Period bleeding, or menstruation as they are also called, is evacuation of the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). When there is no fertilization during the cycle, hormone levels drop and tell the body that it can expel the lining. Glycogen-based viscous secretions (cervical fluid or mucus) are also present in menstrual blood. This is why these have several aspects : thick, with lumps or sticky.
You may have noticed it (or not) but the color of your blood changes during your period. This is completely normal. You still have to remember to watch them because your bleeding is real indicators of your health.
What is the normal color of menstruation?
The colour bright red means the flow is regular and normal. The blood is fresh and drains directly. In contrast, very bright spots between cycles can signal a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is therefore necessary to consult.
Why is my period blood pink?
The colour pink often corresponds to blood mixed with cervical fluid at the start of menstruation. Hormonal contraceptives that lower estrogen levels may also be responsible for a weak, more pinkish discharge. Finally, another cause can be anemia.
Why is my period blood dark or even black?
A color dark red or even black need not worry you. It occurs when the blood has had time to oxidize before being evacuated, that is to say it stagnated in the uterus and darkened in contact with the ambient air. This is often the case at the start or end of a period.
“The fact that menstruation blood is sometimes brown or even black is simply a sign of very light bleeding, complements Dr David Elia, gynecologist. Due to its low abundance, this small trickle of blood has time to stay in the vagina where a temperature of 37 ° C prevails. This is how this blood will coagulate and therefore evacuate in the form of small brown spots. On the contrary, when the blood is very abundant, it does not have time to clot and will have an extremely red color. “
What should alarm you, that is if black blood is accompanied by other symptoms : sharp stomach pains, fever, foul odor. It could be, for example, a vaginal infection. In this case, be sure to consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.
And what about brown losses?
Blood loss Brown color are similarly often present at the start and end of menstruation. This is also about oxidized blood. On the other hand, brown losses are possible after sex,if you are pregnant or also at early pregnancy.
Orange or gray color, you must consult
If you find orange-red or red blood loss turning gray, it is possible that it is vaginal infection, especially bacterial vaginosis. Red discharge accompanied by gray clots may signal a miscarriage. In these cases, quickly make an appointment with your gynecologist. However, the orange color may just be caused by the mixing of blood with cervical mucus. If you do not have other symptoms such as itching, odor or discomfort, it is not mandatory to consult. Still pay attention to what’s going on in your panties.
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