Did you know that there are color changes in menstrual blood? One of them is dark menstruation, which can happen in different situations.
Did your period come darker? Don’t worry, the change in blood color is not always a cause for concern. In general, it is necessary to evaluate changes in the cycle to reach a possible diagnosis with the gynecologist.
Any woman can have variations in menstrual color, flow or periods. Therefore, it is important to always be aware of bleeding in order to notice abnormalities.
Dark menstruation is not just made up of blood, so the flow is low intensity. This is because the fluids from the uterus stay inside the vagina for longer, resulting in a change in color. That said, let’s learn a little more about these changes that may or may not indicate a health problem.
Types of menstrual blood colors
- Bright red: Menstruation turns bright red on the second or third day of the flow. This blood descends so quickly that it doesn’t have time to darken inside the vagina.
- Pink Blood: In fact, pink blood color often occurs outside of the menstrual cycle. This is called breakthrough bleeding, when it is mixed with ovulation, it turns light red or pink. If this happens, see a doctor to investigate the reason.
- Gray menstruation: Gray flow may indicate an infection, even more so if it is accompanied by pieces of tissue. See a doctor as soon as you can!
- Dark menstruation: At the beginning or end of menstruation, color variations may occur between dark brown, bright red and black. This is completely normal, there is nothing to worry about.
- Coffee grounds: This color can signal a lack of hormones, a possible pregnancy or even uterine inflammation.
Main causes of dark menstruation
Pregnancy
At the beginning of pregnancy, dark, brown or pink bleeding is very common. This has an explanation! Generally, the embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, causing implantation, a phenomenon of dark blood that descends after fertilization.
In the case of a confirmed pregnancy, it is necessary to see a doctor for evaluation if there is dark, lumpy or large bleeding, as this may indicate a miscarriage.
Endometriosis – dark menstruation
Endometriosis causes intense pain in the pelvic region, in addition to causing dark periods or coffee grounds. That is, when tissue grows outside the uterus, the bleeding lasts more than 7 days. This mucosa can grow in the intestine, ovaries, rectum or bladder.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the main sexual diseases caused by bacteria, so they make menstrual blood darker. Furthermore, it is very common to experience an extremely unpleasant odor, brown discharge before and after menstruation, fever above 38°C and pelvic pain.
Emotional factors – dark menstruation
When a woman experiences intense stress or depression, her uterus may be damaged. In other words, the uterine walls can shrink, contributing to cell sloughing and blood oxidation. As a result, menstruation ends up being darker than usual.
Hormones and menopause
The thyroid or menopause can cause dark periods, in addition to reducing the flow. This can also happen when changing contraceptives or when the woman is breastfeeding frequently.
Post childbirth
The postpartum period can also cause dark menstruation, because the uterus takes approximately 45 days to return to its normal size. Thus, the woman may experience bleeding throughout this time, something considered normal.
Should I worry about dark periods?
It depends! In short, dark periods can end in 1 or 2 days after the bleeding starts. In the meantime, it should return to a bright red color, which is normal. If you notice that you haven’t stopped, it may be time to pay more attention.
However, changing contraceptive pills, using the morning-after pill, being at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle, are factors that can have a direct influence on the change in blood color.
However, if dark menstruation persists for many days, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Mainly if there is a bad smell or discharge.
Symptoms to go to the doctor
In principle, dark menstruation is considered normal, unless there are other symptoms that may indicate health problems.
Therefore, observe if you have had any of these symptoms in the last few days.
- Exceeding 7 days with menstrual flow;
- Do not menstruate for more than 3 months;
- Notice leakage bleeding;
- Feeling pain in the intimate region;
- Measure fever over 38°C;
- Dizziness without apparent explanation;
- Pale skin and nails.
Basically, color variations in menstrual blood can happen naturally. The important thing is to always observe the volume of the flow, the duration of the cycle and the level of pain.
Therefore, if it is necessary to go to a health unit, a professional will carry out an assessment of the intimate region, order laboratory tests and use the Pap smear to investigate the causes of the problem.
Finally, what did you think of this article? So, take the opportunity to check this one out too: Menstruating twice – Possible causes for it happening in the same month
Sources: Terra, Tua Saúde, Helloclue and Trocando Fraldas
Images: Blasting News, Vix, Panorama, Lenka, Uol, Cura, Superinteressante, Astro Astral, Pinterest and Leiturinha
