A menstrual cycle begins at this point. When it is finished, the menstruation is over. On average, it occurs every 28 days.

What Exactly Is Black Blood?

Color changes can be detected in the blood that has taken longer to leave the vaginal canal. Blood that appears black might be dark red or brown-colored blood. When menstruation comes to an end, the black blood can sometimes combine with vaginal discharge, resulting in a brown or black appearance.

Why Does the Color of Menstrual Blood Vary?

• Black or Brown Blood: Although black or brown blood may appear scary, it is not always a cause for concern. This tint might be mistaken for coffee grounds. Oxidized blood, which has had time to oxidize and change color, is generally black or brown. It is most common to see brown blood at the beginning and at the end of menstruation. The flow may be sluggish during certain periods, slowing the process of blood exiting the uterus. It is quite possible that the blood is from the last menstruation.

• Bright Red Blood: Because the blood is new and flowing quickly, the period may begin with vivid crimson bleeding. It remains this color throughout the period or darkens as the flow diminishes. Bright crimson blood could be linked with infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Dark Red Blood: After resting down for a long time, one may see dark red blood. The dark hue might simply indicate that the blood has been in the uterus for some time but has not yet oxidized. This blood may appear at the end of the usual menstrual cycle as the flow decreases.

• Pink Blood: This is seen when, especially when there is a spot, the blood may seem pink at the start or at the end of the period. This lighter color indicates that the cervical fluid has mingled with blood. Pink menstruation blood can sometimes suggest a lack of estrogen in the body.

• Orange Blood: After mixing with cervical fluid, blood may appear orange. Orange blood can appear for the same reasons as pink blood does. Still, any unusually colored discharge might indicate a bacterial illness or a sexually transmitted infection.

• Gray Blood: Infection is associated with gray blood. Fever, discomfort, itching, or a foul odor are further indicators of infection. A gray discharge might be an indication of miscarriage if pregnant.

Why Do Period Blood Stain Differently Throughout the Cycle?

The cycle of menstruation usually begins between the ages of 12 and 13. Every 21 to 35 days or so, women may bleed in what is known as a "period." Menstruation might be used as a vital health indicator. The duration of every cycle, as well as the textures and colors that are seen, all could provide crucial information about one's health. While most colors are considered "normal" or "healthy," some may necessitate a visit to the physician.

What Are the Causes of Black Blood?

• Regular Period: Before the beginning of the menstrual or after menstruation, one may see black blood released from the vaginal area. When old endometrial tissues are removed from the uterus in preparation for menstruation, black blood appears before the period starts.
• Polyps in the Uterus: A uterine polyp can block the cervix, causing blood to accumulate in the uterus. Blood may seem black when it exits the vaginal canal as a result of this.
• Hormonal Inconsistency: Hormone imbalance or fluctuations are caused by a medical problem that results in a black blood period.
• Ovulation Phase: Ovulation is the release of an egg or ovum from a fully grown follicle in the ovary. When this ovum or egg is fertilized by sperm, women become pregnant. Slight bleeding of dark black blood is visible coming out of the vagina approximately a week after the period ended throughout this phase. It is ovulated and usually stops after a few days with mild pains.
• Pregnancy: It is possible that the brown, black blood seen is a week or two before the regular period; it could be related to implantation bleeding or pregnancy. Black blood, a few days before menstruation, might indicate pregnancy or be the result of an illness or sickness.

How Is Black Blood Diagnosed?

To determine the reasons for abnormal periods, the doctor will analyze the patient's medical history and medicines, as well as do a physical examination. A pelvic exam and a pap test may be included in the physical examination. A physician may order the following tests.

• Tests to see whether anemia or any other medical issues are present.

• Cultures of the vaginal mucosa to screen for infections.

• A pelvic ultrasound is used to look for fibroids (abnormal uterine growths), polyps (abnormal tissue development of the endometrium), and cysts (abnormal and sometimes painful growths filled with a liquid or semi-solid substance).

• Endometrial biopsy (a small sample of uterine lining tissue is removed and analyzed under a microscope for cancer or other abnormalities).

What Is the Treatment for Black Blood?

• These discharges are a normal aspect of menstruation and do not require treatment. Contact a medical professional if the discharge is thick and comes with accompanying symptoms like fever, soreness, or a strong odor. The therapy for black discharge is determined by the underlying cause.

• Antibiotics are used to treat infections like PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). Consult a doctor for instructions to avoid reinfection, such as practicing safe sex.

• A missed miscarriage may resolve on its own over time. If not, a dilatation and curettage (D&C) operation may be recommended.

• Under anesthesia, the medical professional utilizes medical devices and medicines to dilate the cervix. The tissue is subsequently removed using a surgical device called a curette.

• Retained menses may necessitate surgery to address any underlying issues that contributed to the obstruction.

• Cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies.

How to Keep Track of the Menstrual Cycle?

By recording monthly cycles for three months, one can obtain a sense of what is usual for them. Keep track of the following:

• When does menstruation begin and end?

• What is the intensity of the flow?

• Whether any blood clots are passed or not?

• How often are the pads or tampons replaced?

• How bad are the cramps?

• Mood swings.

Conclusion

Menstruation may be considered a critical indicator of revealing significant health information.

From the start of the period through the middle and finish, the color of the period may alter. Month to month, people may have varied hues. Women may notice distinct changes at different stages of their life. Even when regular periods are healthy, a number of factors influence the color of the period blood.

Similarly, perimenopausal women may have more irregular periods. There are many hues that fall within "normal" or "healthy" ranges, so it is important to notice changes, if any. The primary focus of treatment for black period blood will be on the underlying cause.