Overview
Brown periods are typically a sign that blood has been exposed to oxygen, indicating older blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus. They can also occur due to hormonal changes, early pregnancy (implantation bleeding), or infections. Other causes include stress, medication effects, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or perimenopause. While brown blood at the start or end of your period is usually normal, persistent brown discharge may require medical attention to rule out underlying issues.
What does brown period blood mean?
Brown period blood usually indicates that the blood has been oxidized and has had enough exposure to oxygen. It can also mean pregnancy in some cases or hormonal changes. Brown period blood can also indicate bacterial infection or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Your period can appear brown due to causes as follows:
1. Old Blood From the uterus.
Brown blood often indicates older blood in the uterus longer and has had time to oxidize. The main indication of having such a condition can be stress, which leads to late, slow, or irregular menstruation. This gives enough time for the blood to oxidize and change color. This condition doesn’t require medical consultation if it happens once. Getting yourself checked becomes essential when brown period blood continues for more than one month.
2. Early or Late Period
Brown spotting at the beginning or end of a period can be normal as the flow changes. The menstrual cycle changes the intensity of flow and cramps depending on various factors, including age, diet, stress, and underlying conditions. It can also get delayed or come early when you are on any medications, including birth control pills or any other medications that directly impact your hormones. Brown periods at the start or end of the period are also considered normal and don’t require consultation or medication.
After the initial brown spotting, the regular period will start in 4-5 days, or brown spotting at the end of your period (most probably in the last 2 days) can be experienced and considered normal.
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3. Pregnancy
Brown discharge can occur in early pregnancy and is sometimes mistaken for a light period. It can be a sign of implantation bleeding. Usually, the implantation bleeding starts right after the embryo gets implanted in the uterus, and the uterus sheds some part of its layer that ensures the implantation completion.
4. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those caused by birth control or menopause, can lead to brown discharge. These changes affect the body and its normal hormonal regulation. These changes affect the menstrual/period flow and sometimes result in brown blood. In case of persistence of this brown color period throughout your period, it’s good to get connected with an online doctor and get the necessary hormone tests done for an accurate diagnosis and prescription.
PCOs is also a major factor that can contribute to changes in hormone levels and the brown period. The main causative agents leading to PCOs are unknown, but they usually run in the family.
As per the studies conducted:
“Genetic and environmental factors cause PCOs.”
5. Perimenopause
Brown period or blood in women approaching menopause (nearly 50 years) can experience irregular periods and delayed periods, including brown discharge. These are normal due to hormonal fluctuations in the women’s body and do not need medical intervention or medication for treatment.
Before reaching or even after reaching menopause, in the era of perimenopause, women’s bodies go through several changes in terms of physical growth, developmental and mental changes, and sometimes headaches as well.
6. Infections
Certain infections, like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted diseases, can cause abnormal discharge, including brown blood in your period. These color charts are also used to identify or diagnose the health of your hormonal cycle or menstrual periods.
7. Uterine fibroids and Polyps:
Severe conditions like uterine fibroids and polyps can also be one of the major factors leading to brown period blood or changes in the flow of your menstrual cycle. They can also cause irregular periods or bleeding between your periods.
PCOs is also a major factor that can contribute to changes in hormone levels and the brown period. The main causative agents leading to PCOs are unknown, but they usually run in the family.
As per the studies conducted:
“Genetic and environmental factors cause PCOs.”
Talk to a doctor now for the right prescription!
9. Recent Surgery or Trauma
Any recent gynecological surgery or trauma can cause brown spotting as the body heals. It usually is due to any major surgery, cesarian, or surgery affecting organs in the pelvic area of women.
Anxiety or stress due to any recent surgery or trauma can also lead to irregular bleeding or brown color in your period blood. In some cases, they can get delayed to a month or more. In case of missed periods, consulting your doctor is essential.
10. Medications
Some medications, especially those that affect hormonal balance, can cause brown discharge. Some of the significant medications for brown period blood are :
- Birth control pills
- Hormonal IUDs
- Contraceptive injections
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Emergency contraception (morning-after pill)
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Certain chemotherapy drugs
- Medications for thyroid disorders
- Antipsychotics
- Some antidepressants
What are the risk factors of brown period blood?
Brown period blood can also be due to pregnancy. In case of pregnancy, you will experience small implantation bleeding in pinkish-brownish color from your vagina after 2 weeks of having sexual intercourse that led to pregnancy.
The brown period during the pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can be due to miscarriage. It usually occurs in minor spotting or slight bleeding on the day of miscarriage. You can get connected.
How do you get rid of brown periods?
There are several ways by which you can avoid it to some extent:
- Take care of your hygiene.
- Practicing safe sex.
- Daily probiotics.
In case of infections, miscarriage, and pregnancy, it is essential to get connected with an online doctor for much-needed consultation and medication prescription in case of need.
When to consult a doctor?
It’s normal to have brown period blood at the start or end of your menstrual cycle. In case of other reasons, including persistent brown blood, miscarriage, pregnancy, and Infections, it’s important to get connected with an online doctor for the proper consultation and effective treatment options.
FAQs about brown period blood
If it occurs at the start or end of your period, it is considered part of it. If it occurs between your two monthly cycles or when you are pregnant, it is not considered part of it. In such instances, get the well-needed consultation and prescription.
Yes, It can be a sign of early pregnancy or implantation bleeding. It’s important to get the pregnancy checked or consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and well-needed supplements if needed.
