What do different poop colors mean. Is mucus in stool a concern. How can diet affect stool color. When should you seek medical help for changes in stool color.

The Spectrum 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 well-being. While variations in stool color are often harmless and diet-related, certain hues may indicate underlying health issues that require attention. Understanding the meaning behind different stool colors can help you identify potential problems and seek medical advice when necessary.

Normal Stool Color

Typically, healthy stool is brown in color. This characteristic hue is the result of a combination of factors, primarily the presence of bile in your digestive system. Bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion, starts as a yellowish-green color. As it travels through your digestive tract, it undergoes chemical changes that transform it into the familiar brown color we associate with normal, healthy stool.

Green Stool: Causes and Implications

Green stool is generally not a cause for concern and can often be attributed to dietary factors. Common culprits include:

• Consuming green vegetables like spinach or kale
• Ingesting foods or beverages containing green food coloring
• Taking iron supplements

In some cases, green stool may indicate that food is moving through your digestive system too quickly, preventing bile from completing its color-changing process. This rapid transit time can occur during bouts of diarrhea or other digestive disturbances.

Yellow Stool: Potential Causes and Concerns

Yellow stool is generally considered normal, especially in breastfed infants. However, if your stool appears greasy, has a foul odor, and is persistently yellow, it may indicate an excess of fat in your stool. This could be a sign that your body is not properly digesting fats.

One potential cause of persistent yellow stool is celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. If you suspect celiac disease might be the cause of your yellow stool, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

White, Pale, or Clay-Colored Stool: Investigating Potential Health Issues

Pale or clay-colored stool can be a sign of more serious health concerns and warrants attention. While certain medications, such as anti-diarrheal drugs containing bismuth subsalicylate, can cause temporarily pale stools, persistent discoloration may indicate a lack of bile in your stool.

Possible Causes of Pale Stool

• Liver disease, such as hepatitis
• Blockage in the bile ducts
• Gallstones
• Tumors
• Biliary atresia (a congenital condition)

If you notice persistent pale or clay-colored stools, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying health issues.

Black Stool: Distinguishing Between Benign and Serious Causes

Black stool can be alarming, but it’s not always a cause for concern. In newborns, black stool is normal for the first few days after birth. For adults, certain foods and supplements can cause black stools, including:

• Black licorice
• Blueberries
• Iron supplements
• Medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate

However, if your stool appears tar-like and you haven’t consumed any of these items, it could be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract. This requires immediate medical attention.

Potential Serious Causes of Black Stool

• Bleeding stomach ulcers
• Bleeding sores in the esophagus from acid reflux
• Bleeding from non-cancerous tumors in the upper GI tract
• Gastrointestinal cancer

Red or Reddish Stool: Identifying the Source of Color

Red or reddish stool can be alarming, but it’s not always indicative of a serious problem. Before panicking, consider whether you’ve consumed any red-colored foods recently.

Common Dietary Causes of Red Stool

• Beets
• Tomato soup
• Red gelatin desserts
• Red-colored beverages

If you haven’t consumed any of these foods and notice persistent red or reddish stools, it could be a sign of blood in your stool. This may indicate various conditions, ranging from hemorrhoids to more serious digestive tract issues. In such cases, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Orange Stool: Exploring Possible Causes and Implications

Orange-colored stool, while less common than other hues, can occur due to various factors. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine whether it’s a benign dietary effect or a sign of an underlying health issue.

Dietary Causes of Orange Stool

• Consuming large quantities of orange-colored foods (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes)
• Ingesting foods with beta-carotene supplements
• Eating processed foods with artificial orange coloring

In most cases, orange stool resulting from dietary factors is harmless and will resolve on its own once the causative foods are no longer consumed in excess.

Medical Causes of Orange Stool

Sometimes, orange stool can indicate digestive issues or medication side effects:

• Bile duct obstruction
• Certain antibiotics
• Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide

If orange stools persist or are accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

Mucus in Stool: When Is It a Cause for Concern?

The presence of mucus in stool is not uncommon and is often harmless. Mucus is a natural substance produced by the intestines to keep the lining of the colon moist and lubricated. However, excessive or persistent mucus in stool can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.

Normal Occurrences of Mucus in Stool

Small amounts of mucus in stool are generally considered normal and may be more noticeable:

• During pregnancy
• When experiencing minor digestive upset
• After consuming certain foods that stimulate mucus production

When Mucus in Stool May Indicate a Problem

Excessive or persistent mucus in stool, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may be a sign of various digestive conditions:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Intestinal infections
• Colorectal cancer

If you notice a significant increase in mucus in your stool, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

When to Seek Medical Help for Stool Color Changes

While many stool color changes are harmless and temporary, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate a need for professional evaluation.

Red Flags: When to Consult a Doctor

• Persistent black, tarry stools not related to diet or supplements
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Persistent white, pale, or clay-colored stools
• Persistent yellow, greasy stools with a foul odor
• Any sudden or unexplained change in stool color lasting more than a few days
• Stool color changes accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or significant changes in bowel habits

Remember, your stool can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. While occasional changes in color are often benign, persistent or concerning changes should not be ignored. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and peace of mind.

The Role of Diet in Stool Color Variations

Diet plays a significant role in determining stool color. Understanding how different foods can affect the appearance of your stool can help you distinguish between harmless dietary effects and potential health concerns.

Common Foods That Affect Stool Color

• Green vegetables: Can cause green stools
• Beets, red gelatin, and tomato-based products: May lead to reddish stools
• Blueberries and black licorice: Can result in dark or black stools
• Foods high in beta-carotene (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes): May cause orange stools
• Dairy products: Can lighten stool color in some individuals

It’s important to note that while these dietary effects are generally harmless, persistent changes in stool color not attributable to diet should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The Impact of Supplements and Medications on Stool Color

Various supplements and medications can also affect stool color:

• Iron supplements: Often cause dark or black stools
• Bismuth subsalicylate (found in some antacids): Can lead to black stools
• Antibiotics: May alter stool color due to changes in gut bacteria
• Antidiarrheal medications: Can cause pale or clay-colored stools

If you’re taking any new medications or supplements and notice changes in your stool color, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s a normal side effect or if further evaluation is needed.

Understanding the Digestive Process and Its Impact on Stool Color

To fully comprehend the significance of stool color, it’s helpful to understand the basics of the digestive process and how it influences the appearance of your stool.

The Journey of Food Through the Digestive System

1. Mouth: Food is chewed and mixed with saliva to begin the digestive process.
2. Esophagus: Food travels down to the stomach.
3. Stomach: Food is mixed with stomach acid and enzymes for further breakdown.
4. Small intestine: Most nutrient absorption occurs here. Bile from the liver is released to aid in fat digestion.
5. Large intestine (colon): Water is absorbed, and bacteria ferment undigested food particles.
6. Rectum: Stool is stored until it’s ready to be expelled.

The color of your stool is largely determined by the amount and chemical state of bile present, as well as the speed at which food moves through your digestive system.

Factors Affecting Stool Color During Digestion

• Bile production and flow: Affects the brown color of normal stool
• Transit time: Rapid transit can result in green stools due to insufficient time for bile to break down
• Gut bacteria: Influence the breakdown of food particles and can affect stool color
• Bleeding in the digestive tract: Can cause red or black stools depending on the location of the bleed

Understanding these processes can help you better interpret changes in your stool color and recognize when to seek medical advice.

The Importance of Regular Stool Monitoring for Overall Health

While it may not be the most pleasant topic, paying attention to your stool can provide valuable insights into your digestive health and overall well-being. Regular monitoring of your stool’s appearance, consistency, and frequency can help you detect potential health issues early and maintain optimal digestive function.

Benefits of Stool Monitoring

• Early detection of digestive issues
• Identification of potential food sensitivities or intolerances
• Monitoring of hydration levels
• Assessment of overall gut health
• Tracking the effectiveness of dietary changes or treatments

While occasional changes in stool appearance are normal, persistent alterations or the presence of concerning symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare provider. Remember, your stool is a window into your digestive health, and paying attention to it can contribute to your overall wellness and peace of mind.

Tips for Effective Stool Monitoring

• Observe your stool regularly, noting color, consistency, and frequency
• Keep a log of significant changes or unusual appearances
• Be aware of your diet and any new medications or supplements
• Don’t hesitate to discuss concerns with your healthcare provider
• Familiarize yourself with what’s normal for you to better recognize changes

By incorporating regular stool monitoring into your health routine, you can take a proactive approach to your digestive health and overall well-being. Remember, while it may seem uncomfortable at first, paying attention to your stool is a normal and important aspect of maintaining good health.

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.