You expect your period to come every month, do their stuff, and leave. But then, from nowhere, you notice something odd; you realize it is black blood during your period. Suddenly, every question starts pricking your mind: Is this normal? Should I be worried? What is happening?!
We truly understand. At Ganga Laxmi IVF, we talk to so many women who have had the same questions. This is why we compiled this small guide on what black blood during your period could mean, what causes it, and when to see a doctor.
No stress, no overthinking. Let’s just break it down together, step by step.
What Is Period Blood?
Let’s start with the myth-buster. Period blood is not blood; it’s made up of:
- Blood that flows from your small blood vessels in your uterus,
- Blood loss from the inner lining of your uterus, called the endometrium
- Mucus secreted by your cervix and vagina
- Other types of fluid that the reproductive tract secretes.
That helps to know the general structure of your period blood and tells you a lot about what may be happening internally in your body. You probably expect much brighter red blood to appear, but it can be pink, brown, and even black. And, in most cases, it’s normal.
Why Is the Blood During My Period Black?
Black-colored blood can seem quite shocking; however, it does not always mean that there is something wrong. What is happening is that blood could remain in the uterus or vagina for some time and come into contact with air: this is oxidation, and the color of blood changes from red to brown and eventually to black.
So when you see black blood, this is just older blood that is taking its time to leave your body. This is very common at the beginning or end of your period when it is flowing more slowly.
Common Causes of Black Blood During Menstruation
Some of the common and mostly harmless reasons one may notice black blood during the periods are:
- Old Blood From Last Cycle
Sometimes the body does not completely remove the uterine lining from the last period. Hence, the old blood remains longer in the uterus, gets oxidized, and comes out looking black. This is the body’s way of “cleaning up.”
- Slow Menstrual Flow
At the beginning or near the end of the menstrual period, the uterus sheds its lining more slowly. So, because the blood escapes very slowly out of the body, it has a longer duration in oxidizing, and it gets darkened.
- Hormonal Imbalances
The hormones that control the cycle, estrogen and progesterone, also determine the effects of stress, weight changes, birth control, or even conditions like PCOS on the lining about the middle of the month. A late or missed period has older bloodstains that are darker.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women suffering from PCOS usually have trouble conceiving, owing to levels of hormones in their bodies; the uterine lining builds without being shed regularly and so ends up coming out as black or brown blood after a few months. Another common sign is
- Periods don’t seem to occur regularly.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
- Weight Gain
- Facial or Body Hair in Excess
- Endometriosis
This condition allows the growth of tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus outside the uterus. Painful, heavy menses, as well as older, dark blood, are its manifestations. Women with endometriosis may be afflicted with:
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Painful bowel movements during menstruation
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Uterine Fibroids and Polyps
These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They may or may not cause symptoms, but they often interfere with the normal condition of the period, either by making it heavier or longer. Either way, the discharge may be formed slowly or get delayed in expulsion, making it increasingly dark until it looks black.
- Infection
Some reproductive tract infections, like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or Sexually Transmitted Infections, change the behaviour of menstrual blood. Accompanying black blood with:
- An offensive odour
- Pelvic pain/lower back pain
- Fever or chills
- Burning while urinating
- You should see a doctor. These symptoms suggest a treatable infection.
- Miscarriage
In rare cases, a very early miscarriage could account for black bleeding. Other symptoms include cramping, clotting of blood, or a sudden stop in pregnancy symptoms. If there is any chance of being pregnant and you are bleeding dark blood or black blood, make it a point to have an examination immediately.
Is black blood something to worry about?
Not usually. Black blood during your period is often just older blood, which is especially likely when you are:
- Starting or finishing your period
- Light-flowing
- Delayed in receiving it
- Perimenopausal or altering birth control methods
Your period shows a clear picture of your overall reproductive health. While it is common for some people to have black blood often, if it persists or comes with other signs that are not normal, you should see your doctor.
When to Go to the Doctor
Here are some symptoms that you should look out for, so it’s time to get an appointment:
- Black blood, along with a foul smell
- More or larger than normal clots
- Extreme pain in the pelvic or abdominal area
- Having fever or chills during a period
- Irregular period: should be either too short or too long apart
Black blood accompanied by early pregnancy symptoms (nausea, missed period) at Ganga Laximi IVF. Currently, it is addressing every concern about menstrual health. We take every concern about menstrual health seriously. Even if you just want peace of mind, you’ve come to the right place.
Keeping Track of Period Health
Understanding your period is an assertive step toward health. Here is a small list of things to do to help menstrual and reproductive health:
- Track Your Period: You can log your period in a diary or app, writing the start and end dates, flow pattern, symptoms, and blood colour. Changes can be seen from the patterns.
- Eat Right: Iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables and legumes should be combined with omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B12 for healthy hormones and blood levels.
- Exercise: Exercises can relieve menstrual cramps and regulate your cycles.
- Manage Your Stress Levels: Stress works against your hormones. Balance can be achieved with meditation or deep breathing and any other stress-relief activities.
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore anything that just doesn’t feel quite right.
Final Words:
The sight of dark blood during periods may sometimes send chills down someone’s spine, but it just turns out to be old blood that took some time to leave one’s body in most cases, which is harmless. But if it is happening very frequently with or without pain, or something does not feel right, then that shouldn’t get ignored. Such signs are your body’s way of talking to you.
And besides, you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. At Ganga Laxmi IVF, we are always available to hear, guide and support you through every moment of reproductive health. If anything bothers you, trust your gut and reach out. Your peace of mind matters.