Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 05, 2021 Young women who have just started their periods often worry about changes in the color of their period blood. They want to know whether it's OK for blood to be brown and not red. It's
considered normal for blood to vary between shades of red and brown during the first few years after menarche, or when you start having your periods. Even in later years, or as an adult, such color changes are considered normal. The color of period blood can change during the same period cycle as well. For example, it can start out bright red in the beginning and change to a rusty brown at the end of the cycle. It can even start as brown in the beginning and turn redder towards the end of your
period. The color of blood becomes darker the longer it stays inside your uterus and vagina because it starts to react with oxygen. The reaction causes the color to get darker. The longer the blood stays inside your body, the darker it gets. It's normal to see period blood in shades of pink,
red, and brown. The shades can mean different things.
It's normal to see period blood in pink, red, and brown colors. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about color changes in your period blood or if you experience unusual changes in your
cycle. Also, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Diagnosis of Period ProblemsYour doctor will review your medical history and medications and conduct a physical examination to identify the causes of abnormal periods. The physical examination may include a pelvic exam as well as a pap test. Other tests your doctor may order include:
Your doctor will recommend the right course of treatment based on the cause of your abnormal periods. What does bright red blood mean after period?Bright red blood: As your uterus starts to actively shed blood during your period, you may notice that the color is bright red. This just means that your blood is fresh and has not been in the uterus or vagina for some time. Dark red blood: Dark red blood is simply blood that has been in the vagina for longer.
Why am I bleeding after I have finished my period?This is because your hormone levels drop. It is also called breakthrough bleeding, and usually happens about 2 weeks after your last period. Breakthrough bleeding should stop after 1 or 2 months.
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