What do different poop colors indicate. How can diet affect stool color. When should you be concerned about changes in stool color. What causes black, red, or pale-colored stools. How to interpret green, yellow, or orange poop.

The Rainbow of Stool Colors: What’s Normal and What’s Not

The color of your stool can provide valuable insights into your digestive health and overall wellbeing. While variations in stool color are often harmless and related to diet, certain hues may signal underlying health issues that require medical attention. Let’s explore the spectrum of stool colors and their potential meanings.

Normal Stool Color: Shades of Brown

Healthy stools typically range from light to dark brown. This color results from the presence of bile, a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion. As bile pigments travel through the digestive system, they undergo chemical changes, ultimately turning brown.

Is brown always normal. While brown is the most common and generally healthy stool color, variations within this range are perfectly normal. Factors such as diet, hydration, and transit time through the digestive tract can influence the exact shade of brown.

Green Stools: Causes and Considerations

Green stools are often harmless and can be attributed to various factors. However, understanding the potential causes can help you determine whether there’s reason for concern.

Dietary Influences on Green Stools

Many foods can contribute to green-colored stools:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce)
• Green food coloring in beverages or desserts
• Iron supplements
• Algae-based supplements

Can medications cause green stools. Yes, certain medications, particularly those containing chlorophyll or with strong coloring agents, can lead to green-tinged stools.

Non-Dietary Causes of Green Stools

Sometimes, green stools may indicate other factors:

1. Rapid intestinal transit: When food moves too quickly through the digestive system, bile doesn’t have time to break down completely, resulting in greenish stools.
2. Bacterial infections: Certain gut infections can cause green, loose stools.
3. Bile production issues: Rarely, green stools may indicate problems with bile production or flow.

Should you worry about occasional green stools. Generally, infrequent green stools are not a cause for concern, especially if you can attribute them to dietary changes. However, persistent green stools accompanied by other symptoms may warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Yellow Stools: Potential Digestive Issues

Yellow stools can range from pale yellow to a more mustard-like hue. While sometimes normal, yellow stools can also indicate digestive problems.

Causes of Yellow Stools

Several factors can contribute to yellow-colored stools:

• Excess fat in the stool (steatorrhea)
• Celiac disease or gluten intolerance
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Giardiasis (a parasitic infection)
• Gilbert’s syndrome (a harmless liver condition)

How can you tell if yellow stools are concerning. Yellow stools that are greasy, foul-smelling, and float in the toilet bowl may indicate malabsorption or excess fat in the stool. This could be a sign of various digestive issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Dietary Influences on Yellow Stools

Certain foods and supplements can occasionally cause yellow stools:

1. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and other yellow or orange vegetables
2. Turmeric and other yellow spices
3. Beta-carotene supplements

Is yellow stool normal in infants. Yellow, seedy stools are common and normal in breastfed infants. However, in adults, persistent yellow stools may require further investigation.

White, Pale, or Clay-Colored Stools: Potential Liver and Gallbladder Concerns

Pale or clay-colored stools can be alarming and often indicate a lack of bile in the stool. This can point to problems in bile production, storage, or release.

Causes of Pale Stools

Several conditions can lead to pale or clay-colored stools:

• Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Gallbladder problems (gallstones, cholecystitis)
• Pancreatic disorders
• Biliary obstruction
• Certain medications (e.g., some antidiarrheal drugs)

Can medications cause pale stools. Yes, certain medications like bismuth subsalicylate (found in Pepto-Bismol) can temporarily cause light-colored stools. Barium, used in some diagnostic imaging procedures, can also lead to pale stools.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Pale Stools

Persistent pale or clay-colored stools should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as:

1. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
2. Dark urine
3. Abdominal pain
4. Unexplained weight loss

How long should you wait before seeing a doctor for pale stools. If pale stools persist for more than a day or two and cannot be attributed to medication or recent procedures, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Black Stools: Potential Upper GI Bleeding or Benign Causes

Black stools, especially those with a tarry consistency, can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, there are also less concerning causes of black stools.

Benign Causes of Black Stools

Several dietary and medicinal factors can lead to black stools without cause for alarm:

• Iron supplements
• Bismuth subsalicylate (found in Pepto-Bismol)
• Black licorice
• Blueberries (in large quantities)
• Charcoal-containing products

How can you distinguish between harmless black stools and those caused by bleeding. Black stools due to upper GI bleeding typically have a tarry consistency and a distinctive, foul odor. They may also be accompanied by other symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or abdominal pain.

Medical Causes of Black Stools

Black, tarry stools (medically termed “melena”) can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, including:

1. Gastric or duodenal ulcers
2. Esophageal varices
3. Gastritis
4. Esophagitis
5. Certain cancers

When should you seek immediate medical attention for black stools. If you experience black, tarry stools that cannot be explained by diet or medication, especially if accompanied by symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention promptly. This could indicate a serious condition requiring immediate evaluation.

Red or Reddish Stools: Identifying Lower GI Issues

Red or reddish stools can be alarming, as they often suggest the presence of blood. However, not all red stools are caused by bleeding, and it’s important to consider various factors.

Dietary Causes of Red Stools

Several foods and supplements can cause red or reddish stools without any health concerns:

• Beets
• Red food coloring
• Tomato-based products
• Red gelatin or popsicles
• Cranberries

How long do dietary causes affect stool color. Typically, red stools caused by food return to normal within 48-72 hours after consuming the colorful item. If red stools persist beyond this timeframe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Medical Causes of Red Stools

When not attributed to diet, red stools may indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Potential causes include:

1. Hemorrhoids
2. Anal fissures
3. Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
4. Diverticular bleeding
5. Colorectal polyps or cancer

Can certain medications cause red stools. Yes, some medications, particularly those containing red dyes, can lead to reddish stools. Additionally, iron supplements can sometimes cause dark red or black stools.

When should you be concerned about red stools. If you notice bright red blood in your stool or on toilet paper, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Orange Stools: Digestive Changes and Dietary Influences

Orange stools, while less common than other colors, can occur due to various factors ranging from diet to certain medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help determine whether orange stools are a cause for concern.

Dietary Causes of Orange Stools

Several foods and supplements can contribute to orange-colored stools:

• Beta-carotene-rich foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin)
• Artificial food colorings
• Medications containing red or yellow dyes
• Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide

How quickly can diet affect stool color. Dietary changes can alter stool color within 24-48 hours of consumption. If orange stools persist beyond a few days after eliminating potential dietary causes, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider.

Medical Causes of Orange Stools

In some cases, orange stools may indicate underlying health issues:

1. Bile duct obstruction
2. Celiac disease
3. Short bowel syndrome
4. Chronic pancreatitis
5. Certain liver disorders

Can medications cause orange stools. Yes, certain medications, particularly those containing red or yellow dyes, can lead to orange-colored stools. Some antibiotics may also alter stool color.

When should orange stools be a cause for concern. If orange stools persist for more than a few days, are accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or changes in bowel habits, or if you cannot attribute them to dietary factors, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Help for Stool Color Changes

While many stool color changes are harmless and temporary, certain situations warrant medical attention. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider can help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential underlying conditions.

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor

Consider seeking medical evaluation if you experience:

• Black, tarry stools not explained by diet or medication
• Bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper
• Persistent white or clay-colored stools
• Persistent changes in stool color accompanied by other symptoms
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue along with stool color changes

How urgently should you seek medical attention for concerning stool changes. If you experience black, tarry stools or bright red blood in the stool, especially if accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical care as this could indicate a medical emergency.

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit

To help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis, consider the following steps:

1. Keep a food diary to track potential dietary causes of stool color changes
2. Note any medications or supplements you’re taking
3. Document the duration and frequency of the stool color changes
4. Record any accompanying symptoms
5. If possible, take a clear photo of the concerning stool (check with your healthcare provider first)

What tests might a doctor order for stool color changes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may recommend various tests, including stool analysis, blood tests, imaging studies (like CT scans or endoscopies), or colonoscopy to investigate the cause of stool color changes.

Remember, while stool color can provide valuable health insights, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Always consider stool color changes in the context of your overall health, diet, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and evaluation.

What Do Different Poop Colors Mean?

Written by Hope Cristol

• What Do Different Stool Colors Mean?
• Normal Poop Color
• Green Poop
• Yellow Poop
• White, Pale, or Clay-Colored Poop
• Black Poop
• Red or Reddish Poop
• Orange Poop
• When to Get Help for Poop Color Changes
• More

Different stool colors can mean different things, mostly depending on what you’ve eaten.

You’d probably notice if your poop is a different hue than normal. But what does it mean if it’s green? What about red, yellow, white, or black? Or orange?

Most of the time, minor changes in the color of your waste are due to diet. After all, we don’t eat the same thing at every meal, every day. But sometimes a color change can signal a minor health issue. In rare cases, it means something serious is wrong in your digestive system.

If the color you see before you flush worries you, call your doctor.

Poop is normally brown. The color is the result of what you eat and how much bile is in your stool.

Bile is a fluid your liver makes to digest fats. It starts out as a yellowish green color. But as the pigments that give bile its color travel through your digestive system, they go through chemical changes and turn brown.

Your poop can sometimes have a slightly greenish hue, or even be a more vivid green. Most of the time, green or greenish poop is normal.

Is your diet causing green poop?

Think back on what you’ve been eating. These foods and supplements can cause your poop to be green:

• Green veggies, like spinach or kale
• Green food coloring, such as in drink mixes or ice pops
• Iron supplements

Other causes of green poop

If you have green diarrhea, the color of your food may not be to blame. It’s likely that your meal moved through your gut too quickly, so the fat-digesting bile didn’t have time to turn brown.

There may be times when your poop looks more yellow than brown.

This shade is also normal for many people. It’s common for babies, especially those who breastfeed. But if you have yellow poop that looks greasy and smells very bad, it may have too much fat. That could be a sign your body isn’t digesting food properly.

Is your diet causing yellow poop?

Indirectly, your diet could cause yellow poop. If you have celiac disease, your body can’t handle a protein called gluten, which is in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have the condition and eat foods that have gluten, like many breads, pastas, and cookies, your intestines won’t work as they should. So, if you’re eating those foods, and your poop is yellow, it may be time to see a doctor.

Other causes of yellow poop

There may be other causes of yellow poop that’s greasy and smelly. If it happens to you often, tell your doctor.

Sometimes, poop may not have much color at all.

Is your diet causing pale poop?

If your poop is pale, it’s not likely directly due to a food. But medicines for diarrhea like bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) can sometimes cause pale or clay-colored poop. So can barium, a chalky liquid you drink before you get X-rays of the upper part of your digestive tract.

Other causes of pale poop

A more serious cause is a lack of bile in your stool. (Remember, bile gives poop its brown color.) Your body makes bile in the liver, stores it in the gallbladder, and releases it into your small intestine to help digest your food. If there’s not enough of it to give your poop its typical brown color, it could be a sign of a problem along the way.

Liver disease, such as hepatitis, can keep bile from getting into your body waste. So can a blockage in the tubes (called ducts) that carry bile. This can happen because of:

• Gallstones
• A tumor
• A condition you’re born with called biliary atresia

Babies’ poop is black for the first few days after they’re born. Otherwise, it may be because you ate something very dark-colored or took a medicine or supplement that causes black poop. But this color can be a sign of a more serious problem: bleeding in the upper part of your digestive tract.

Is your diet causing black poop?

Foods and supplements that turn poop black include:

• Black licorice
• Blueberries
• Iron supplements

Medicines that have bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) can also cause very dark stools.

Other causes of black poop

Poop that looks like tar is often a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. Some causes include:

• Bleeding from stomach ulcers
• Bleeding sores in your esophagus from acid reflux
• Bleeding from noncancerous tumors in the upper GI tract
• Cancer

If you don’t think black poop came from what you ate, you need to talk to your doctor.

If you see red or reddish poop in the toilet, don’t be alarmed right away. First ask yourself if you’ve had red foods lately.

Is your diet causing red or reddish poop?

Several foods can change the color of your stool to a pink or reddish color:

• Beets
• Tomato soup
• Gelatin dessert
• Red drinks

Other causes of red or reddish poop

If you don’t think your diet is the cause, the red you see may be blood. And if it’s bright red, the blood likely comes from the lower part of your digestive tract. Common causes include:

• Noncancerous tumors
• Cancer
• Inflammation in the colon, called colitis
• Growths called polyps in your colon
• Conditions caused by small sacs in the wall of the colon, called diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids

Call your doctor if you see red that’s probably not from food you ate.

Poop can often come out the color of the food that went in, especially if you have diarrhea. If your poop has an orange hue, it’s most likely due to some orange foods.

Is your diet causing orange poop?

Foods that have beta-carotene can turn your poop orange, such as:

• Carrots
• Winter squash
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes

Foods with orange coloring, such as sodas, candy, or gelatin dessert, can also give your poop an orange color.

Also, antibiotics and antacids that have aluminum hydroxide in them can make your stool orange.

Other causes of orange poop

Rarely, poop can be orange if you have a problem with your liver that causes it to make less bile than normal, or a blockage that keeps bile from leaving the liver and entering your system. But usually, if this is the case, your poop will be pale or clay-colored.

Most of the time, poop that’s a different color from what you’re used to isn’t something to worry about. It’s rare for it to be a sign of a serious condition in your digestive system. But if it’s white, bright red, or black, and you don’t think it’s from something you ate, call your doctor.

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What Do Different Poop Colors Mean?

Written by Hope Cristol

• What Do Different Stool Colors Mean?
• Normal Poop Color
• Green Poop
• Yellow Poop
• White, Pale, or Clay-Colored Poop
• Black Poop
• Red or Reddish Poop
• Orange Poop
• When to Get Help for Poop Color Changes
• More

Different stool colors can mean different things, mostly depending on what you’ve eaten.

You’d probably notice if your poop is a different hue than normal. But what does it mean if it’s green? What about red, yellow, white, or black? Or orange?

Most of the time, minor changes in the color of your waste are due to diet. After all, we don’t eat the same thing at every meal, every day. But sometimes a color change can signal a minor health issue. In rare cases, it means something serious is wrong in your digestive system.

If the color you see before you flush worries you, call your doctor.

Poop is normally brown. The color is the result of what you eat and how much bile is in your stool.

Bile is a fluid your liver makes to digest fats. It starts out as a yellowish green color. But as the pigments that give bile its color travel through your digestive system, they go through chemical changes and turn brown.

Your poop can sometimes have a slightly greenish hue, or even be a more vivid green. Most of the time, green or greenish poop is normal.

Is your diet causing green poop?

Think back on what you’ve been eating. These foods and supplements can cause your poop to be green:

• Green veggies, like spinach or kale
• Green food coloring, such as in drink mixes or ice pops
• Iron supplements

Other causes of green poop

If you have green diarrhea, the color of your food may not be to blame. It’s likely that your meal moved through your gut too quickly, so the fat-digesting bile didn’t have time to turn brown.

There may be times when your poop looks more yellow than brown.

This shade is also normal for many people. It’s common for babies, especially those who breastfeed. But if you have yellow poop that looks greasy and smells very bad, it may have too much fat. That could be a sign your body isn’t digesting food properly.

Is your diet causing yellow poop?

Indirectly, your diet could cause yellow poop. If you have celiac disease, your body can’t handle a protein called gluten, which is in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have the condition and eat foods that have gluten, like many breads, pastas, and cookies, your intestines won’t work as they should. So, if you’re eating those foods, and your poop is yellow, it may be time to see a doctor.

Other causes of yellow poop

There may be other causes of yellow poop that’s greasy and smelly. If it happens to you often, tell your doctor.

Sometimes, poop may not have much color at all.

Is your diet causing pale poop?

If your poop is pale, it’s not likely directly due to a food. But medicines for diarrhea like bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) can sometimes cause pale or clay-colored poop. So can barium, a chalky liquid you drink before you get X-rays of the upper part of your digestive tract.

Other causes of pale poop

A more serious cause is a lack of bile in your stool. (Remember, bile gives poop its brown color.) Your body makes bile in the liver, stores it in the gallbladder, and releases it into your small intestine to help digest your food. If there’s not enough of it to give your poop its typical brown color, it could be a sign of a problem along the way.

Liver disease, such as hepatitis, can keep bile from getting into your body waste. So can a blockage in the tubes (called ducts) that carry bile. This can happen because of:

• Gallstones
• A tumor
• A condition you’re born with called biliary atresia

Babies’ poop is black for the first few days after they’re born. Otherwise, it may be because you ate something very dark-colored or took a medicine or supplement that causes black poop. But this color can be a sign of a more serious problem: bleeding in the upper part of your digestive tract.

Is your diet causing black poop?

Foods and supplements that turn poop black include:

• Black licorice
• Blueberries
• Iron supplements

Medicines that have bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) can also cause very dark stools.

Other causes of black poop

Poop that looks like tar is often a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. Some causes include:

• Bleeding from stomach ulcers
• Bleeding sores in your esophagus from acid reflux
• Bleeding from noncancerous tumors in the upper GI tract
• Cancer

If you don’t think black poop came from what you ate, you need to talk to your doctor.

If you see red or reddish poop in the toilet, don’t be alarmed right away. First ask yourself if you’ve had red foods lately.

Is your diet causing red or reddish poop?

Several foods can change the color of your stool to a pink or reddish color:

• Beets
• Tomato soup
• Gelatin dessert
• Red drinks

Other causes of red or reddish poop

If you don’t think your diet is the cause, the red you see may be blood. And if it’s bright red, the blood likely comes from the lower part of your digestive tract. Common causes include:

• Noncancerous tumors
• Cancer
• Inflammation in the colon, called colitis
• Growths called polyps in your colon
• Conditions caused by small sacs in the wall of the colon, called diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids

Call your doctor if you see red that’s probably not from food you ate.

Poop can often come out the color of the food that went in, especially if you have diarrhea. If your poop has an orange hue, it’s most likely due to some orange foods.

Is your diet causing orange poop?

Foods that have beta-carotene can turn your poop orange, such as:

• Carrots
• Winter squash
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes

Foods with orange coloring, such as sodas, candy, or gelatin dessert, can also give your poop an orange color.

Also, antibiotics and antacids that have aluminum hydroxide in them can make your stool orange.

Other causes of orange poop

Rarely, poop can be orange if you have a problem with your liver that causes it to make less bile than normal, or a blockage that keeps bile from leaving the liver and entering your system. But usually, if this is the case, your poop will be pale or clay-colored.

Most of the time, poop that’s a different color from what you’re used to isn’t something to worry about. It’s rare for it to be a sign of a serious condition in your digestive system. But if it’s white, bright red, or black, and you don’t think it’s from something you ate, call your doctor.

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What does dark stool mean?

• Main page

• beauty

• Health

Contents

• Cal. normal color
• Why does feces turn black?

A person who monitors the state of his body often pays attention to the color of urine and feces. It is these secretions that can become indicators of the changes taking place in it. For example, sometimes the question may arise: what does dark-colored feces mean? Let’s try to find an answer to it.

Cal. Normal color

Discoloration of stool can occur for various reasons. In humans, feces that are yellowish-brown to dark brown are considered normal. One of the most common reasons for its darkening is certain foods, as well as the level of bile content. For example, as a result of a violation of the outflow of bile, stool becomes light in color.

Why does stool turn black?

The appearance of black stool, as a rule, causes anxiety in a person and a desire to know the reason for such changes. There are a number of reasons why stool color may change.

• Eating “colored” foods that cause staining of feces (and such changes can be observed within 3 days). These products include:

prunes

beets

red grapes

black pudding.

If you have consumed any of the above on the eve of the appearance of black feces, you must exclude them from the diet for 4-5 days. If after that the feces remain black, then the reason lies elsewhere.

• This type of change may occur with certain medications. These are iron-containing agents (Sorbifer, Ferrum Lek, Aktiferrin, Maltofer and others), taking activated black carbon and bismuth preparations.

If a change in the color of the feces occurs while taking these drugs, then this is not a contraindication. Consultation with your doctor will help dispel all doubts.

• The appearance of dark stools may be a sign of bleeding in the esophagus, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, etc. Black feces are called “melena”.

It is important to know that the presence of serious internal pathologies can be indicated not only by the dark color of the stool, but also by the appearance of pain in the epigastric region, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

One more nuance should be noted. The cause of bleeding in people suffering from duodenal ulcers or stomach ulcers may be antiplatelet agents (aspirin, cardiomagnyl) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs themselves do not turn the stool black, but they can cause bleeding that will turn the stool black.

If you have dark stools for several days (it is necessary to exclude the reason for taking colored products), you should consult a doctor and take tests.

Tags:

• cal
• color

What color is menstrual flow in a healthy girl?

What color is menstruation?

It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of what color menstruation should be. The shade of menstrual blood can be very different. And it’s not just the individual characteristics of each organism. Often the color changes even during one menstruation. The discharge is usually red, brown, or dark brown. Their shade depends on hormonal fluctuations and other factors related to women’s health. Let’s take a closer look at what normal periods can be.

What is the color of the first period?

Many girls who have just entered puberty are interested in what color their period is and how to find out what it is. Menstruation usually begins for the first time between the ages of 9 and 15. ¹ The color of the first menses is normally reddish or brownish. Usually the discharge is not too intense, so you may only notice a few dark spots on your underwear.

What color is the discharge on the first and subsequent days of menstruation?

Normal periods usually last 3-5 days. During this time, the color of menstrual flow can change significantly. Don’t worry! In most cases, this is completely normal.

On the first day. At the onset of menstruation, many girls and adult women develop a characteristic dark, thick discharge in the form of smears. This is due to the fact that the discharge of an unfertilized egg during menstruation does not occur immediately, but gradually. As a rule, dark discharge lasts no more than a day.

In the middle of menses. Usually the color of blood during menstruation is red. The shade can vary from quite bright to dark. Often the color depends on the amount of blood lost. With scanty monthly discharge, it is often dark, with abundant – red or burgundy. They may contain mucus and small clots. Bright scarlet menstrual blood in the first 1-3 days (but not longer!) Is also considered normal.

In the last days of menstruation. By the fourth day of menstruation, the discharge should become darker and thicker. At the end of menstruation, within 3 days, you may notice the appearance of brown smears on the underwear. So the uterus is completely cleared of all “unnecessary”. During this period, you can use panty liners such as Carefree®.

Why does my menstrual flow change color?

The color changes because the discharge is a combination of menstrual blood, vaginal secretions and flaking uterine lining (those are the same clots that you might notice when changing hygiene products). On different days of menstruation, their composition and consistency are not the same. As you already know, on the very first and last days, the color of normal periods is dark, the rest of the time it is red or brownish. The reason for the change in the color of menstrual flow can be hormonal fluctuations, oral contraceptives, stress, hypothermia, pregnancy, various diseases.

When should a change in the color of your period alert you?

The color of menstrual blood should not change suddenly from cycle to cycle. For example, if you usually have enough red discharge, and now during your period they have become unexpectedly dark, almost black, this is an occasion to at least take a closer look at your well-being. You should be especially alert to a sudden change in the color or consistency of your menstrual flow that coincides with the onset of other symptoms, such as:

• increase or decrease in the duration of the menstrual cycle;
• the appearance of severe pain in the lower abdomen;
• frequent and/or uncomfortable urination;
• itching and burning in the perineum;
• the acquisition of secretions of an unpleasant putrid odor.

Any of the above signs may indicate inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system, so they should not be ignored. In addition, you should be alerted to “unscheduled” discharge in the middle of the cycle, even if they are similar to your regular periods. It does not matter what color they are – brown or bright scarlet – in this case, you must definitely go to the doctor. ²

If you feel that the color of your menstrual blood has suddenly changed and you are worried about it, you should consult a gynecologist. The doctor will listen to your complaints, conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe an additional examination.

Literature

1. Nikitina I.L., Bairamov A.A., Khoduleva Yu.N. and others
   Kisspeptins in the physiology and pathology of sexual development – ​​new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities V.A. Almazov» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg
   Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy.