Periods, also known as menstruation, is a natural process that occurs in the female body. It is a monthly cycle where the lining of the uterus sheds and is released through the vagina. While this is a normal and necessary process for women, there are still many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding it.
One common misconception is that brown blood during periods is not normal. This belief has been circulating on social media, causing confusion and concern among women. To get to the bottom of this claim, we spoke to GP Dr Rupa Parmar, medical director of Midland Health.
Scrolling through Instagram, a video from holistic nutritionist Rachel Fuller caught my attention. “The brown blood you get at the start and end of your period… yeah, that’s not normal,” the alarming caption read. Though I’d been taught that brown blood was simply older blood that was released later into your cycle, the post claimed that darker stains could come from a progesterone deficit.
But is that true?
Here’s what Dr Parmar had to say on the claim.
Yes, brown blood can be related to hormones – but it can also be completely normal. Dr Parmar explained that blood turns brown as it oxidises, which becomes more likely the longer it’s left in your body. At the start and end of your period, your flow is typically slower, so your blood has more time to turn brown. This is completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
But, the GP continued, sometimes hormones really can play a part. “If there isn’t enough oestrogen circulating in your body, the uterine lining may break down at various points throughout your cycle, resulting in brown spotting or other unusual bleeding,” she told us. That’s because the blood takes longer to leave the body, allowing it to oxidise and turn brown.
“On top of this, low estrogen may lead to other symptoms, such as tender breasts, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or even night sweats and insomnia.”
You might also notice brown blood when starting new hormonal contraception as your body adjusts to the different levels. It may also appear when you ovulate and can even be a sign of perimenopause.
When is brown blood something to worry about?
In and of itself, “Brown blood in your discharge should only be a concern if it lasts for several weeks, has a ‘bad’ smell, happens commonly after sex, or you’re also experiencing intense pain, cramps, or itching,” the GP shared. “This may indicate an infection and should be discussed with a medical professional.”
If you notice menstrual cycle changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flushes, and/or bladder problems, you may be experiencing perimenopause. But when it comes with other symptoms, a lot of brown blood might be a sign of menstrual disorders, the GP said. PCOS, for instance, can also create heavy flows or no period at all, oily acne-prone skin, excess hair, and pain in the pelvis.
“Knowing your cycle and what’s normal for you helps you understand when something might be wrong,” Dr Parmar ended. “It’s normal to experience changes during a period. But if there are any sudden and irregular variations in blood colour, flow, or duration, or if you’re noticing new symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP.”
It’s important to remember that every woman’s body is different and experiences periods differently. It’s also essential to educate ourselves and our daughters about periods and what to expect. By understanding our bodies and what is normal for us, we can better identify when something may be wrong and seek medical advice.
In addition, it’s crucial to break the stigma and shame surrounding periods. Women should feel comfortable talking about their periods and seeking help when needed. We should also educate men and boys about periods, so they can better understand and support the women in their lives.
In conclusion, brown blood during periods can be related to hormones, but it can also be completely normal. It’s essential to know your body and what is normal for you, and to seek medical advice if you notice any sudden changes or new symptoms. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and break the stigma surrounding periods.
