Menstruation usually begins between the ages of 9 and 16. It refers to the flow of blood with tissues from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina, commonly called ‘‘periods’’. It occurs due to the breakdown of the inner lining of the endometrium of the uterus and the cycle repeats every month.
Black period blood is sometimes a common phenomenon during menstruation, while in rare cases it can be a matter of concern. Have you ever wondered why the menstrual or period blood has different hues? Well, if you have noticed or experienced it, there is nothing to panic about. It is completely normal for period blood to be a colour other than red. The colour of the menstrual blood shows a lot about your health. The colour and texture can vary from pink, orange, red, brown, grey, or even black due to certain reasons. Menstrual blood darker in hues doesn’t always indicate an associated health concern but can be for symptoms in your body.
Black period blood is not literally black; it is just the darkened colour of the menstrual blood. It appears to be black, similar to the colour of coffee grounds. Sometimes the appearance of black period blood could need medical attention.
Possible Causes
One of the likely reasons may be due to the stay of blood in the uterus longer than expected. During the beginning and the end of the period, blood flow is slightly slower. The longer the blood stays inside the uterus, the more it turns darker because of the oxidation of blood.
During periods, the blood does not come out right away. The longer the blood stays in the uterus, the darker it appears because of the oxidation.
Lochia is a condition when a woman experiences bleeding for the first four to six weeks after delivering the baby. This can also be a sign of the appearance of darker blood. Initially, during this blood appears darker and heavy.
Another contributing reason can be missed miscarriage when the fetus stops developing and stays in the uterus for at least 4 weeks and some women develop darker bleeding.
Retained menses can also lead to a darker appearance of blood. When menstrual blood is blocked from leaving the uterus, cervix, or vagina. As a result, the blood may turn black over the time it’s retained. In case of severe blockage, it may develop amenorrhea or a complete lack of menstruation.
In very rare cases, it can also be a reason for leading to cervical cancer. Many people don’t have any symptoms, irregular bleeding between cycles or after sex is the most common sign of invasive cancer.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia, may cause bleeding and unusual discharge. Black discharge may mean that older blood is leaving the uterus or vaginal canal. It can be followed by other symptoms, including bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, painful urination, pain or pressure in your pelvis, vaginal itching, and spotting between periods.
Also Read: Normal Period
When To See A Doctor
A woman’s monthly cycle repeats every 21 to 35 days and normal menstrual bleeding lasts two to seven days. Black period blood is not necessarily a reason to worry. It is advisable to pay attention to changes with regard to your body. If they concern you and cause distress, it needs to be discussed with a health care specialist.
Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy can be among the other reasons for the appearance of black period blood. A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet that are conducive to hormones should always be maintained. It reduces the risk of various diseases and increases the metabolic rate to improve the overall condition of your health. Never forget to prioritize your health.