Why is my period blood black?

Some women occasionally find that the color of their menstrual blood is different from usual when they have their period. Normal menstrual blood is slightly bright red, while the menstrual blood of patients with gynecological diseases is generally black. Black menstrual blood can make people feel uneasy and they always feel that there is something seriously wrong with their body. Let me explain to you why menstrual blood is black.

Recently, many netizens have consulted online about why menstrual blood turns black. Many female friends do not understand why menstrual blood turns black. Black menstrual blood is caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, and menstrual blood accumulates in the uterus for a long time. The following experts will give you a detailed introduction on what causes black menstrual blood.

What is the reason for dark menstrual blood? Experts point out that dark menstrual blood may be caused by the following reasons:

Reason 1 for black menstrual blood: Qi stagnation and blood stasis cause black menstrual blood: irregular menstruation, more or less menstrual flow, purple-red color, clots, and difficulty in menstruation. Or it may be accompanied by lower abdominal pain that is resistant to pressure, or distension and pain in the chest, flanks, breasts, and lower abdomen, abdominal distension and discomfort, purple tongue or petechiae, thin white or thin yellow tongue coating, and stringy or astringent pulse. The treatment is suitable for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating qi and relieving pain.

Reason 2 for black menstrual blood: Black menstrual blood due to kidney deficiency: irregular menstrual cycle, small amount of menstrual blood, light red or dark red in color, and thin in texture. Weak waist and knees, heel pain, dizziness, tinnitus, or cold lower abdomen, or frequent urination at night. The tongue is pale and the pulse is weak or slow. Treatment is suitable for tonifying the kidney and regulating menstruation.

Reason three for dark menstrual blood: Dark menstrual blood due to deficiency of both Qi and blood: early or late menstrual cycle, increased or decreased menstrual volume, prolonged menstrual period, light color, and thin quality. Or there may be pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness, fatigue, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite and loose stools. The tongue is pale red and the pulse is thready and weak. Treatment should focus on replenishing both Qi and blood.

Experts point out that if women have dark menstrual blood, they should keep a happy spirit and avoid mental stimulation and mood swings. Some women may experience lower abdominal distension, back pain, breast pain, mild diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, emotional instability, irritability or depression during menstruation. These are all normal and there is no need to be overly nervous. Pay attention to hygiene and prevent infection. Pay attention to the hygiene of the external genitalia. You must not have sexual intercourse during menstruation. Keep warm and avoid cold stimulation. Avoid overwork.

If black menstrual blood appears during menstruation, don't be nervous and can seek Chinese medicine treatment. Also, please note that you should not eat raw or cold food during menstruation to avoid dysmenorrhea. People with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid eating brown sugar.

Avoid eating raw, cold, spicy or other irritating foods. Drink more water to keep your bowel movements smooth. People with hot blood should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables before menstruation, and avoid eating things that stimulate fire such as onions, garlic, leeks, and ginger. People with qi and blood deficiency must increase their nutrition in daily life, such as milk, eggs, soy milk, pork liver, spinach, pork, chicken, lamb, etc., and avoid eating raw and cold fruits and vegetables.

Why does premenstrual syndrome occur?

Why does premenstrual syndrome occur? Some women experience greater mood swings 1-2 weeks before their period, and even have suicidal thoughts, accompanied by general edema, nausea, diarrhea, etc. This is clinically known as premenstrual syndrome. So why does premenstrual syndrome occur?

Experts say that the pathogenesis of premenstrual tension syndrome is still unclear, but it may be related to the following factors:

(1) Vitamin B deficiency: Those who take oral contraceptives may experience symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome, which can be corrected clinically with vitamin B[6] because it can promote the clearance of excess estrogen in the body and regulate emotions and behaviors.

(2) Endorphin theory: Since changes in endorphin levels can affect mental and neurological factors, intravenous administration of endorphins can increase prolactin concentrations. Animal experiments also show that antidiuretic hormone increases after endorphin administration. The endorphin inhibitor naloxone can change the secretion of luteinizing hormone after acting on the endorphin receptors, and β-endorphin changes with the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is proposed that premenstrual tension syndrome is caused by changes in endorphin concentrations during the luteal phase.

(3) Imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone: This may be caused by relatively high estrogen levels and relatively insufficient progesterone levels; it may also be caused by abnormal tissue sensitivity to progesterone. Under normal circumstances, progesterone promotes the excretion of sodium and water in the distal renal tubules, while estrogen causes water and sodium retention through the renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone system. Therefore, an imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone can cause signs such as weight gain.

(4) Psychological factors: closely related to the degree of premenstrual syndrome. Some patients have prominent mental symptoms, and mood swings and mental stress can aggravate the original symptoms.

Experts remind that a reasonable diet structure can help relieve symptoms. Attention should be paid to maintaining adequate intake of vitamins and trace elements, such as vitamin B6 and vitamin E; a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet can improve the mental symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Bad eating habits can aggravate symptoms, therefore, patients with PMS should limit salt intake, avoid or reduce caffeine intake, etc.