Menstrual Blood: Indicator of Woman's Overall Health

Menstrual blood can provide valuable insights into a person's overall health. The characteristics of menstrual blood, such as its color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms, indicate various aspects of a woman's well-being. Your period blood color can tell you surprising things about your cycle and your health overall. So let's explore different types of blood color, consistency, and their meanings.

Bright Red Period

When your period blood is bright red, it means that it passed through your vagina fairly soon after entering your uterus and it did not get time to become oxidized. When people are having heavier periods, that's typically when you'll get that bright red blood,” said Dr. Cummings. 

 You're most likely to see bright red blood at the start of your period.

Dark Red, Brown, and Black Period Blood Color

For most people, the blood gets darker over the course of the cycle. This is because older blood from the deeper parts of the uterine lining is shed later.

Older period blood can appear:

• Darker red
• Brown
• Black

Sometimes brown blood in your underwear isn’t your period, actually, it is implantation bleeding. Aka, the normal spotting that happens about two weeks into pregnancy.

Pink Period Blood Color

It's common for period blood to look pink at the beginning or end of your period when your bleeding is lighter. The color change comes from normal mucus mixing with the blood.

The pinkish color is a sign of low estrogen levels, It can also show up if you’re on birth control because that can lower your estrogen levels and cause a pink hue during periods.

Orange, Gray, or Green Period Blood Colors

If you’re seeing blood with an orange hue, Doctors explain that it might not just be period blood. It could be blood mixed with vaginal discharge that’s caused by an underlying infection. 

However, orange, gray, or green tinges to your period blood or vaginal discharge are often a sign of infection, such as:

• Trichomoniasis
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Jelly-like blood clots

Don’t be alarmed by “jelly-like” bright or dark red period blood clots. Because they’re usually normal collections of blood cells and tissue. But if you notice blood clots bigger than the size of a grape during your period check with your doctor. 

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Speak to your healthcare provider if you notice something abnormal in your period blood color or anything that doesn't usually happen to you. 

Changes in your menstrual bleeding can be a symptom of another health issue, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But It is always wise to have your doctor informed about any changes in your period or cycle.

Signs that you should see a healthcare provider about your period include

• Missed periods: Not bleeding for more than three months when you know you're not pregnant
• Irregular periods: This includes periods that are too close together or far apart, as well as periods that last for longer or shorter than normal. 
• Unexpected bleeding: Bleeding or spotting between periods

• Heavy bleeding: Normal periods can vary from one person to the next. But if you are bleeding so much and so quickly that you flood your menstrual products or need to change them more than once an hour, you should be evaluated.
• Clots in period blood that are >1 inch: These may be a sign of uterine or cervical fibroids, polyps, or cancer; a hormonal imbalance; endometriosis; miscarriage; or ectopic pregnancy
• Severe pain during your period: This goes beyond the discomfort of typical menstrual cramps.

Understanding the potential insights that can be gained from observing menstrual blood can serve as an important tool for monitoring and maintaining overall health. By paying attention to its color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms, individuals can better identify any abnormalities and seek appropriate medical guidance. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are crucial for a comprehensive assessment and personalized care.

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