What the colour of your period blood means
The color of your menstrual blood can tell a lot about your health. In general, you dont need to worry if the colour of your bleeding changes during your cycle. The principle is if you notice any prolonged changes in your cycle, you should always talk to your doctor.
What happens during menstruation?
The uterus is lined inside with a mucous membrane called the endometrium. Here, the fertilized egg implants in case of pregnancy. The endometrium consists of richly vascularized tissue with special spiral arteries. These ensure the development of the fertilized egg and supply it quickly and easily with fresh blood (which contains nutrients and oxygen). Shortly before the period, these arteries contract to minimize blood loss. After the constriction of the spiral arteries, the mucous membrane gradually detaches from the uterus. This process takes time because the endometrium does not detach completely in one piece from the uterus and then has to make its way through the cervix and vagina to the outside.
Brown period blood
At the beginning and end of the period, blood can have a dark brown or dark red color and a thick consistency. This is because the blood flows slower and the iron in it reacts with oxygen, causing the blood to turn dark red to brown. This process is called oxidation.
Tissue clumps in menstrual blood during the heaviest days of your period are normal and can be dark red or almost black. femtis period underwear keeps you leak-free even during heavy periods and gives you a sense of security. We recommend our Highwaist Period Panty JULE on heavy days.
Dark red blood during the period
Very dark red, perhaps clumpy blood may be a sign of high estrogen levels. This hormone excess causes a thicker mucous layer in the uterus, which is then shed during the period.
Period blood: light red to medium red
On the second and third day, the uterine lining dissolves more quickly and the blood flows faster. Since no oxidation takes place here, this fresh menstrual blood is light to medium red. This color can also vary, there are different shades of rich red.
Black blood during the period
It can also happen that your blood has a very dark, almost black color. This is probably parts of the uterine lining that were detached during the shedding of the unfertilized egg but were unable to properly liquefy.
Pink menstrual blood
Pink blood usually occurs during mid-cycle bleeding around ovulation. This blood is mixed with cervical mucus and is therefore pink to pale red. Watery, pink discharge that occurs independent of the cycle can be a sign of cervical cancer and should be medically clarified.
Gray period blood
If you have grayish discharge, it could indicate an infection and you should consult medical professionals. Heavy bleeding with gray tissue pieces can be a sign of a miscarriage. Here, too, a visit to a medical professional is necessary.
Color of menstrual blood: What is normal?
It is important to know what is normal for your period so that you can recognize when something unusual is happening. If you notice prolonged changes in your cycle or have the following symptoms, you should definitely speak to your doctor:
- Bleeding outside of your period
- Unusual pain during your period
- Absence of your period for 3 months or longer
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Bleeding after menopause
- Very irregular cycles of varying lengths
Changes in the color and texture of menstruation are normal. Pay attention to deviations and changes and seek medical advice if you are uncertain. You know your body best and know what is normal for your body.