Black Blood in Menstruation:
Because menstruation is a regular discharge of blood from the female body that was used to line up the uterine wall, any discoloration commonly causes alarm. This is because the normal color of menstrual flow is red. On the other hand, its composition is thick and sticky.
Menstruation represents the uterine wall being discharged from the body when the female does not become pregnant. Because menstruation is essentially blood from the uterus, women should expect it to be crimson. It is only when there is discoloration in their menstrual flow that it becomes a cause for concern.
Although black or brown colored discharge during menstrual flow is fairly common among women, the situation doe not indicate severe disorders. This is because discoloration is commonly a result of the long menstrual period. The long period means that the blood has become oxidized thereby causing the change in color. When this is the reason for the discoloration of menstrual flow, there is no cause for alarm.
Causes of Black/Brown Discharge during Menstruation:
When any of the following is the suspected reason for discoloration in menstrual flow, then something must be done:
- Stress and depression: When a woman is subjected to extreme stress and depression, the inner lining of the uterus becomes thin.This thin lining means that there is a delay in shedding the endometrial wall. This delay will cause the blood to oxidize and become discolored.
- Blood clotting: Blood clots are characterized by brownish or black discharge. However, once the clot has been discharged, the color will become normal again in a few days.
- Taking medications: When a person is on some form of medication, menstrual blood may become discolored. This is especially true if one is taking birth control pills or injectable steroids.
- In some instances, there may be cysts in the uterus. When the cysts rupture, they can affect the color of menstrual discharge.
Remedies for Black/Brown Menstrual Bleeding:
When the cause is simply slow discharge or slow menstruation, there is no need to do anything as the blood is simply oxidized. It is only when the reasons are either the presence of cysts in the uterus, drugging, or stress and depression that one needs to do something about it. In any case, before one will do anything, they should first consult a doctor to guide them properly on treating the disorder.
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I was diagnosed with submucosal fibroids about a year ago, with symptoms of heavy periods lasting between six and seven days, with blood clots. In the last 4 months I changed my diet. I started taking a lots of fruits, vegetables and apple cider vinegar and castor oil as a laxative once in a while. In these last four months I also noticed I had a brown discharge. My period started with a brown discharge on day one. Any idea what the problem could?
I am 20 year old female, my concern is that I had a short period of 3 days that to with black discharge. I am shocked because this has never happened to me. Last month in the beginning I had to take a contraceptive pill, but after I had 1 period with normal flow. This was my 2nd period and this happened to me. I don’t know what the problem is.
Ever since I delivered a baby 3 years ago through my menstrual flow had not been the same. I have now very scanty menstrual flow, although not every month, I see tiny black clotting in my menstrual flow, please what could be wrong?
I am 19 years old girl and I am having vaginal problems. Firstly, I started having a heavy flow brownish milky discharge from last year and it hasn’t stopped ever since and last month I went to the doctor and they gave me some pills and ever since my vagina feels dry and sore and this month I went to my periods and my menstruation is black and when I went to the doctor they said I am fine I didn’t have a problem. What might be problem?
I was having the same problem too. I had a period blood black and I decided to see a doctor. The Doc suggest me to go for a test, PAP SMEAR and I went and found out that I had a pre-cancer stage 3 and have to go for day-surgery. So I think you should seek a doctor.
I’m 20 going 21 this year. Last month I thought I had my monthly friend (came on time like its supposed to) but it felt way too weird to be one. I had spotting for a few days then it was a bit heavy then it was spotting again. This month I started a bit earlier than last month and I’m having black blood instead. A bit of small clots here and there but it wasn’t a heavy flow. And I’m always bleeding heavy when I have my periods.
Also the month previous I had unprotected sex, but my bf didn’t cum inside, frankly he didn’t at all. So I’m worried that I might be pregnant or I have some sort of illness. This never happened to me before. Also I started my period when I was 14-15.
I am also experiencing a brown discharge of blood now. I am not into any sexual activity nor drinking any kind of medicine, is it okay? I am also experiencing back pain, is this symptom of a serious illness?
I had my menstruation only every 2 months since I return from my work. This month I have my period and I am worried about it. Aside of 1 months spotting, sometimes I have abdominal pain.
Before I got married, I never experience having a problem regarding my menstruation. Three years ago, I got married; I started experience menstruation/ spotting every two weeks. TVS result found out I have small cyst and my endometrial is thick. I treated from pills and glucophage.
After that, my ovary returns to very fine. I am afraid of what is happening now. I don’t have baby until now, my hormones are normal, sperm count of my husband is okay. But I don’t know why we are not having a baby. Please help me to know what the problem.
I am 27 year old married women, I had an operation on pilonidal sinus on august 24, after that period does not happened for 2 months, when the period starts 2days it appears dark clot then 3 days as usual. Now I am in Dubai with my husband. I came here on October, I don’t use any pills, period started only on December and at that time also blood appears dark clot. Is this a cause for concern? Please answer to my request
I’m 12 going to become 13 in a month i got this black discharge today and I am not sure if it is periods? I also got some discharge like tissue for a long period of time and it inches me a lot sometimes it even smells!! Please help me and tell me what I should do?
My last period was on Nov/27/2010 it lasted about 5 days, I had sex (we used a condom) on 12/04/10 (so only a couple of days after my period ended, I hadn’t start to ovulate yet). The week after, I was under some medications that the gynecologist told me to take, to treat some yeast infection and other bacteria. Pills were called “sporasec” and she also told me to apply a cream called “colposan”. The day i finished applying the cream, I started getting this pink/coral vaginal discharge about once a day for about three days. I was scared it was implantation bleeding. My next period is supposed to be on 12/27/10. Today I started having some cramps, and when I looked, I saw some really dark blood, almost black, so I just assumed I got my period early. But now I am scared that I may be having an miscarriage. Is it the meds that are causing that odd color? It doesn’t smell like period blood and doesn’t look like it either. I really don’t know what to think anymore, I’m really worried. Please help!!!!
I’m 19 years old and I had started my cycle on the third or second of this month it has last way longer then it usually has.
It was normal right up until I started getting a dark discharged which I thought was just the old blood that usually happens after a period but now it’s kind of heavy spotting if you will its pinkish brown and sticky looking.
I’m out of state at the time and can’t make a doctor appt I don’t think this is right, month before it seemed like my cycle was shorter than normal. It’s all seemed normal till now I just don’t understand why it’s being like this discharge, It has never came out so heavy but it’s not a full period kind of thing, please help me it would be greatly appreciated I’m freaking out.
Do you have abdominal pain or pain in your pelvic region?
As you are in your teens, there are chances of hormonal changes in your body.
Long period of menstruation can give rise to oxidized blood which may look dark.
Wait for few days and probably the bleeding might stop. If the bleeding does not stop, and if there is associated pain in pelvis, you have to consult a gynecologist for the same.
I am 27 and have been on one form or another of birth control since I was 14. I started with pills then depo then implanon. I had not had a period in about 12 years. 3 months ago I decided to get back on the pill instead of replacing my implanon because my husband is getting snipped.
I have had 3 periods and all three have been thick brownish stringy clots. It is so thick and slow that it does not come out when I am laying down and it’s very little and only lasts 3 days before I have to start my new pill pack. Is this normal because I was on birth control that stopped my periods for so long? I have no insurance and use the Dept of Health to get my pills so how long can I give this before I see a Dr?
I am 24 and have 2 children. I have Mirena and have had it for almost 3 years. I recently got off my period (2 days ago) and then I went to the bathroom this morning and found brownish red blood. Two weeks ago I was sick and the doctors gave me 3 shots one antibiotic, one pain reliever, and one steroid. Could that be a reason why?
For the past week I think I have had my lightest period ever. The first day it started out as a brown discharge and very light, barely enough to even consider a period. Then the next day, at around the middle of the day I a slight flow of blood but it was still very dark in color, mixed with the brown. Now for the past 4 days at least, it has just been back to the light brown again. I have also been very stressed out the past month so could this be the cause of it? Usually when I get super stressed I just don’t start. This time it is like it is trying but not succeeding or something. I am also a virgin if that helps.
I am 25. My period started last week Saturday and it is dropping very slowly and it has refused to stop. Usually my flow is heavy for the first 2 days and continue normally till the 4th or 5th day. It’s over 1 week now. The crazy part is that the color is blackish brown. What could be the problem with my menstruation?
I have recently started using contraceptive injection and now I am experiencing non stop flow of brown black black menstruations.
Please advice because this once happened to me while I was a teenager and I decided to use IUD for several years until I decided to have children. I no longer want children and our Government has banned IUD. Please advice which contraceptive will be best for me cause the pills also do the same to me.
I am 15 and sexually active. I had my period maybe about two weeks ago and it was normal. The regular one week and red color. Well I started to have intercourse with my boyfriend the day after I ended my period. It’s been a little over a week and I’ve started my period AGAIN. I am on birth control and we used a condom and it didn’t break. Two days before I started again I was crying because of my dad and after I was done crying my stomach was hurting pretty badly and I was shaking. The next day while I was in school my stomach was still hurting and I was still shaking really badly. My face was pale and my vision was kind of hazy. I thought it was because I was not eating enough. So I ate something and I was still hurting and shaking. I was not sure what to think anymore. So I slept on it and woke up the next day (today) and I was back to normal. No shaking and my stomach was not hurting. Well, after school my boyfriend came over and as soon as I got home and went to the bathroom, I realized I started my period and the color was completely blackish-brown. I am not sure what is going on. Can I please have some answers?
I had sex with my boyfriend and he used a condom and it didn’t break, I later took birth control to be on the safe side. One week after, I experienced the pain down in my stomach and I went home I saw the brownish-black blood in my pants. I don’t know what it is. I am scared. I need help from someone is it any kind of infection? I need some answer immediately.
My period is acting weird. Usually it starts off light, and then after a day gets extremely heavy and the blood goes from brown to red. It’s been about a day and a half now, and the flow isn’t picking up, and today I found really thick, black/brown blood. I recently started the school year, which has added a ton of stress to my life, along with gym class and horseback riding (I usually don’t get to work out much at home). I also started on some antibiotics for a skin infection under my arm, but I’m almost done with those, so I don’t know if they’d change anything. Now that I think about it, I really shouldn’t be worrying myself like this, and I think I pretty much figured out my own problem, but I’m nervous, embarrassed, and would really appreciate some reassurance. Thanks
I am 48 years old house wife. I have unusual menstrual cycles since 8 and 9 years. I had check up with doctors and they suggest surgery to remove the uterus. I am worried since I have to do a lot of manual work. Also, I feel very weak and my hands are yellowish in color. What may be the immediate treatment in this situation?
You may have anemia… A blood test would confirm it, and a doctor would prescribe iron. Maybe other tests are in order, to rule out digestive problems for instance. But you have the symptoms of anemia. In the meantime, try to eat molasses, spinach, liver, and take some iron. I have the same problem.
Hope this helps!
I’ve just had my period 3 days ago. Normally I’ll have 7 days cycle. On the first day I had a black flow, yet in small amount. However, on the second day the color has changed to brown and partially red. On the third day I had a brown menstrual flow again. The amount of bleeding each day was too little. Less than I had before. Is it normal? I read from some website, they said it’s pregnancy.
I’ve never taken birth control pills and never had an intercourse. I had oral sex sometimes but I do not think I should be pregnant.
I have been getting brown black periods with red in it that is stringy for the last 3 months. I am on the pill for ages and it has never happened. Even when I am not on my periods I have some pain. Should I be worried?
If you are taking some medications, especially birth control pill, the menstrual blood may become discolored.
The other causes can be stress and depression.
If the condition still persists, get an ultrasound of pelvis done, to know whether you have any uterus abnormalities.
I had just started my period this afternoon around 230pm, the normal time I would start it. It was the color red when it first started but it’s already dying and I was wondering if there should be a reason for concern or not.
I am 22 years old. I had 4 pregnancy tests about 15 days ago, all were negative. I had periods twice in month of June. Then after 1 month in July. But then after 10 days again. But every time during my second period there is brown blood-like semi solid dark brown fluid, and in very small amounts, not red. Am I pregnant or is their any other problem?
I am 24 yrs old and feeling stressed. Lately I took Birth control pills, and had sex with my husband. The next day I had white creamy discharge, a little itchy, but now I have dark brownish black discharge 2 days later and burning! Dried blood is causing me to burn and itch inside. It is also thick and creamy like how it was 2 days before. What’s wrong with me? And do you know anything to cure the burning or stop the discharge?
I am 50 yrs old and have always had a very heavy menstrual cycle every 19-23 days. About seven years ago I began having a lot of unusual pain in my left abdomen area. I had an thorough exam that indicated I had a fibroid tumor in my left fallopian tube. This was caused for me, by doing too much ‘manual’ labor when I was younger. Lifting 70lbs bales of hay by myself on a regular basis. Thought I could do anything. Working at things a woman shouldn’t really be doing, and I am physically paying for that now.
Anyway, a fibroid tumor is essentially a blood clot that has formed inside the tube. I was told this is what causes my irregular and heavy cycles. There are a couple I could do, one being have a hysterectomy. I still had hopes of being a giving birth one day so I opted to leave things as they were… the discomfort ceased and I moved on…
The last two periods I have been spotting a lot more days, even a week before and after my cycle. As well as have pain again in the area of my left tube and very dark to almost black blood flow.
I fear the fibroid is catching up with me as I get older. And now, I still haven’t been blessed with a child.
If you are concerned about the color of the blood flow I would get a check up if you haven’t had one in a while. And ask your doctor about fibroid tumor in the tube.
I am sorry about your miscarriage. After you have one though, a long period is normal, along with darker blood. Your next cycle should be more regular. You may also be stressed or depressed from the event. The only remedy is to calm yourself down, and relax your mind, reduce your stress/find a muse for your depression if you are depressed.
I am 29 years old and last month I had a miscarriage. After that it is my first period and this is the 12th day and I still have the menstrual period. From the 8th day onwards I have brown blood and brown and black clots. I am really scared with my 12 days period and black blood clots. Please suggest me some remedies for menstrual brown blood clots and extended period.
I noticed a brown goo like discharge when I woke up this morning. I am 23 years and living with my boyfriend for almost 2 years now and had not this problem ever before. It is almost like my period, that has just finished. What can be the cause of this brown discharge after period.
Dark blood after your period is normal. We call it “old blood.” blood that has not yet been released from the uterus, that has oxidized. When blood is exposed to oxygen it becomes darker in color. Do not fret.
I am 22 years old and have had pretty normal cycles up until a few months ago. I was very late for one period, but it eventually came. It was never red in color- only that lovely brown throughout its entirety.
That was back in March. Now I’ve been having the brown stuff every cycle and never any red. They are also occurring every 2-3 weeks instead of my normal 28 days. Not on BCP or any medicines. Anyone have any ideas???? I always hear it’s just old blood, but its happened several times now and it hasn’t been red even in the beginning days of my cycles.
I am 16 years old, have been on the pills for about four months now. I have recently had sex (for the first time) before my period. I have seen some blood, so do you think it could be from being a virgin? Or is it because of my MC?
There has been black/brown blood mixed in with red blood. I have just started my period for this month and I doubt it was because of the long period. Is it normal to have black or brown discharge in menstruation?
I normally get my period every 28 days and everything is fine but this time it is brown/black with a lot of clots in it. I am getting lots of cramps in my tummy and feeling quite sick in the evenings. What could be the cause?
I am 20 going on 21. Never been on the pill and up until the last 2 months my period had been normal, these past 2 months I have noticed that while having sex after my period I have this brown discharge like old blood. Does anyone know what could cause it aside from stress and being on a pill? It is lasting more than a week.
I’m 21 and have never been sexually active. This month for the first time, my period blood is black. It has never been like this. Also, it’s been a pretty smooth week which means I’ve had no abdominal pains at all. I usually have some pains during my periods but this month I haven’t had any.
When I first noticed it was black blood, I thought it was fine as it was only the first day. Now it’s the 6th day and my period blood is still black.
I am worried. What is wrong with me?
I took plan b as a result of unsafe sex and I got my period on the exact date that it was supposed to come on. Except that is thick and black. Not heavy but enough to wear a sanitary napkin. I am also a smoker and I have also been extremely ill and coughing since a day or two before I started my period. I am worried because my period has always been the regular red and on time. We use condoms and I have never used a BC pill ever.
I am 15 going on 16 and I have been on birth control for maybe 6 or 7 months. I am taking birth control to regulate my periods. I would sometimes get it 2 times a month. But since birth control I am regular. But there have been a couple times where my flow has been a very dark brown color. There is a history of women in my family to where they have to get a hysterectomy because of blood clotting or problems with bleeding to much after pregnancy. How do I know that I could possibly have blood clotting? And is it possible that the discoloration is from blood clotting and that I may be the next generation of this family history?
I get delayed periods , may be for about 30 to 40 days. Some times, I get black color bleeding. But it’s not like normal one. It happens very seldom.It just starts with black and comes to normal red bleeding, or otherwise stops in 1 or 2 days. dose it indicate any health problem. Please any one could help me
Delayed periods are common in many women in their lifetime. They occur for a temporary period. They are due to hormonal imbalance in the body.
Black or brown discoloration of menstruation is very common, it is not alarming. This is because it occurs due to long menstrual period.
The following causes other than the above are;
- Stress and depression, these results in thinning of the endometrium, resulting in delayed oxidation of the blood, resulting in its discoloration.
- If there is blood clotting, there will be black discoloration, once the clot comes out; there is normal color of the blood.
- Rupture of the cyst in the uterus can give rise to black discoloration of the blood.
If the symptoms persist for a long time, consult the doctor for any of the above cause. Otherwise just ignore it.
I am 35 and have 2 children. I have been experiencing black or brown blood during my periods for about a year now. My obgyn put me on birth control to regulate me, but it did not work. I want to have another baby what can I do to get back to normal again. I was always regular and had red periods. Please help I want to be normal again.
I had my second baby September 2009. Six weeks later I had a flow that lasted 4 days. 20 days later I had a thick brown discharge that lasted 4 days. It’s almost 3 months now and I have not seen my period, I have a burning sensation and lower abdominal pain. What could be the problem?
I am a 20 year old married women, suffering from thick brown color discharge from the last 3 months. I am married for the last 2.5 years and not conceived yet, and I am on Lycored capsules from the last three months from that time I am getting thick brown color discharged and it only shows for 2 to 3 days and not getting normal periods, and it is seen (thick brown color discharge) is seen in 15 to 20 days. Please answer to my request.
Please give me the generic name of the drug that you’re taking, not the brand name, so that I could help you better.
Who has prescribed the drug? A gynecologist / an endocrinologist?
What was it prescribed for? What were your symptoms prior to the prescription?
Are you on to oral contraceptive pills? is there any other medication that your taking for any other medical condition? Have you had any investigations done?
If you provide me with the details, I could be of assistance.
Also, don’t panic, I would recommend that you report to the physician who prescribed it, so that he can either alter the prescription or change the dosage for it.
I just got my period and my flow is dark – nearly black. I surmise this could be because I’ve been on the pill for more than a year now. Is this really an alarming thing? I dont think I can get off the pill since I have PCOS.
I’m 20 years old and married. I have been having cramps and signs similar to PMS, though have not started yet. Last week, I had some light brown discharge (not very much at all) and was like “Yes! I’m going to finally start.” But nothing came of it. Today, I have almost spotted twice, but it was brown again, like dried blood after the period is over. Is there any possibility this can be a sign of pregnancy? Or is it something else?
The easiest and quickest way to ascertain whether you’re pregnant or not, is to get a UPT done, i.e. a urine pregnancy test.
A UPT kit is available at any of the medical stores.
Symptoms that signal pregnancy:
o Absence of periods
o Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)
o Fatigue and occasional dizziness
However, occasional menstrual irregularities are known to occur.
Have you had any irregularities earlier?
Tips for a healthy, happy, and a regular period:
1. Optimum stress management and right eating are very important factors to be borne in mind. Stressful situations, physical strains, and emotional turmoil cause menstrual disturbances,
2. Avoid refined foods like white flour, white sugar, and processed food packets. They affect the menstrual cycle adversely.
3. Make beet root a part of your diet. Consume 200 ml of beet juice at least thrice a week. Beet tones up the female reproductive system, and helps to maintain a normal, healthy cycle.
I am 19 going on 20. I had a baby 1 year ago next month. I have a IUD in got it in after about 6 months after birth. Ever since I had it put in I have had very bad pain with intercourse or at least while deep penetration. And now my periods are black with no odor with a little brown mucus looking stuff in between periods. They are also lasting longer than they normally do. I was hoping you could help diagnose this irregular cycle and help treat.
Did you mean hemorrhoid or is it fibroids? The anatomical position of both the disease is different. Any way, hemorrhoid is a swelling near the anal region caused due to the varicosity in the anal vein. The veins in the anus gets enlarged, the common cause is constipation.
Blood in piles is red in color, it is frank red blood. Usually comes at the time of bowel movement.
If constipation is cured, there will be less strain or pressure on the veins.
Now regarding your menstrual color change, it is normal phenomenon. The blood gets oxidized resulting in black or brown in color
Certain medicines, like birth control pills, injectable steroids, can give rise to brown color menstruation.
Rupture of cyst in uterus also causes black discoloration of the blood.
The physical examination by the doctor will be of great help to you in tackling both the disorder.
What is your age?
Do you have any children?
Only black or brown discoloration of menstrual blood is not the cause of infertility.
You will have to do a detailed investigation, for your problem.
A pelvic sonography is worth, to find out if there is any uterine pathology involved.
The other blood investigation like, Complete blood count, ESR, blood sugar, are essential.
After getting these primary tests, follow up with your gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment.
That sounds like a touch of thrush it happened with me. You can get it from stress and antibiotics. Get your husband to look for white dots inside you. It just sounds exactly what I had and I was and suffering from stress.