It is typically normal to see a small amount of dark or black menstrual blood, and it usually does not signal a serious health issue. This is especially true if you notice the darker color at the very beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. The dark color simply indicates older blood that has had time to oxidize as it leaves the body.
However, if you consistently experience this type of menstruation, it might be a symptom of underlying conditions. Potential causes include hormonal imbalances, issues with the uterus, high stress levels, or even sexually transmitted infections. A recurrent dark period warrants a conversation with your healthcare provider.
If the color of your menstrual blood ever causes you concern or confusion, the best course of action is always to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. They can properly evaluate your symptoms, determine if an underlying cause needs specific treatment, and address any questions you have about your period.
Causes of brown period blood
Menstrual blood that is black, dark, or resembles coffee grounds can be caused by the following:
1. Emotional changes
Significant changes in a woman's emotional state, such as experiencing excessive stress or developing depression, can impact the structure of the uterus. This can lead to a slight decrease in the thickness of the uterine lining.
As a result, the shedding of the uterine lining may be delayed, allowing the blood more time to oxidize, which makes the menstrual flow appear darker.
What to do: Focus on activities that promote a sense of well-being, such as engaging in physical exercise or other activities that help you relax and manage stress.
2. Hormonal changes
Dark or black menstruation with a light flow is often a sign of hormonal fluctuations caused by thyroid problems. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating your menstrual cycle.
What to do: If dark or black period blood is suspected to be related to thyroid issues, it is essential to have your thyroid hormone levels checked. Your gynecologist or endocrinologist can then recommend the most appropriate treatment if needed.
3. Menopause
Menopause is the phase that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, defined by the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.
In the period leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, a woman may experience irregular periods or periods that are black or dark. Other common symptoms include hot flashes, mood changes, or difficulty sleeping.
What to do: Depending on the severity of menopausal symptoms, your gynecologist may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
4. Switching birth control
A black or dark period can also occur when you change your oral contraceptive pill or if you are breastfeeding less frequently and your progestin-only pill (mini-pill) is not sufficient to prevent breakthrough bleeding.
What to do: Generally, no specific treatment is necessary for this change. However, if other symptoms are present, it is important to consult your gynecologist for a complete evaluation.
5. Sexually transmitted infections
Certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause the menstrual blood to break down more quickly, making the menstrual blood black or darker.
In addition, this type of menstruation is often accompanied by a foul odor, brown discharge occurring before or after the period, pelvic pain, and a fever above 100.4°F (38°C).
What to do: It is important to consult a gynecologist so that treatment with the most appropriate antibiotic can be started, depending on the specific type of STI.
It is also recommended that both partners undergo treatment, even if one is asymptomatic, to prevent reinfection.
6. Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can cause severe pain in the pelvic region and black or dark, coffee-ground-like bleeding. This bleeding can occur both during and between menstrual cycles.
In these cases, the period is not only dark or black but also tends to be prolonged, sometimes lasting longer than seven days.
What to do: If endometriosis is suspected, you should see your gynecologist for tests to evaluate the uterus and the entire pelvic area. This helps determine the severity of the condition and whether surgery is necessary for treatment.
7. Postpartum bleeding
Another situation where dark or black blood is normal is in the postpartum period. The uterus takes about 45 days to return to its normal size, and bleeding (called lochia) occurs throughout this time.
During this phase, this bleeding is not true menstruation, but its dark color can confuse many women. This is a normal and expected part of recovery.
What to do: If the bleeding is persistent or if new symptoms appear, it is important to consult your gynecologist for an evaluation to confirm if the condition is normal or if treatment is required.
8. Pregnancy
A small amount of pink, brown, or dark red spotting is considered normal in the first few weeks of pregnancy, typically indicating the embryo's implantation into the uterine wall.
However, if black or dark "menstruation" occurs later in the pregnancy or is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, or excessive fatigue, it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
What to do: If dark bleeding occurs later in the gestation period, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. They will perform tests to assess the progression of the pregnancy and identify the cause of the symptoms.