Menstrual Blood - What You Need to Know
What exactly is menstrual blood?
It may look like regular blood, but in reality, it’s not exactly the same.
Menstrual blood consists approximately half of blood, but also includes shed uterine lining, the unfertilized egg, and vaginal fluid.
How much menstrual blood is lost during menstruation?
In the course of a menstruation, around 20 to 60 milliliters of blood are normally bled out. We talk about heavy bleeding from 80 milliliters. Tampons and pads often make it look a little scarier and more than it actually is.
Pinkish Period Blood
Indicates a low estrogen level. This type of period blood is common in individuals who use birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives.
Bright Red Period Blood
This is quite typical at the beginning of the period! Your body is in full swing, and the blood flows faster.
Dark Red Period Blood
Your period blood strongly resembles normal blood? Perfect! Everything is in order! The blood is expelled more slowly, oxidizing in the process and becoming darker.
Brown to Black Period Blood
You’ll see this more towards the end of your period. This blood has been in your body the longest and has had time to oxidize. Please pay attention to the consistency here! Small clots are no cause for concern. However, if the size of the clots is closer to that of a 1-cent coin or larger, or if you have severe pain, please see your gynecologist.
Reddish-gray Period Blood
Please visit your gynecologist! Reddish-gray period blood may indicate an infection or a sexually transmitted disease.
Consistency
Liquid Menstrual Flow
The blood becomes thicker throughout menstruation. If you tend to have a light period, you may often have liquid, almost watery menstrual blood. However, if your menstrual blood consistently flows like water, please consult your doctor.
Thick to Clumpy Menstruation
Small clumps are completely normal. These clumps are just remnants of the uterine lining being shed. If you are concerned or if the consistency changes significantly, please consult your doctor.
Smooth, Mucous Period
Does your menstrual blood resemble spotting and is occasionally slimy? No cause for concern: cervical mucus has crept in. Again, if anything worries you, visit your doctor.
Let’s talk about it!
Please don’t whisper in your friend’s ear at the next meeting asking if she has a tampon for you. There’s nothing here to be ashamed of. On average, menstruation starts at age 13 and lasts until age 51. That’s 38 years! Let’s assume an average of five days of menstruation and 456 periods in your life. That’s 2,280 days – or 6.25 years of your life! It’s completely natural and part of who you are! So, there’s no reason to be ashamed. ❤️
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