All women know that menstrual blood may vary in consistency and also in color during a menstrual period. In most cases it is absolutely normal. But, sometimes it may indicate a serious problem, so it is necessary to seek a medical help.
In this article we will talk about bright red menstrual blood and its potential causes. Is it something normal or it may be the symptom of some more serious condition? Read along this article and you will find out.
If you have also experienced bright red blood during your menstrual cycle, this article may be useful for you, so let’s start. First we will tell you something more about a menstrual cycle and then we will tell you what to do if your menstrual blood turns bright red.
What is Happening During Your Menstrual Period?
It is known that every menstrual cycle usually lasts between 28 and 32 days, but this is not always a rule. Every woman has a different cycle and each menstrual cycle depends on many factors. There are women whose cycles last 21 days, but also women with cycles of 35 days. And what is actually happening during a menstrual period?
Well, the uterine lining is getting thicker in order to be ready for pregnancy. Then the lining of the uterus is removed together with blood. A normal menstrual period lasts from 2 to 7 days. Now we will see what can cause menstrual blood to change in color or consistency.
Changes in Menstrual Blood Color
A menstrual blood may change in color so it can vary from pink, bright red, dark red or even brown color. The color of menstrual blood depends on many factors.
The most common cause of pink or pale red blood color is anemia or imbalanced diet. It means that you should increase the intake of iron rich foods.
Sometimes the color of menstrual blood may also be orange and in most cases it indicates that you have an infection. It is best to visit your doctor in this case.
When your menstrual blood is dark red, you don’t have to worry. It usually means that the blood has stayed in your uterus for a longer period of time. In most cases women notice that their menstrual blood is dark red when they wake up in the morning. If your blood is also dark red, you can relax.
Have you ever heard that your menstrual blood may be brown or even black? Well, it is true. This blood usually appears at the beginning or at the end of a menstrual cycle. In most cases it is only light bleeding and you don’t have to worry. Also, women with irregular periods usually experience brown or black menstrual blood.
Now when you know that the changes in blood color during a menstruation cycle are normal, we will tell you something more about bright red menstrual blood. Is this normal to have a bright red blood during a period? What does it mean? Should you be worried if your menstrual blood is bright red? Just continue reading this article and you will find out soon.
Is It Normal To Have a Bright Red Period Blood?
If you have also noticed that your menstrual blood is bright red, you don’t have to panic immediately. In most cases it is normal and there’s no need to worry. Also, bright red color of the blood may indicate that blood has been recently released from your body. When blood is becoming darker, it means that this blood is older.
Blood is usually bright red at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The color is becoming darker when the period ends. One more possible cause of bright red blood during a menstrual period is a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in iron and other nutrients, so in this case bright red blood is a good thing.
When Bright Red Blood May Be Dangerous?
Although in most cases there is no need to worry, bright red menstrual blood is not always normal. There are many reasons that may cause menstrual blood to be bright red. Below you will see when bright red menstrual blood may be dangerous.
Hormonal Imbalance. A hormonal imbalance is one of the most common reasons and it may appear due to the changes in lifestyle and also due to unhealthy diet. Stress may also be one of the causes of hormonal imbalance in the body.
Ovarian Cysts. Cysts in the ovaries may also change a color of your menstrual blood. If it happens, you will need a medical help.
Miscarriage. In some serious cases bright red blood may be the sign of miscarriage. But, in this case you will also experience severe stomach cramps. In order to prevent serious miscarriage complications, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Most Common Causes of Menstrual Problems
Menstrual blood problems may be caused by many different factors. As we have already said, in most cases some changes in blood color are normal. But if you notice that clots have appeared in your blood during a menstrual period or if you notice that the blood has changed in thickness or in color, you should consult your health provider.
Miscarriage. Miscarriage is one of the most frequent causes of clots in your menstrual blood. If you think that you might be pregnant, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Have in mind that light bleeding during pregnancy may be normal, but blood clots may indicate that you had a miscarriage.
Uterine Fibroids. Fibroids in your uterus may also be the cause of menstrual blood problems. Fibroids are actually non-cancerous tumors which are formed in your uterus. But, an interesting fact is that many women with uterine fibroids don’t have symptoms at all. Other women notice that their menstrual blood contains clots and that the flows of their menstrual blood are much higher.
Hormonal Changes. Hormonal changes are also a common cause of menstrual blood problems. A balance of estrogen and progesterone is necessary for proper function of your body. When there is no balance between these hormones, the lining of the uterus becomes too thick. It may cause a lot of bleeding and also blood clots.
Thyroid Disorders. Studies have shown that thyroid disorders are also related to menstrual blood problems.
When Should You See a Doctor?
As we have already said, problems with menstrual bleeding in most cases are not serious. Bright red color of your menstrual blood or high blood loss may occur sometimes and it is absolutely normal. But, if you notice some other symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.
For example, if you experience fatigue or if you have frequent bleeding between two menstrual periods, you should visit a doctor. Also, if you notice clots in your menstrual blood or if your complexion is too pale, it is a sign that something is not okay with you.
Women who lose large amounts of blood during a menstrual cycle may also experience an iron deficiency. It can lead to anemia, which is manifested by following symptoms: frequent headaches, irritability, difficulties with breathing, etc. In this case you will have to increase your intake of foods that are rich in iron, such as broccoli, meat, spinach, etc.
Summary
You have seen in this article that menstrual blood may sometimes change in color and it is not something unusual. Your menstrual blood may vary from bright red, dark red to brown or black color sometimes. The color of your menstrual blood depends on many factors.
As we have mentioned in this article, if you experience bright red blood during your menstrual cycle, you don’t have to worry. In most cases it is not anything serious. This color of the blood is normal at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
But, bright red color might also be the symptom of some more serious conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, miscarriage or ovarian cysts. Whatever is the cause of bright red menstrual blood, it is best to visit your doctor. He will give you the right diagnosis and he will tell you how to treat it correctly.
We hope this article has been useful and interesting for you. Also, we are sure that you will be more responsible after reading this article and that you will visit your gynecologist regularly. Remember that regular gynecological examinations are the key of every woman’s health.
