Menstrual blood can be brown and are signs of several health risks. The main points for early screening of potential diseases are: firstly, observing the regularity of the menstrual cycle; secondly, noticing changes in menstrual flow; thirdly, checking for diseases of the reproductive system; and finally, assessing the condition of the endocrine system.
1. Pay attention to menstrual cycle patterns : Generally, a normal menstrual cycle is 21 – 35 days, and irregular cycles may indicate an endocrine disorder or other diseases. If the menstrual cycle is either advanced or delayed by more than 7 days quite often, then you should be on the alert. By recording the date of menstruation and charting the menstrual cycle, cycle changes can be tracked for a long time. For instance, if the menstrual cycle changes significantly are for 3 consecutive months, then you should see a doctor immediately.
2. Watch out for menstrual flow changes : Brown blood may be associated with low or high menstrual flow. The normal menstrual flow is 20 – 60 ml. If less than 10 sanitary napkins are used for one period, and the blood volume on each napkin is very small, or if there are more than 20 napkins, and still, the blood is not enough, it is considered abnormal. Menstruation is low and brownish in color, which may be the thin and especially insufficient qi and blood; heavy menstrual flow and brown blood clots, which may be the combination of uterine fibroids with menstrual disorders such as excessive menstrual blood.
3. Examination of reproductive system disorders : Reproductive system diseases (such as endometritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.) may cause brown blood during menstruation. These diseases are generally accompanied by the symptoms of lower abdominal pain and abnormal leucorrhea. Gynecological examination is such as vaginal discharge examination, B-ultrasound examination, etc. which can check for inflammation or other lesions. For example, B-ultrasound can not only clearly see the shape and structure of the uterus and appendages but also judge if there are cysts or fibroids, etc.
4. Assessing endocrine status : A disorder in the endocrine system can cause changes in hormone levels and these changes can lead to an abnormal menstruation cycle. The most common endocrine disorders are polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid dysfunction, etc. Blood tests, which measure six hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin) produced by the pituitary gland, and thyroid function can gauge the state of the endocrine system. If the hormones are out of balance, under the guidance of a doctor, medication such as estradiol valerate tablets, progesterone capsules, ethinylestradiol cyproterone tablets, etc. can be started, but only as instructed by the doctor.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle :Bad habits of life can also affect menstruation. Long-term night shifts, overwork, mental stress, and irregular eating are, all of them, can lead to the appearance of brown blood during menstruation. You should ensure that you get enough rest and avoid staying up late; eat a reasonable and more nutritious diet; do the right amount of exercise to reduce stress and keep your mood at ease.
Hospital Warm reminder: The occurrence of brown blood during menstruation may be due to various causes. Early screening spots can quickly identify potential health hazards and take corresponding treatment measures by observing the regularity of the menstrual cycle, noticing changes in menstrual flow, checking for reproductive system diseases, assessing the endocrine system status, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Once abnormal menstruation is found, it should be rapidly and rightly done by the obstetrics and gynecology department of a regular hospital, so that the cause can be identified and targeted treatment can be carried out.
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