Periods are basically the shedding off of the uterine wall in case there is not implantation. Signaled by the changes in hormones, periods involve bleeding from the vagina.
However, unlike our usual experience of bleeding, say from a cut or wound, period blood tends to be different. It is composite of not only blood, but also contains mucus and tissue in it too.
The entire period experience can vary from person to person. Flow, duration, and the patterns are rather personalized. However, there is a generalized rule book with regards to the color of periods. Noting these is important, so in cases there are issues, these can be reported in time to your gynecologist doctor in Lahore.
Period color and your health
Bright red
Bright red blood is generally fresh blood, that often is accompanied by a stead flow. For in some cases, the bleeding might be heavier, and towards the end of the periods, as things taper off, the flow and the color, both change.
However, at times, bright red blood can be an indicator of health problems, especially if it occurs during the cycle. Some STIs like chlamydia can cause vaginal bleeding.
Similarly, women who are pregnant and get bright red flow need to visit their doctor ASAP, as they might be miscarrying. At times, the bright red blood may be an indicator of cervical cancer, especially when followed by signs including longer periods, heavier flow, weight loss, appetite changes, vaginal discharge that carries a bad odor.
Some polyps or fibroids in the uterus can also cause bright red blood, which is often followed by heavy flow.
Brown
Blood tends to turn brown when it is left to oxidize. While many women get it at the start or the end of their cycle, there are certain conditions in which brown blood is more common.
The implantation bleeding, which some women may experience when they get pregnant, usually is brown in color. Similarly, bleeding that occurs during postpartum can also turn brown after few days.
Women who have PCOS can also have period blood that is browner. Likewise, perimenopausal women can also experience brown bleeding.
In some cases of silent miscarriage, in which the fetus stops developing but the pregnancy is not terminated immediately, can also include brown bleeding.
Black
Black is generally not your jet black but comes in the general vicinity of black. It is usually an indicator of old blood in the uterus, and due to its age, it got oxidized to brown and dark red, eventually turning black as a result.
However, black periods can also be a sign of concern. They might indicate blockage inside the vagina –hence the blood turning stale. If this is followed by signs including fever, problems with urination, discharge that smells off, then you must consult your doctor.
Dark red
Dark red is also an indicator of old blood. It tends to be bleeding from the deeper parts of the uterus, due to which the blood was left to oxidize to a darker shade.
It is generally accompanied with slower bleeding and tends to happen towards the end of the cycle. However, for in some cases, it might also occur at the start of the cycle.
Women who have bleeding in the aftermath of their pregnancy might observe greater volume and instance of darker blood.
Orange
Orange bleeding can be an indicator of infection, especially if followed by itching, discharge, and urination issues.
Pink
Pink blood is generally not a cause for concern. It tends to occur just at the start of, or towards the end of periods. It also is accompanied by a rather light flow.
Grey
Grey blood is mostly an indicator of bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection of the vagina. Other symptoms include itching, foul smelling discharge and pain during urination. If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit your gynecologist doctor in Rawalpindi immediately.
