Various factors can cause brown period blood, but it is rarely cause for alarm. Period blood that appears brown is usually older, indicating it has had more time to oxidize, resulting in a darker color.1 However, it can sometimes signify a health problem.
In this article, you will learn more about why your period blood is brown and how to tell if it is normal.
Why is the blood in my menstruation brown?
The following factors may contribute to dark period blood that is black, brown, or resembles coffee grounds:
Pregnancy
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, a tiny quantity of pink, brown, or dark red bleeding is regular as the embryo clings to the uterine walls.
However, suppose this bleeding persists later in the pregnancy or is accompanied by other symptoms such as stomach discomfort, shoulder pain, dizziness, or severe exhaustion. In that case, it may signal an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If you have any of these symptoms, you should be checked out immediately to rule out any concerns.
Missed Miscarriage
Miscarriage is usually associated with vivid red bleeding; however, occasionally, women have what is known as a missed miscarriage, also known as a “missed abortion” or “silent miscarriage.”
A missed miscarriage occurs when the fetus stops developing but does not exit the uterus for at least 4 weeks. There is no severe bleeding; instead, there is dark brown spotting or bleeding.
Any bleeding during pregnancy necessitates a visit to your doctor.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as those induced by thyroid disorders or menopause, might result in modest amounts of dark-period blood. This change is also frequent when women switch birth control or when they begin weaning from breastfeeding.
Endometriosis and other diseases
Endometriosis is defined as the expansion of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. This type of issue, as well as other disorders such as adenomyosis, can produce considerable pain in the pelvic region as well as dark discharge like coffee grounds, which can occur both during and after menstruation.
In some circumstances, the period is not only brown, but it can also last up to 7 days. In the event of a suspicion, you should consult a gynecologist for an assessment and, if necessary, treatment (which may involve surgery).
Menopause
It is usual to observe dark period blood when going through menopause. It is normal, but anything else out of the ordinary should be reported to your doctor. Menopause refers to the cessation of periods; spotting or bleeding may occur, but this does not indicate that your periods are likely to resume.
Invasive microorganisms or microscopic infections (pudendal cellulitis) may induce menopausal bleeding or discharge. These symptoms could also be caused by hormonal changes of any kind, decreasing estrogen levels, and a dry vaginal lining.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Bacterial diseases transferred through sexual contact, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, induce a faster breakdown of menstrual blood, making it darker. This sort of blood is typically accompanied by a foul odor, brown discharge before or after menstruation, pelvic pain, and a fever of 38o C or higher.
Brown period blood is older blood that has oxidized more. If you have a mild or slow flow, which is expected during the start or end of your period, then detecting brown blood is relatively standard. Brown period blood, on the other hand, can signal a variety of health concerns, such as menopause, early pregnancy, infections, and more.
Consult a healthcare provider if you detect a change in your menstrual discharge or have associated discomfort or other symptoms.
Source: Health·WHYS
