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What does dark menstruation indicate about your health?

During your menstrual cycle, you’ve probably come across dark menstruation. It is common to be worried and doubtful. Does the change in color indicate an intimate health problem? Calm down, some factors cause the coloration popularly known as ‘coffee grounds’. The gynecologists Dr. Mariana Rosário (CRM SP-127087), from the Albert Einstein Hospital, and Dr. Naira Scartezzini Senna (CRM 131412) clarifies the matter. Follow up!

Why does menstruation come dark?

According to Dr. Mariana Rosário, dark menstruation “is a more scarce bleeding, that is, when the blood comes in contact with oxygen, already in the vagina, it oxidizes and becomes darker”. In addition, it can happen due to the use of contraceptives that reduce the flow. Dr. Naira Scartezzini adds:

“The color of menstruation is related to the intensity of the flow and does not require treatment, only if it is accompanied by vaginal secretion and discharge”. – Dr. Naira Scartezzini

Thus, dark red, brown and pink menstrual blood do not necessarily indicate a health problem, say the professionals. However, in addition to the intensity of the flow and natural oxidation, some factors influence the color of menstruation. Next, understand the possible causes of the changes.

Changes in the menstrual cycle

Irregular menstruation causes darkening of the blood, as well as cramping, cycle delays, and changes in the volume of bleeding. The irregularity is triggered by the change of contraceptive pill, polyp in the uterus, endometriosis, among other intimate health problems. As points out by Dr. Naira Scartezzini, “stress, in very acute situations and traumas, can also change the regularity of the cycle”.

What to do: “The doctor needs to assess what are the causes of the change in blood flow and color. In this way, he will indicate the best treatment according to the cause “, guides Dr. Mariana Rosario.

Hormonal changes

Dr. Mariana Rosário informs that dark menstruation can be a sign of hormonal changes. “Progesterone deficiency slows the flow and consequently leaves the bleeding like coffee grounds.”

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What to do: the gynecologist informs you that you need to do “hormone replacement treatment with progesterone”. Correction of the levels of this hormone is carried out mainly through specific pills under medical prescription.

Use of birth control pills

Contraceptives often cause changes in the color of menstrual blood. According to Dr. Mariana Rosário, “the contraceptive pill can reduce the flow to the point that menstruation becomes dark”.

What to do: This change is usually not a problem. In some cases, “the indicated treatment is to stop taking the contraceptive pill”. Also, when breakthrough bleeding occurs, it is necessary to review the method.

vaginal discharge

According to Dr. Naira Scartezzini, brown menstruation, both at the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle, is normal, that is, there is no reason to worry. However, “when it is mixed with vaginal discharge”, it can be indicative of infections.

What to do: It is important to observe the odor and if there are any irritations in the area. From there, consult a gynecologist for a clinical evaluation. Treatment is usually with vaginal ointments and oral medications prescribed by the doctor.

Climacteric

The climacteric is the passage from the reproductive phase of the woman to the menopause, that is, the permanent interruption of menstruation. According to Dr. Mariana Rosário, “climacteric can change the color of menstruation, making the blood darker” due to hormonal changes.

What to do: climacteric symptoms interfere with a woman’s quality of life, causing hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, night sweats, depression, etc. It is usually possible to reverse this situation with a healthy diet, hormone replacement and physical exercise.

emotional changes

Dr. Mariana Rosário comments that stress itself does not change the color of menstrual blood. However, it “alters hormone production, reducing progesterone and increasing estradiol. Thus, hormonal disorders can cause the color of menstruation to change.”

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What to do: Hormone levels are checked through blood tests. In case of lack or excess, the doctor will indicate the most appropriate treatment for replacement and control.

Overall, you don’t have to worry about having a dark period. However, watch out for related symptoms such as menstrual bleeding, vaginal pain, pelvic pain, and fever. In this case, professional advice should be sought.

the colors of menstruation

The color of menstruation varies depending on the intensity of the flow and the day of the cycle. As already said, changes are normal, so don’t be alarmed if you see brown, bright red, dark red or pink bleeding. Below, gynecologists explain what each means:

  1. Brown menstruation/coffee grounds: Dr. Naira explains that the brown tone appears “when the menstrual flow is less. The cells leave the uterus and pass more slowly through the vagina until they reach the pad. As a result, because it contains iron, the blood oxidizes and takes on a more brownish color”.
  2. Bright red menstruation: It usually happens on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. “When there is a greater flow, the blood cells push each other and reach the absorbent in abundance and with a bright red color”, says Dr. Naira Scartezzini.
  3. Dark red menstruation: according to Dr. Mariana Rosário, “happens on more intense days of menstrual flow and, normally, there is the presence of blood clots”.
  4. Pink menstruation: Most of the time, the pink hue does not indicate a problem, but it can be related to spotting due to hormonal contraceptive use, ovulation or infections. According to Dr. Mariana Rosário, it “occurs at the end of menstruation in a very small flow mixed with secretion”.

In short, the flow of blood and the period of the menstrual cycle causes the color changes. Sometimes dark menstruation turns almost black due to intense oxidation. Follow the next topic to learn more about it!

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Questions about menstruation answered

Blood in contact with oxygen oxidizes and darkens. This process can be noticed both in a skin wound and during menstruation, especially in the last few days. Most of the time, this does not indicate a health problem. Still, if you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle, it’s important to consult a specialist. Below, Dr. Mariana Rosário clarifies other doubts related to the subject.

Women’s Tips – Is it normal for the color of menstrual blood to vary?

Mariana Rosário – Normally, a patient with a stable menstrual cycle has no variation in blood color and will always have the same pattern. When any changes occur, it is necessary to seek medical help.

What is the color of menstruation in pregnancy?

There is no menstruation in pregnancy because ovulation occurs during this period. Some people ovulate, but in theory there is no period.

Is it normal to bleed in the first few weeks of pregnancy?

I can bleed at all stages of pregnancy and I can have all types of bleeds: bright red, coffee grounds, heavy and light bleeding, but it depends on what’s going on. Any bleeding during pregnancy is not normal and is subject to medical evaluation.

How many days does menstruation come dark?

There is no rule. Some patients have dark menstruation throughout the cycle, and there are patients who are a little before and a little after. So it varies from person to person.

It is important to clarify doubts about everything that involves women’s health. Thus, you will have information to notice changes in your body and seek medical help. The cervix is ​​among the issues that need to be clarified to prevent various diseases.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.


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