Black periods always frighten women with their appearance. Because everyone knows how they should look during normal functioning of the body. However, not everything is as scary as it might seem right away. Black discharge, or rather dark brown to black, may appear under certain circumstances, and this is not always associated with a disease.
Natural black discharge
Each monthly cycle is different from the previous one, since a woman’s body is influenced by various factors throughout the month. There is a situation when menstruation does not want to start for a long time or does not end for a long time. Scanty black discharge is observed. But the periods themselves, when the usual blood appeared, were without an unpleasant odor, unusual color, or unusual painful sensations.
The dark color of women's periods appears due to a small amount of blood. They mix with the woman’s daily secretions, and under the influence of oxygen, the blood droplets quickly coagulate. The prolonged onset of menstrual periods in women may indicate strong emotional stress in the previous month, stress, fatigue, physical activity, or a slight hormonal imbalance. After the end of menstruation, small particles of endometrium may remain in the uterine cavity, which come out as dark-colored secretions.
Black discharge instead of periods
The appearance of scanty black discharge can develop as a result of an inaccurately performed gynecological procedure in the uterine cavity: abortion, installation of an intrauterine device. Its damage leads to the addition of a bacterial or viral infection, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and changes in the color of the blood.
When the epithelium is damaged, synechiae are formed - partitions in the uterine cavity that can retain blood, leading to the formation of clots.
To diagnose pathology, hysteroscopy is performed, during which it is possible to eliminate the pathology. The development of relapses is possible, so it is not necessary to carry out interventions without a threat to life.
Synechia does not allow the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus, as a result of which pregnancy does not occur, this is especially often observed after abortion.
During ovulation, black periods are common and last several days. This feature has a medical name - cervical mucus.
The cause of black periods can be the most common changes in the rhythm of life:
- stressful situations;
- sleep disturbance;
- starvation;
- binge eating;
- new environment.
The intrauterine device as a method of contraception is effective, but it can cause the appearance of black discharge, which is normal. If the examination did not reveal any pathology, the gynecologist will prescribe medications for correction.
These factors contribute to changes in metabolic processes, disruption of nerve transmission, changes in the release of active substances, which changes the neurohumoral regulation of menstruation.
What treatment should I do?
- Wear cotton underwear so that there is constant air circulation and there is no accumulation of bacterial flora.
- Change tampons and pads frequently during menarche.
- Underwear should fit your size.
- During menopause, it is difficult to change anything, because the processes in the body are irreversible.
- For sexually transmitted diseases, special therapy is prescribed.
- Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.
- After surgery, perform rehabilitation.
Black discharge from the uterine cavity is a dangerous sign, because it can be a symptom of a disease that requires not only drug therapy, but also surgical interventions. If this symptom appears, contact your gynecologist to prevent complications!
The color of menstrual discharge is individual for each woman. These can be various shades of red, which, as a rule, do not cause concern. But black periods, although they can be provoked by non-hazardous factors, require close attention. This can be either a single failure or a sign of a serious gynecological disease.
Black periods as normal
Under certain circumstances, black discharge in women is considered normal.
- Birth control pills
It takes 3 months for a woman’s body to adapt to new living conditions under the influence of hormonal drugs. At this time, dark discharge is considered normal. The pills inhibit ovarian function and change hormonal balance. Hormones in a certain dosed amount come from outside. A non-standard and atypical situation for the reproductive system is a real stress. The woman’s body reacts to this by disrupting the menstrual cycle. At first, there is heavy bleeding with dark discharge at the beginning of menstruation, at the end, and even in the period between menstruation. Or black periods instead of scarlet blood discharge. If this situation continues for more than 3 months, it is necessary to replace the tablets. Because this contraceptive is most likely not suitable.
- Intrauterine device
The situation is similar to the previous option. But now the woman’s body perceives the spiral as a foreign object and wants to get rid of it. During the first month, periods appear with heavy bleeding. Black ointments are present until the next menstruation. In the second month, the menstrual discharge is not as heavy, and the dark color gradually disappears. After 3 months, the woman’s monthly cycle should be restored. If this does not happen, the spiral must be removed. Since its further stay in the uterus threatens inflammation.
- Abortion, genital surgery
As a result of manipulations on the genitals, damage to the surface of the uterus, disruption of ovarian function, and so on occur. Black periods in the first month after surgery are considered normal. If they are not strong, without an unpleasant odor or specific painful sensations. After an abortion, a woman's hormonal background changes dramatically. There has been discharge for 3 days, including dark discharge. After 7 days, your period may begin. This is how the woman’s uterus is completely cleansed. A woman’s body is preparing for a new full cycle. Dark discharge may be present until the next period begins. If there is severe bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, weakness, fever, you should seek help from a doctor. It is possible to get an infection and develop an inflammatory process.
- Period of formation of the monthly cycle, menopause
In girls, after the start of menstruation, it will take about 2 years until the cycle is completely restored. The presence of black color during this period of time is considered normal. The same goes for women over 45 years of age. When reproductive function fades. According to statistics, modern women experience menopause significantly younger. The process can begin as early as 40 years of age. And with genetic abnormalities, even at 35 years old.
- Climate change
With a sharp change in climatic conditions, for example, holidays in warm countries, the body becomes stressed. The situation is reflected in the woman’s well-being and her menstrual cycle. As a result, instead of normal menstruation, black ointments begin. After returning home the situation returns to normal.
4Pink color of blood
Menstrual blood may be pink at the beginning or end of your period, especially if you have spotting
A light shade most likely means that the blood has simply mixed with cervical secretions, simply making the color of the blood less intense.
Pink and light red blood colors can also be associated with:
- postpartum bleeding (lochia)
- low estrogen levels
- bloody spotting in the middle of the cycle during ovulation
- miscarriage
- bloody discharge after fertilization of the egg
Black periods and pregnancy
There is always a delay of more than 2 weeks. A pregnancy test can be either positive or negative, or it may not show a clear second line. A woman's period begins with black ointment. My lower abdomen ache, my lower back hurts. After this, heavy bleeding begins. The situation indicates the presence of pregnancy, which is not entirely successful. A small amount of blood on the expected days of menstruation indicates the successful attachment of a fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus. The bleeding stops after 1 day, maximum 2.
If this does not happen, and the black ointments turn into bloody ones, the situation should be alarming. This is how a miscarriage or failure of an ectopic pregnancy begins. If in the first case the uterus can cleanse itself without additional curettage, then an ectopic pregnancy threatens internal bleeding and severe blood loss. If timely medical care is not provided, a woman risks dying. In case of a complex, doubtful pregnancy, the test should be done several times, always in the morning. With one positive result, we can assume that conception has occurred. A visit to the doctor is mandatory, regardless of whether pregnancy is desired or not.
Periods are normal
Normally, menstruation lasts from 3 to 7 days, and the color of the discharge is dark red or very close to burgundy. This color is caused by coagulated blood from vessels that were damaged during the separation of the inner mucous layer of the uterus. In addition to blood, the discharge includes mucus produced by the glands of the cervix and dead epithelial cells.
Normal menstrual flow, even when it is dark in color, has the following characteristics:
- uniform structure (small clots are allowed);
- red or brown tint;
- the amount of discharge is minimal;
- no itching or burning in the vagina;
- there is no strange or unpleasant odor;
- may begin a couple of days before regulation;
- does not appear in every cycle.
Among the most likely factors for the appearance of brown spotting instead of menstruation or so-called hypomenorrhea is a hormonal imbalance, which can be provoked both by the woman herself and by external conditions.
Black color of menstruation in diseases
The main causes of menstrual irregularities in women are hormonal imbalance, infection, and inflammatory processes. All diseases are a consequence of these 3 factors. Black color appears due to diseases of the endocrine system, reproductive, nervous and some internal organs, which are responsible for the balance of hormones. Black ointments are present when:
- endometriosis;
- uterine polyps;
- erosion;
- endometrial hyperplasia;
- uterine fibroids;
- for cancer;
- inflammation of the genital organs;
- venereal diseases.
This is not a complete list of diseases. With any of them, there is general malaise, pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and the smell of the discharge changes. In this case, it is impossible to independently determine the cause of menstrual irregularities. There can only be assumptions. PPP disease is most often caused by an unpleasant odor. But rather than guessing, it’s better to seek help from specialists. Timely treatment will relieve many health problems.
Diagnosis of the disease
To find out what triggered the appearance of black periods with clots or heavy dark bleeding, you need to go through:
- examination by a gynecologist;
- transvaginal ultrasound;
- colposcopy;
- flora smear;
- blood and urine tests;
- biopsy;
- cytology analysis.
This list is not final. The attending physician can add or remove unnecessary diagnostic measures. After collecting all the necessary information, the specialist makes a diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment.
The appearance of dark blood during menstruation does not always indicate health problems. But there are more dangerous reasons for changes in menstruation than natural ones. Therefore, the materials from the article should be used only for informational purposes, and not for self-medication. After all, only an examination in a hospital helps to accurately determine the factor causing black discharge and select the necessary treatment.
Many girls and women at some point have encountered the reasons for the appearance of black or dark periods, but few can explain exactly why the modified discharge occurs and whether this is normal.
What to do if you have brown periods?
If brown discharge appears, you need to take a pregnancy test and look at the calendar to see what stage your cycle is in. If the test is negative and overall your health is normal, you should reconsider your daily routine - rest more, get enough sleep, and don’t be nervous about every occasion.
If brown discharge appears, you need to take a pregnancy test
If the discharge continues for a long time, has a strange hue, a nagging or sharp pain appears in the lower abdomen, discomfort during sexual intercourse and during urination, itching of the genitals, you should not postpone a visit to the clinic. High temperature combined with nagging pain in the lumbar region and in the appendage area - you need to call an ambulance.
Medicines
During brown periods, self-medication is pointless and dangerous, since there are many reasons for the appearance of such discharge, and they are not always caused by health problems. Medicines are selected by the doctor after examination and diagnosis; sometimes curettage or surgical intervention is required.
Main groups of drugs:
- antibiotics in tablets and suppositories - Cefixime, Amoxiclav, Hexicon, Metronidazole;
- anti-inflammatory drugs - Ketoprofen, Rapid, Terzhinan, Movalis;
- antiviral agents – Cycloferon, Acyclovir;
- medications against vaginal candidiasis - Pimafucin, Klion-D;
- oral contraceptives with estrogen and gestagen - Yarina, Zhanine;
- drugs for hormonal correction – Norkolut, Goserelin;
- medications to restore the menstrual cycle - Profazi, Metrodin;
- agents that reduce myometrial tone - Ginipral, No-shpa;
- vitamins, restoratives.
Ginipral reduces myometrial tone
If you have brown discharge, you should not take hemostatics on your own - Dicynon, Tranexam; such drugs in the early stages of pregnancy can cause serious health problems.
If the brown discharge is not very abundant, has a homogeneous composition, without a pungent odor or foreign impurities, then it is caused by natural processes that occur in a woman’s body. But if other unpleasant symptoms appear, the temperature rises, you should urgently visit a doctor.
All women of reproductive age experience brown discharge on the first day of their period. They are not always an indicator of diseases of the reproductive system, but they cannot be ignored. All girls are required to monitor the course of the menstrual cycle, its regularity and the nature of leucorrhoea. If there are alarming signs, you need to visit a gynecologist as soon as possible.
In teenage girls, a scanty dark secretion preceding menstrual bleeding can be observed several years after the first menstruation.
There are women whose brown periods are an individual trait that is passed on genetically.
Pathological causes
If menstrual flow becomes scanty and spotting, most often women of reproductive age think that they are pregnant. But if your periods do not go as usual, but are spotty, and the test is negative, this means that there are other reasons for the abnormal discharge. Most often, gynecological pathologies, infections and hormonal disorders are to blame, especially if brown daub is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, fever and other unpleasant symptoms.
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body directly affect the nature of her periods. If there is not enough progesterone, then the endometrium cannot fully form, which is why its normal rejection does not occur, so instead of regula there is a brown daub. With a lack of estrogen, the endometrial rejection mechanism is not fully activated, which also leads to the release of a dark spotting secretion. Hormonal imbalance can be a consequence of stress, poor nutrition, poor daily routine and endocrine diseases.
Ectopic pregnancy
If a woman has taken a pregnancy test and it shows a positive result, but while she had her period before pregnancy, she now has brown spotting, she should immediately consult a doctor. The cause of brown spotting may be an ectopic pregnancy, namely due to the fact that the embryo is not attached to the uterus, but in the tubes. This is a dangerous condition for a woman’s health; it can only be eliminated through surgery and this must be done as early as possible to prevent rupture of the fallopian tube.
Infections
If a spotting brown secretion is secreted instead of regula due to disturbances in the functioning of the ovaries, then this can be caused by infections and inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. Among hidden infections, such symptoms are caused by Trichomonas, gonococci, gardnerella, genital herpes virus, etc. Inflammation can begin due to the pathological proliferation of microflora, fungi, streptococci, and staphylococci.
Surgical operations
If brown spotting occurs instead of menstruation, this may be a consequence of abortion, cesarean section, partial removal of the genitals and other surgical interventions that cause hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. If the operations were completed without complications, then only the first regulations may be altered; the next cycle should proceed normally.
Oncology
At the initial stages, tumors in the reproductive system develop asymptomatically. It is quite difficult to determine their presence by the patient’s well-being; only with the growth of education does a woman begin to experience delays in menstruation, which are replaced by copious discharge, in which brown blood may contain impurities of pus. In the later stages of cancer, the stomach may hurt, and the lower back and hip may be pulled.
Sudden changes in weight
If you combine fasting with intense physical activity, then instead of normal menstruation, a brown spotting secretion will appear. This disorder causes vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency in the body. A sudden weight gain has a similar effect, which can also be the cause of brown spotting.
Physiological reasons
So why is there brown discharge on the first day of menstruation, and is it dangerous for a woman’s health? Before panicking, a woman should remember that the causes of this phenomenon can be conditionally divided into 2 groups: physiological and pathological. In parallel, certain external factors can have a negative impact on the functioning of the reproductive system.
Therefore, if you have dark brown discharge on the first day of your period, this may have nothing to do with the presence of pathological processes. Often such a “frightening” phenomenon has purely physiological reasons.
More about the causes of spotting and discharge before menstruation >>
At the beginning of menstruation, the uterine endometrium is intensely affected by sex hormones. Under their influence, it is actively rejected, and the uterus secretes a fairly large amount of menstrual blood, which contains dark, brown clots.
These secretions are nothing more than her internal mucous layer, so the woman should not be afraid or worry - her internal genital organs are working normally and are absolutely healthy.
If the menstrual discharge itself is brown and there are no blood clots, this may indicate that there is too little blood and it oxidizes and coagulates before the vagina has time to release it. But such a phenomenon is considered normal on the last, and not on the first, day of menstruation. And although it does not always indicate pathologies of the reproductive system, it should not be ignored. A consultation with a qualified gynecologist will never be superfluous!
https://youtu.be/cpGhXIAEiUI
When to see a doctor
You should not postpone a visit to the gynecologist in the following cases:
- When brownish discharge appears not only on the days of menstruation, but also continues throughout the next week. This may be a sign of serious diseases: cervical erosion, ovarian cysts, endometritis (overgrowth of the endometrium), endometriosis (inflammation of the uterine epithelium), fibroids or cancer.
- Brown discharge has a greenish tint and smells unpleasant. In this case, there is pain in the lower abdomen, itching in the vagina, pain when urinating. Such symptoms are characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Brown discharge appears during a possible pregnancy and indicates the threat of its termination.
You should urgently call a doctor if, during menstruation with brown discharge, your body temperature rises and nagging pain occurs in the ovarian area and lower back. This condition indicates the presence of inflammatory disease of the ovaries (oophoritis).
Causes of pathologically scanty periods
The reasons for brown periods do not always lie in the natural processes occurring in the body. Often, serious health problems lead to changes in the nature of discharge, including:
- inflammatory process;
- genitourinary system infections;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- threat of spontaneous miscarriage;
- cystitis;
- endometritis;
- cervical erosion;
- genital tuberculosis;
- endocrine diseases;
- endometriosis;
- endometrial hyperplasia;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- polyps.
In the case of the presence of these diseases, the appearance of brown discharge is noted during menstruation, which may indicate a neglected situation. If an uncharacteristic secretion is detected, it is strongly recommended not to postpone a visit to the gynecologist. The sooner a pathology is diagnosed, the easier it is to eliminate it.
The reason for dark brown discharge often lies in the use of contraceptives such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices. In this case, such changes cannot be ignored either.
Only through diagnostics will it be possible to exclude other factors that can lead to the appearance of menstruation of an uncharacteristic color and avoid unwanted complications.
The following signs of pathology should cause concern:
- discharge that is excessively thick or;
- constant increase in the volume of blood lost;
- pronounced pain in the abdomen and lower back;
- severe headaches, even menstrual migraines;
- heavy menstruation (the pad gets completely wet within a couple of hours);
- frequent and painful urination;
- intimacy accompanied by pain;
- nausea and vomiting;
- causeless increase in body temperature;
- menstruation with an unpleasant odor;
- burning and itching in the genital area;
- long delays;
- a large number of clots in the discharge.
Often, with the development of pathologies of the genitourinary system, the appearance of brown periods is noted. In this case, the symptoms of the disease may be mild. Such changes are mistakenly attributed to less dangerous causes
, including stress, strict diet and excessive exercise. If you discover uncharacteristic discharge, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.
Only a doctor is able to identify the pathology and prescribe adequate treatment.
What are the dangers of period brown?
A strange color of menstrual blood may indicate endocrine disorders, infectious and inflammatory processes - all these factors significantly reduce the likelihood of conception and normal pregnancy.
Against the background of severe inflammatory processes, adhesions appear, the infection begins to spread to other organs, which is fraught with the occurrence of chronic pathologies and sepsis.
Brown discharge during pregnancy may indicate placental abruption, which can lead to miscarriage. Scarlet discharge is a sign of a frozen pregnancy.
Light brown or darker discharge before, instead of, or after menstruation, with clots, impurities of pus, and a strong odor are dangerous, especially if they last longer than a week.