{"id":61850,"date":"2023-12-01T17:48:30","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T22:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61850"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:23:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:23:36","slug":"why-is-my-period-blood-brown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-is-my-period-blood-brown\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is my period blood brown?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you notice brown <\/span>period<\/span><\/a> blood, there’s typically nothing to be worried about. “Brown period blood is a relatively common occurrence and is typically not a cause for significant concern,” says <\/span>Michael Green, MD, OB\/GYN<\/span><\/a> and co-founder at <\/span>Winona<\/span><\/a>. This color change “usually results from the slow release of old blood that has oxidized, giving it a brownish hue,” says Dr. Green.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most cases of brown blood occur as your period flow slows down, but blood can be brown for other reasons, too. Here, we’ll go into detail about the various reasons period blood can be brown, when brown period blood may be a concern, what the other possible colors of period blood mean, and how to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes brown period blood?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While most cases of brown period blood are simply from your period blood flowing slower and becoming oxidized, certain medical conditions or medications may also cause brown period blood. Let’s take a closer look at the various causes of brown period blood and what type of symptoms require a visit to your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting or ending your period<\/span><\/h3>\n

Have you ever wondered, “Why is my period blood brown on the first day?” The most common cause of brown period blood is because bleeding is slower at the start of the period, allowing more time for oxidation in the vaginal canal. “With the addition of oxygen, this blood will change from a bright red to brown or black,” says <\/span>Ruth O. Arumala, DO, MPH<\/span><\/a>, gynecologist and co-chief medical officer at <\/span>Zuri Fertility<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s also possible to have brown spotting or bleeding for most of your period,” says <\/span>Kelly Culwell, MD, OB-GYN<\/span><\/a>, also known as Dr. Lady Doctor: “If your period is brown for the entire time, that likely just means that the flow is light.” <\/span><\/p>\n

Endometriosis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Endometriosis<\/span><\/a> is a condition that causes cells from your uterus to grow in other parts of your body, <\/span>such as your ovaries, rectum, and bladder<\/span><\/a>. In addition to causing painful periods, endometriosis can cause abnormal bleeding. “This bleeding may look like thick blood, but it can also lead to brownish bleeding or dark blood during your period,” says Shandra Scruggs, RN, registered labor and delivery nurse and doula, and the founder of <\/span>Simply Birthed<\/span><\/a>. If you have symptoms of endometriosis, such as intense cramps or heavy flow, you should visit your healthcare provider for treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Endometrial polyps<\/span><\/h3>\n

“A lesser-known cause of brown bleeding during your period is endometrial polyps,” says Dr. Green. <\/span>Endometrial polyps<\/span><\/a> are small benign growths in your uterine lining that can cause irregular bleeding. “The brown color occurs when blood pools in the polyps before being discharged,” Dr. Green explains. “Other symptoms might include heavy or irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, or spotting between periods.” Visit your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uterine fibroids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Uterine fibroids are another kind of benign (non-cancerous growth) in the uterus that can lead to abnormal bleeding. Uterine fibroids can affect your periods, “leading to brownish blood, especially if they block the flow,” Scruggs says. <\/span>Uterine fibroids are common<\/span><\/a> and don’t always require treatment. But if you are noticing unusual symptoms, such as abdominal pain, low back pain, discomfort while urinating, or heavy or unusual period flow, you should consult your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Implantation bleeding<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you’ve conceived during your cycle, you may experience some brown bleeding or spotting around the time you are expecting your period. This may be due to <\/span>implantation bleeding<\/span><\/a>, which is an early sign of pregnancy that occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. “This blood is minimal, so it may take a long time to exit the body, resulting in an ability of the blood to be oxidized, thus resulting in the brown color,” Dr. Arumala explains. It’s typically normal to experience <\/span>light bleeding and mild cramping during early pregnancy<\/span><\/a>. Still, if your bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by intense cramping or dizziness, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. <\/span><\/p>\n

Postpartum bleeding<\/span><\/h3>\n

It’s normal to experience menstrual-like bleeding for about three weeks after giving birth, whether vaginally or by C-section. This postpartum bleeding is called “lochia.” Toward the end of the postpartum bleeding period, it’s common to see some brown blood. “The flow tends to slow down as you near the end of postpartum recovery, thus allowing for oxidization,” Dr. Arumala says. Although lochia is normal, <\/span>reasons to contact your healthcare provider postpartum<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n