Understanding Brown Period Blood
Period blood colors and textures can vary greatly among individuals and can even change throughout the course of a single cycle for a person. The color and texture of period blood can be pink, bright red, dark red, brown, and even black, including mucus-like or clotted texture. Specifically, brown period blood represents blood that took longer to exit the body and get oxidized.
Why Does Period Blood Turn Brown?
Brown period blood is typically a sign that your body is shedding an older uterine lining. When blood stays in the uterus longer, it may become brown in color. It essentially means that the blood, and bits of the uterine lining, took a bit longer to get expelled. The longer the blood stays in the uterus, or slowly moves down the vaginal canal, the darker it becomes due to oxidation processes.
When is Brown Period Blood Noticeable?
You might notice brown period blood at the beginning or end of your period especially. At the start, your body may be just beginning to shed the uterine lining, and at the end, your period could be tapering off so it takes longer for the blood to exit your body.
Is Brown Period Blood Normal?
Having brown period blood is perfectly normal and it’s typically a sign that there is nothing to worry about. In fact, many people find that their period blood is occasionally a darker colour than at other times during their cycle and it’s generally no cause for alarm.
Rare Case: When You Should Worry?
While brown period blood is generally perfectly healthy and normal, there are a few circumstances where it could be cause for concern. If the period blood is consistently brown and it comes with irregular periods, heavy flow or pain, it might be a sign of certain health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or uterine fibroids. In these cases, it is recommended to see a gynaecologist to discuss your symptoms.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it’s totally normal for your period blood to differ from month to month – all periods are different and the color, consistency, and length of your period can change due to many factors. Brown period blood merely represents blood that took a little longer to exit the body becoming oxidized along the way. However, if you notice persistent changes or if you’re concerned about your period, you should consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential health issues.