Indications of different period blood colors

Causes of the difference in the period blood color

It is usual for menstrual cycle color to vary, especially in the first years after puberty. The color may also vary during one cycle; it may be bright red in the first days of your period, then brown in the last days. Or vice versa, the blood may be brown at first, then turn several shades of red later. The main reason for the difference in blood color period is the duration it remains in the body; the longer it stays, the darker it becomes because of its interaction with oxygen when it remains in the uterus and vagina for a more extended period.

Period blood colors and their meaning

Black

Black period blood may appear at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle. This indicates that this blood has been in the uterus for some time, and it took longer to come out, so it was exposed to oxidation over time, giving it a black color. The black color gradually transitions from red to brown or dark red before turning black. Black blood may indicate vaginal obstruction, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• High temperature.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Itching and swelling in the vagina.

Other reasons for black period blood

• The presence of a foreign body inside the uterus, such as a condom or a tampon.
• Pelvic inflammation.
• Infections.

Brown or dark red

Black, brown, or dark red is a sign of old blood at the beginning or end of your period. The brown or dark red blood has not been inside the uterus long enough to oxidize and turn black. The most important reasons for the menstrual cycle color to be brown or dark red are:

• Hormonal contraceptives.
• Pelvic infections.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Perimenopause.
• Fibroids.
• Ectopic pregnancy.

Bright red

Bright red blood is fresh and usually appears at the beginning of the period. Menstrual blood may remain light throughout your period. As for light bleeding after menstruation, it may be an indication of health problems, such as:

• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Cervical cancer.

Pink

Period blood comes out pink when the blood mixes with cervical fluids. Also, using hormonal contraceptives may lead to a decrease in estrogen levels in the body, making menstrual blood appear pink. There are other causes of pink period blood, including:

• Significant weight loss.
• Unhealthy diet.
• Anemia.

Orange

When blood mixes with cervical fluids, it may also appear orange. It may also indicate the presence of bacterial or viral vaginitis.

Reasons for different color period blood

The color of menstrual blood may change from month to month, and it may also differ during a single cycle for several reasons, the most important of which are:

• Differences in hormone levels.
• Changes in diet.
• Lifestyle.
• Age.
• Environmental factors.
• Infections.

Causes of menstrual blood clots

It is normal for parts of the uterine lining to be present in menstrual blood, which may appear as clots and are nothing to worry about. However, if there are many clots and the bleeding is heavy, you must see a doctor immediately.

When to see a doctor

• Heavy bleeding requires changing the pad every hour.
• Large blood clots the period blood.
• Period lasting more than seven days.
• Severe pain and cramping.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, and weak.
• Chest pain and difficulty breathing.
• Period recurring in less than 24 days or more than 38 days.
• Delayed menstruation for more than three months in the absence of pregnancy.
• Irregular menstrual cycle after it was regular.
• High temperature during your period.
• Foul smell in the private parts.
• Nausea and vomiting during period days.

Summary,

The color, and texture of your period blood can change from one cycle to another, and from day to day, especially with different age stages. Your menstrual cycle as a teenager is different from your menstrual cycle after having children and your menstrual cycle in your forties. Most often, differences in menstrual blood colors do not indicate any health problems, especially if any other symptoms do not accompany them. But do not hesitate to see your gynecologist if you have any disturbing symptoms or concerns that you would like to talk about.