My period is scant and the discharge is black. Is there really such a thing as black period?

The normal menstruation lasts about seven days. For some people with better physical constitution, the menstruation will disappear in five or six days. As long as the menstruation period is within 3-7 days, it is normal. However, many people have a small amount of menstruation, and some even have black blood clots. At this time, you should observe whether you have other problems with your body recently. It is also possible that the dark and small amount of menstruation may be caused by organ diseases, which requires timely examination.

Black menstruation

Black menstruation is caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, and menstrual blood accumulates in the uterus for a long time. So under what circumstances will menstrual blood accumulate in the uterus for a long time?

Black menstruation due to deficiency of Qi and blood:

The menstrual cycle is advanced or delayed, the menstrual volume increases or decreases, the menstrual period is prolonged, the color is light, and the quality is thin. 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.

Cold blood causes black menstruation: delayed menstruation, less blood, dark color and blood clots. Cold pain in the lower abdomen, relieved by heat, chills and cold limbs. The tongue coating is white and the pulse is deep and tight. Treatment should be based on warming the meridians and dispersing cold.

Kidney deficiency causes black menstruation:

The menstrual cycle is irregular, the amount is small, the color is light red or dark red, and the texture is thin. 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.

Black menstrual discharge due to qi stagnation and blood stasis:

The menstruation is irregular, the amount of menstruation may be more or less, the color is purple-red, there are clots, and the menstruation is not smooth. 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, dark purple tongue or with 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.

Care methods

1. Keep a happy spirit and avoid mental stimulation and mood swings. Some people may experience lower abdominal distension, back pain, breast tenderness, mild diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, emotional instability, irritability or depression during menstruation. These are all normal and there is no need to be overly nervous.

2. Underwear should be soft, cotton, and well ventilated and breathable. Wash and change them frequently, and dry them in the sun.

3. Pay attention to hygiene and prevent infection. First, pay attention to the hygiene of the external genitalia. You should never have sexual intercourse during menstruation. When the flow is heavy, you should change sanitary napkins frequently. You can also choose sanitary napkins on the market that are designed for heavy flow.

4. Keep warm and avoid cold stimulation. Avoid overwork.

5. Avoid eating raw, cold, sour, spicy and other irritating foods. Drink more boiled water to keep your bowels open. People with hot blood should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables before menstruation, and avoid eating foods that stimulate fire such as onions, garlic, leeks, and ginger; people with qi and blood deficiency must increase nutrition on a regular basis, such as milk, eggs, soy milk, pork liver, spinach, pork, chicken, lamb, etc. Avoid eating raw or cold fruits and vegetables. People with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid eating brown sugar.

6. During menstruation, it is generally advisable to eat some bananas, oranges, durian, ginseng fruit, guava and other fruits. You can eat three kinds of fruits alternately in the morning, noon and evening. However, if you are a woman who suffers from menstrual cramps, it is recommended that you eat less apples. Women with better physical constitution can also eat fruits such as apples and pears.

Taboos

Taboo 1: Eating salty food: Women should remember not to eat salty food before menstruation. Because salty food will increase the body's salt and water storage, before the menstrual period, the progesterone level will increase, which can easily lead to edema, headaches and other phenomena. If you start eating a low-salt food 10 days before your period, the above symptoms will not occur.

Taboo 2: Drinking carbonated beverages: Many women who like to drink carbonated beverages will experience fatigue and lack of energy during menstruation, which is a sign of iron deficiency. Because soda and other beverages mostly contain phosphates, they react chemically with iron in the body, making it difficult to absorb the iron. In addition, drinking too much soda will neutralize the bicarbonate in the soda with gastric juice, reducing the digestive ability and bactericidal effect of gastric acid and affecting appetite.