Alterations in Period Blood Color

Introduction:

Most women will be worried if they notice a color change in their menstruation blood, but in most cases, it is normal. ‌It is natural for the menstrual blood to vary in color between shades of red and brown when a woman starts having their periods. Even in later years, the change in color is considered normal. As well as, the color of the menstrual blood can change during the same period cycle. For example, it can even start as dark brown in the beginning and turn red towards the end of the period.

During menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining and tissues. During this period, blood flows from the uterus and passes out of the body through the vagina. Depending on the duration of a period, the blood may change color, ranging from bright red to pink to orange to brown. However, the colors change during the period, which will provide vital information about our health. This article will explain in detail what the color change during the period indicates.

Why Does There Color Change Occur in Period Blood?

It is absolutely normal for the menstrual blood to have color change during the menstrual cycle or even from month to month. The quantity of blood loss also varies in each monthly cycle, but it is normally about two to three tablespoons throughout the whole period. The color of the menstrual blood also can vary from bright red to brown or even black. The menstrual blood can occur in bright red, dark red, pink, orange, gray, and black colors. The color changes depending on the duration the menstrual blood takes to leave our body. The color of the blood can become darker depending on how long it stays inside the uterus and vagina as the blood starts to react with the oxygen.

Hormonal changes and an individual's lifestyle, diet, age, and environment can also play a key role in variations in period blood. Pregnancy, any infections, and, in rare cases, cervical cancer also can be a cause of a change in blood color or irregular bleeding.

What Does Bright Red Color Menstrual Blood Indicate?

Bright red blood means fresh blood and a steady flow like the start of the period. Usually, the period starts with bright red color and darkens towards the end of the period. Some people may experience bright red blood throughout their period, while others find it at the end of the period. Bright red menstrual blood can also be a symptom of the following condition:

• Infections - Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause spotting and bleeding in between the periods. It can also cause foul-smelling discharge, burning sensation and pain during urination, and pain during sex. Infections like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can also cause bright red vaginal bleeding due to vaginal irritation.

• Uterine Polyp and Fibroid - They are noncancerous growths in the uterus that may cause heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle or in between throughout the menstrual cycle. They can be small or large, and they can also cause other symptoms like pelvic pressure and pain.

• Miscarriage - Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy does not often mean a miscarriage, but there are possibilities. It can cause bright red clots or bleeding. Miscarriage can also accompany by cramping, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

• Adenomyosis - It occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscle tissue, which causes the lining to thicken. Adenomyosis can cause painful and heavy periods, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse.

What Does the Orange Color of Menstrual Blood Indicate?

Orange discharge can occur when the blood mixes with cervical fluid. The following things are seen associated with orange discharge.

• Infection - An orange color abnormal discharge may indicate STI (sexually transmitted infection) or bacterial infection. People with orange blood during menstruation also have telltale symptoms, such as vaginal discomfort, itching, and foul-smelling discharge.

• Implantation Spotting - Orange or pink spotting is reported 10 to 14 days after conception or around the time of implantation. Orange bleeding or spotting is not reported by every woman. If a woman experiences spotting that does not turn into a period, taking a pregnancy test is a good idea.

What Does the Pink Color of Menstrual Blood Indicate?

Pink blood can occur at the beginning or end of a period; it is usually the blood that has been diluted with cervical fluid. The things that cause pink bleeding or spotting are the following:

• Lochia - Lochia is postpartum bleeding. From day four onward, the postpartum bleeding may be pinkish or brownish in color.

• Low Estrogen - Pink menstrual blood can also be a sign of low estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is necessary to stabilize the uterine lining. If it is absent, the uterine lining may be shed at times in the cycle, leading to the spotting of different hues. Low estrogen can be caused due to menopause, perimenopause, and the use of birth control without estrogen.

• Miscarriage - Pink vaginal discharge may be a sign of miscarriage. Other signs of the passage of tissue, cramping, and loss of pregnancy symptoms.

What Does the Black Color of Menstrual Blood Indicate?

Black blood can appear at the beginning or end of a person’s period. The black color is a sign of old blood that has taken a long time to leave the uterus and has oxidized.

• Blockage - Black discharge can occur when any foreign object is stuck in the vagina, like a tampon, menstrual cup, sex toy, or contraceptives, that can get stuck in the vagina and forgotten to remove. It can irritate the lining of the vagina and cause an infection. It can also cause itching, a foul smell, and a rash in the vagina.

• Infection - STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause unusual discharge with other symptoms like itching, bleeding during or after sex, pelvic pain or pressure, and painful urination.

• Missed Miscarriage - Black bleeding or spotting can occur when the fetus stops developing but does not pass out of the body for more than four weeks.

• Lochia - The postpartum bleeding that can turn dark brown or black at the end.

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is important to consult a doctor when the following things occur:

• When the menstrual cycle is irregular and changes in flow and length from one month to the next.

• Bleeding after menopause.

• Missed periods for more than three months.

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Itching in or around the vagina.

• Fever.

• Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy with abdominal pain.

• Sudden unusual vaginal discharge.

Conclusion

During the menstrual period, blood color and consistency can change from cycle to cycle, especially during certain stages of life, like the beginning and end of menstruating. Most color changes during menstruation do not cause much harm but it is important to note the changes in the periods and symptoms and talk with a healthcare professional.