Why Is My Period Blood Black? 8 Causes Of Black Discharge

The change in the colour of your period might come as a surprise, but in most cases, it's nothing to worry about. There are several reasons why your period may appear black. One common cause is the oxidation of blood when it's discharged later than usual. These colour changes can happen within the same menstrual cycle or vary from one cycle to another due to hormonal fluctuations. Factors like your environment, diet, and overall health can also affect these changes.

These variations in period colour can provide insights into your reproductive well-being, as they often respond to environmental shifts. In the following article, we'll discuss eight reasons why your period may appear darker in colour.

Key Takeaways

• Black period blood can indicate hormonal fluctuations during conditions such as PCOS, postpartum recovery, menopause, and when blood is retained in the body. It can also result from oxidised blood left over from previous or prolonged periods, as well as post-miscarriage bleeding or severe health issues.
  
  
• In some rare instances, black blood might be a sign of pregnancy, specifically during implantation and fertilisation. However, this is not experienced by all women.
  
  
• It is advisable to seek advice from your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you notice any unusual changes in your period.

Why Is My Period Blood Black?

Black period blood can appear alarming, but it's not a cause for significant concern in most instances. Here's a list of potential reasons behind the presence of black-period blood:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Or Hormonal Changes

PCOS could be the underlying issue if you're noticing black period blood. Hormonal shifts are common during premenopause or in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome, leading to changes in the colour of menstrual discharge. These hormonal fluctuations can be triggered by factors such as stress and depression. They can also impact the structure of the uterus, causing a reduction in its wall thickness. This, in turn, delays the shedding of the uterine layer, preventing the timely removal of dead cells. The longer this process takes to complete, the darker the colour of the period blood due to oxidation. Additionally, hormonal imbalances resulting from thyroid problems can also lead to delayed periods and the presence of black discharge.

Hematocolpos

Hematocolpos, also known as retained periods, can result in black blood. This condition arises when blood fails to pass through the vaginal canal, leading to its accumulation within the vagina. Over time, this blood darkens due to oxidation. Several factors can cause blockages leading to hematocolpos, including:

• Amenorrhea (lack of periods)
  
  
• Cervical atresia (complications from surgery)
  
  
• Cervical agenesis (absence of a cervix)

Oxidised Blood At The Beginning Or End

You might wonder, "Why is my period blood black and thick?" During the start or end of your period, delays can occur due to hormonal or bodily changes. As a result, if the blood remains inside the body for an extended period, it has a higher chance of reacting with oxygen and turning dark. Therefore, if you notice this change in colour at the beginning or end of your period, oxidation is likely the cause. You can rest assured that your body will naturally expel it.

Something Stuck Inside

Objects such as remnants of sex toys or tampons could be responsible for the presence of black blood during your period. The colour change can be attributed to an infection caused by irritation of the vaginal lining by objects like condoms, contraceptives, and tampons. This irritation may manifest as symptoms like itching, discomfort, unpleasant odour, swelling, slow urination, or abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can even pose a life-threatening situation, so it's crucial to consult your doctor immediately if you suspect this is the case.

Post-Implantation Bleeding

While black blood during your period can be unsettling, it may also be a sign of pregnancy. Dark brown bleeding can occasionally occur in early pregnancy as a part of the implantation process. During this process, the egg takes time to embed itself in the uterus, causing older blood to linger in the body and darken over time.

Postpartum Bleeding

Following childbirth, you may encounter black-coloured blood as part of a natural process known as Lochia. This process facilitates the removal of residual blood and clots from the body. The blood darkens as it oxidises, almost reaching a black hue. However, after approximately four days, the blood typically returns to its standard colour as the internal vaginal lining gets cleansed of the heavy black flow. Lighter bleeding continues 6-8 weeks post-delivery, gradually transitioning to a beige-yellow shade before ceasing entirely.

Post-Miscarriage Bleeding

Post-miscarriage bleeding often includes blood with clots, resulting in the discharge of thick black fluid instead of a regular period. The colour and thickness of miscarriage bleeding can vary and may persist intermittently for some time after the miscarriage. This occurrence is expected within the first five months of pregnancy and may suggest that embryo development has ceased. Therefore, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience similar symptoms.

Serious Health Conditions

In rare instances, black period blood can be indicative of an underlying health condition, including cervical cancer or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the case of cervical cancer, irregular bleeding with a blackish hue may occur post-intercourse or during menstruation. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, pain during sexual intercourse, a foul odour, pelvic pain, weight loss, and difficulty in urination. However, these symptoms typically manifest in the advanced stages of cervical cancer. The discharge may be white or clear early, gradually darkening over time. STIs can also lead to black blood, itching, discharge, and an unpleasant odour.

When to Consult A Doctor

The presence of black blood during a period can serve as a potential indicator of underlying health conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and more. Furthermore, if black blood is accompanied by additional symptoms such as pain, foul odour, itching, and so on, it could potentially suggest an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, seeking medical consultation for a thorough and accurate diagnosis is strongly advisable.

Mobi Doctor can provide essential medical guidance and support for addressing concerns related to black blood during periods and other health issues. Consultation with Mobi Doctor can offer valuable insights and recommendations for your well-being.