The color of menstrual blood is not always the same in each cycle and can even vary from day to day during menstruation. This indicates that the color of menstrual blood is greatly influenced by the body's ongoing hormonal mechanisms. It is important for women to observe and understand the meaning of the color of menstrual blood.
In general, some menstrual blood colors are normal and some can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, so there is a disease that needs to be watched out for. So, to make it clearer, take a look at the following explanation regarding the meaning of menstrual blood color!
Normal Menstrual Blood Color
Changes in the color of menstrual blood are normal and do not always indicate a health problem. However, in some cases, the unusual color of menstrual blood can be an indicator of a medical condition that needs to be checked.
Read also: Blood Clots During Menstruation
The following is a medical explanation regarding variations in the color of menstrual blood:
1. Bright Red
The appearance of pink menstrual blood at the beginning or end of menstruation is a common phenomenon and is not a cause for concern. This is caused by less menstrual blood flow during this period, so that the blood mixes with mucus from the glands in the vagina in greater quantities. This mixture produces a pink color in menstrual blood.
In addition, low levels of the hormone estrogen, especially at the beginning of menstruation, also contribute to the pink color of menstrual blood. Estrogen plays an important role in stabilizing the uterine lining and regulating menstrual blood flow. Low estrogen levels at the beginning of the menstrual cycle can cause menstrual blood to flow more slowly, so the blood has longer to oxidize and turn pink.
2. Dark Red
Discharge of dark red blood during menstruation is common and normal. Usually, this color indicates that the blood has been in the uterus for some time before being expelled.
Dark red menstrual blood is generally more visible at the end of the menstrual period, when blood flow begins to slow down. This is because the blood that comes out has more time to be oxidized by the air before being expelled from the body.
3. Chocolate
The appearance of brown blood during menstruation is normal and common. This usually occurs at the beginning or end of the menstrual period. The brown color of menstrual blood is caused by the oxidation process in the blood that does not leave the uterus directly.
At the beginning of menstruation, the brown blood that comes out is the remaining oxidized blood from the previous menstrual period. This phenomenon is nothing to worry about. However, keep in mind that the appearance of brown blood outside the menstrual period, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as stomach cramps, pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge, could be an early sign of pregnancy or another medical condition.
Menstrual Blood Colors You Need to Be Aware of
Although generally nothing to worry about, some colors of menstrual blood can indicate certain health conditions and need to be watched out for.
1. Orange
The appearance of orange menstrual blood can cause concern for women. This color is different from the red that generally occurs. However, it does not always indicate a health problem.
In some cases, orange menstrual blood is normal. This can happen because blood mixes with cervical fluid or mucus from the cervix. This condition is nothing to worry about and does not require special treatment.
2. Pink
Pink menstrual blood indicates low estrogen levels in the body, so the volume of menstrual blood is smaller and it mixes with cervical fluid, producing a lighter color.
Even though it is considered normal, pink menstruation can also be an indication of several other conditions, such as:
- Unhealthy diet. Lack of important nutrients, such as iron, can cause anemia and affect the color of menstrual blood.
- Anemia. Conditions in which the body lacks red blood cells or oxygen-rich hemoglobin can cause menstrual blood to be lighter in color, including pink.
3. Purple
The appearance of this purple color indicates high levels of estrogen in the body. This is usually accompanied by large blood clots and menstruation that lasts longer than a week.
Excess estrogen can trigger inflammation in the female reproductive organs, resulting in serious health complications such as endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Read also: Difference between postpartum blood and menstrual blood
4. Gray
The gray color of menstrual blood generally indicates bacterial vaginosis, namely excessive bacterial growth in the vagina. Other symptoms that accompany bacterial vaginosis are a fishy vaginal odor and gray vaginal discharge. If you experience these symptoms, immediately contact a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is usually made by pelvic examination and vaginal swab tests. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with oral antibiotics for 5-7 days.
5. Black
The main cause of black menstrual blood is because the blood has been in the uterus for a long time before coming out. This often occurs at the beginning or end of the menstrual period, when menstrual blood flow is slower. Blood that remains in the uterus for a long time will experience oxidation and change color to dark brown or black.
However, in some cases, black menstrual blood can be a sign of a health problem. One cause is a blockage in the vagina. This blockage can be caused by various things, such as:
- Congenital problems with the hymen, such as imperforate hymen or atresia
- Vaginal septum, a congenital abnormality in which the vagina is divided into two parts
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience black menstrual blood. And generally the doctor will carry out an examination to find out the exact cause of black menstrual blood and provide appropriate treatment.
Read also: 5 Ways to Clean Menstrual Blood
Why can menstrual blood be black?
Have you ever had menstruation with black blood? Don't panic, because this sometimes happens normally and is not always a sign of a health problem. The color and consistency of menstrual blood can change during the menstrual cycle.
Black menstrual blood generally appears at the end of the menstrual cycle. This is caused by blood taking longer to leave the uterus, so it oxidizes and changes color to dark brown or black. Apart from that, menstrual blood at the beginning of menstruation can also be dark black, especially in girls who are menstruating for the first time, women who use contraception, or women who are approaching menopause.
If you experience black menstrual blood accompanied by other symptoms, such as severe menstrual pain, unpleasant odor, or excessive bleeding, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Characteristics of Abnormal Menstrual Blood Color
The color of menstrual blood generally ranges from bright red to dark red, and can turn blackish brown towards the end of the period. However, did you know that changes in the color of menstrual blood can be an indication of certain medical conditions?
It should be emphasized that not all changes in the color of menstrual blood indicate a serious medical condition. Most color changes are normal and nothing to worry about.
However, it is important for women to be aware of several characteristics of abnormal menstrual blood, such as:
- Irregular menstrual cycle. A normal menstrual cycle generally ranges from 21 to 35 days. If you experience longer, shorter, or irregular cycles, consult a doctor.
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period. Bleeding outside the menstrual period, whether in the form of spotting (blood spots) or heavier bleeding, can be a sign of a health problem.
- Excessive menstrual blood volume. A very large volume of menstrual blood (menorrhagia) can cause anemia and fatigue.
- Vaginal itching. Vaginal itching can be a sign of irritation, infection, or another medical condition.
- Amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a condition where a woman does not menstruate for several months or more.
If you experience any of the characteristics above, or if you are unsure about the change in the color of your menstrual blood, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will perform a physical examination and medical tests to determine the cause of the change in menstrual blood color and provide appropriate treatment.
Because, the symptoms above can generally be an indication of various medical conditions that require more serious treatment, such as:
- Infection. Infection of the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, cervix, or vagina, can cause changes in the color of menstrual blood, such as becoming pinker, browner, or even foul-smelling.
- Miscarriage. Early miscarriage, which is characterized by the release of blood and tissue from the uterus, can cause menstrual blood to be dark red or blackish brown.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Infection of the upper female reproductive organs can cause menstrual blood to be yellowish green or foul-smelling.
- Sexually transmitted disease. Some PMS, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause menstrual blood to be greenish-yellow, foul-smelling, or accompanied by unusual discharge.
Please remember that not all changes in the color of menstrual blood indicate a serious medical condition. Most of these are normal things and nothing to worry about. However, if you are in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will perform a physical examination and medical tests to determine the cause of the change in menstrual blood color and provide appropriate treatment.
Watch and learn more about the video about "4 Causes of Black Menstrual Blood"
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References:
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/7-arti-warna-darah-menstruasi-yang-perlu-diketahui
https://bocahindonesia.com/arti-warna-darah-haid/
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/fakta-di-balik-darah-haid-yang-hitam
https://www.alodokter.com/7-warna-darah-haid-dan-artinya-bagi-kesehatan
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