[Women's Health] Is dark red menstrual blood normal? You can tell your physical condition from the color, smell and discharge of menstrual blood
Menstruation is a unique treasure for women. It can reflect various physical conditions and deserves our more attention. Many women may feel panicked and worried about abnormal menstrual blood, but they don’t know whether they need to see a doctor for examination. This time, the editor will explain various menstrual blood conditions, analyze normal and abnormal menstrual blood and secretions, and unlock the codes of the female body one by one.
A. What is the normal color of menstrual blood?
normal menstrual blood color
This is because the lining of the uterus, which is rich in blood vessels, is shed and the blood is discharged. When the red blood cells in the blood come into contact with oxygen, hemoglobin combines with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin, making the blood appear bright red. The red blood cells in this blood come into contact with air, causing the oxyhemoglobin to appear bright red in color.
OMG my menstrual blood is black
Don't worry, this is because the menstrual blood took too long to leave the body or the endometrium may not be completely peeled off. The red blood cells in the blood have been partially decomposed, making the blood darker, causing the blood to oxidize and appear black. , so black menstrual blood does not mean there is a major problem with the body. However, be aware that this may reflect unstable menstrual cycles.
Light pink menstrual blood
Pink menstrual blood may be due to a relatively small flow or dilution by cervical mucus. It may mean that individual estrogen may be lower than that of normal women. However, if there is a large amount of pink menstrual blood and there is concern about miscarriage, pregnant women are advised to ask their attending doctor for advice.
orange menstrual blood
If your menstrual blood appears orange, accompanied by abnormal viscosity and odor, you need to observe it carefully. It may be the following situations:
- Infections: Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or vaginal infections can cause menstrual blood to appear orange. For example, some bacterial infections or yeast infections can cause blood discoloration.
- Endocrine disorders: Certain endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems, can affect a woman's menstrual cycle and blood color.
- Medication use: Certain medications or oral contraceptives may cause changes in the color of menstrual blood, including orange.
It is recommended that everyone check with the doctor for early treatment for peace of mind.
B. Analysis of vaginal secretions
Why is my vaginal discharge gray?
It is most likely due to "Vaginal Candidiasis", also known as vaginal candida infection or vaginal yeast infection, which is a common vaginal infection. Abnormally high levels of Candida in the vagina can cause inflammation and discomfort. Common symptoms include vaginal itching, vaginal burning, and white, cheese-like discharge from the vagina.
What does normal leucorrhea look like? Why is there leucorrhea?
"Leucorrhea" is a white viscous substance mixed with mucus and exudate secreted by various parts of the reproductive organs such as the cervix, vagina, and vaginal opening. After entering puberty, the vagina will begin to secrete leucorrhea to protect the vagina. The purpose is to lubricate and avoid infection. Normal leucorrhea usually has a certain consistency, similar to cheese or gel. This consistency helps protect the vagina from bacteria and other microorganisms and helps maintain vaginal pH balance.
Leucorrhea consistency during ovulation
Women may have more leucorrhea before ovulation and a few days after ovulation. During ovulation, the consistency of your vaginal discharge may increase. This is to help sperm pass more easily through the vagina and into the uterus during conception. This type of leucorrhea is usually clear, stretchy, and thin.
Does cheese-shaped leucorrhea mean candida infection?
This may be Candida vaginitis, mentioned above, which is one of the common problems caused by Candida infection. In this case, the vaginal discharge usually becomes thicker and creamier, sometimes accompanied by itching and discomfort.
If you unfortunately suffer from Candida vaginitis, your doctor will prescribe an appropriate dose of probiotic vaginal plugs (also called suppositories) for approximately 1 to 7 days of treatment, depending on the severity of the infection. In addition, doctors will also prescribe topical ointments to relieve patients’ vulvar itching. For patients who have been suffering from Candida infection for a long time or who are prone to relapse, doctors will prescribe oral medications with preventive effects. If the patient is pregnant, plugs will be used instead.
Thin frothy leucorrhea
Certain bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, may cause the vaginal discharge to change in consistency. The vaginal discharge may become thinner or frothy.
My leucorrhea is different from before. Is there something wrong with my body?
When women enter menopause, the body's hormone secretion decreases, and the leucorrhea becomes less and dry. This is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to worry. If you feel that the consistency of your leucorrhea is different from usual and your menstrual blood is too thin, it may be due to a decrease in estrogen secretion in your body, which may be a sign of menopause.
Menopause refers to the transition period when a woman’s ovarian function gradually decreases from a strong state to disappearing before and after menstruation ceases. Most women enter "premenopause" from the age of 40-50 until 5 years after menopause, and are still in the menopausal stage. Symptoms of menopause include: hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, mood swings, muscle and joint pain, osteoporosis, calcium loss, vaginal dryness, urethral inflammation, and weight gain.
C. Are my menstrual blood clots normal?
Menstrual blood clots vary in severity and size from person to person, but there are usually some general indicators to look at. Such as blood clot size, number, coagulation degree and color, etc. This will be described in detail below.
normal size of blood clot
Normal menstrual blood clot size is usually between a dime and a dollar, but can be smaller or larger. The size of the blood clot does not necessarily indicate a problem. As long as there are no other abnormal symptoms, there is generally no need to worry too much.
number of blood clots
Typically, more blood clots will appear when menstruation has just begun and the menstrual bleeding is heavy. This is because the amount of menstrual blood in the uterus at this time far exceeds the anti-prothrombin secreted by the uterus. If the amount of menstrual blood is too large, the prothrombin secreted by the uterine cavity is not enough, and part of the menstrual blood will be excreted in the form of blood clots. However, it is normal for blood clots to appear in the middle of menstruation or near the end.
In addition, if you sit or lie down for a long time and then stand up, you are more likely to develop more blood clots. Especially when you sit or lie down, large amounts of menstrual blood can accumulate in the uterus and vagina along with blood clots. Once you stand up straight, the blood clot will flow downward with the menstrual blood.
degree of solidification
Normal menstrual blood clots are usually slightly solidified, sometimes fluid, and tend to be in the shape of a puddle of soft fluid, but they should not be large or overly solid like a gel. If you find that your menstrual blood clots are very large and clotted, such as jelly-sized or hard, you may need to consult your doctor.
Blood clot color
Normal menstrual blood clots are usually dark red or dark red, and sometimes may have some brown or black clots. This is because the blood stays in the uterus for a long time and becomes oxidized and changes color. However, if the blood clot is bright or bright red, it may be cause for concern, as it may be associated with bleeding, abnormal clotting, uterine tissue, and other problems.
D. Summary
At the end, I would like to remind everyone that you don’t need to worry too much if you have various types of menstruation. Everyone’s menstrual situation is different. Some people may have more or less blood clots, while some people have almost no blood clots. There are also examples where there is a lot of traffic, or there is almost no traffic. As long as the body functions are normal and the test results are normal, there is no need to worry too much.
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