Duration, appearance, symptoms around the period... the characteristics of menstruation can vary greatly from woman to woman. A thick menstrual flow can be concerning in some cases, but is usually benign. Sister Republic reveals more about its causes, characteristics, and dangers.
1- Color and consistency of menstrual bleeding: What are the causes?
Depending on hormonal parameters related to the menstrual cycle or other factors, the period can be more or less dark and very liquid or also thick.
the) Color and consistency of the menstrual bleeding:
The color ofvaginal secretions can range from light pink to brown, black, orange, and all other shades of red.
"Similarly, the bleeding can be very liquid or very thick. The contents of your pad may then appear doughy or grainy, and sometimes you may also find blood clots in it."
b) Causes of different colors of menstrual bleeding:
Menstruation can have very different colors in every woman in a completely natural way. In general, a bright red menstruation indicates that the blood is flowing directly from the uterus. At the end of menstruation or with low blood flow, the discharge turns dark red, brown, or black. This natural phenomenon is related to the oxidation of blood when it comes into contact with air. If the secretions are orange, this is often the result of a mixture of cervical secretions (or cervical mucus) and blood. If this orange discharge has a bad smell, it may also indicate a vaginal infection. A bright red or pink menstruation can be a sign that your period is just starting: here, some blood mixes with whitish discharge. It can also be a sign of pregnancy. In this case, this bright red color occurs due to the bursting of small vessels in the uterine lining. This phenomenon often occurs after successful fertilization and usually appears seven days after the implantation of the egg in the uterine lining.
w) Causes of different fluid levels in menstruation:
The consistency of menstrual bleeding can vary depending on various parameters. The intake of a hormonal contraceptive such as the pill can lead to hormones affecting the thickness of the endometrium. The period will then become heavier, darker, and more viscous. Just like when taking a hormonal contraceptive, you are also subject to hormonal fluctuations during the menopause, typically between the ages of 40 and 55. This natural development of the female reproductive system can trigger an irregular and heavier menstrual cycle that is often accompanied by a thickening of the menstrual blood. Certain pathologies can also affect the consistency of menstruation. For example, von Willebrand syndrome can lead to a very liquid menstruation due to a longer bleeding time and reduced activity of coagulation factor VIII.
2- Symptoms and various cases of thick menstrual bleeding
A thick menstrual flow is characterized by blood clots, a doughy appearance, and/or a sticky consistency of the bleeding. Blood clots consist of coagulated blood and can vary in size, from a few millimeters to nearly four centimeters. The presence of blood clots during menstruation usually indicates that the endometrium, i.e., the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, has detached a few hours before the onset of menstruation-related contractions. This is because the uterine lining thickens during each cycle and becomes saturated with blood to accommodate a potentially fertilized egg. However, without intercourse or if the sperm fail to fertilize the egg, the uterine lining detaches. It is expelled through the vagina, marking the beginning of menstruation. Similarly, deposits from the uterine lining can also make your period look sticky or doughy. A thick menstrual flow is often also heavier. A thick menstrual flow is brown, dark red, or black when the blood oxidizes, and bright red when it is expelled directly. It is sometimes accompanied by painful cramps in the lower abdomen or back and can be very exhausting.
3- When should I be concerned and see my doctor? Treatment options
a) When do I need to see a doctor?
Thick menstrual bleeding is not a rare or concerning phenomenon. As explained above, it is in most cases a normal consequence of the breakdown of the endometrium.
In some cases, however, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist:
- If the thick, viscous period is accompanied by burning, severe pain in the lower abdomen and/or lower back. This could be a sign of a condition such as endometriosis.
- "If the texture and color of your period suddenly change or if it emits a strong odor. These symptoms could indicate an infection or another illness."
- "If you are in menopause, thick, long, and heavy menstrual bleeding including clots should raise a red flag. You may have a polyp, a fibroid in the uterine cavity, or adenomyosis."
- If you have a dark red menstrual period with blood clots for longer than a week.
- If you have dark and thick bleeding outside of your expected menstrual period.
In the last two cases, you should see a gynecologist immediately: it could be a uterine fibroid or a miscarriage.
(b) The treatment of a heavy menstrual flow
In the case of endometriosis or adenomyosis, two pathologies that are often associated with infertility, can be alleviated or even stopped through hormone therapy or surgery. In the case of a uterine polyp (a often benign protrusion of the uterus), the specialist usually addresses the problem through surgical removal. The fibroid - a benign tumor that forms on the muscle of the uterus - can be treated with medication or surgically in the case of heavy bleeding and/or severe pain.
"But even if stains and discharge are a problem, remember that absorbent menstrual underwear is the healthiest and safest option for your body and the environment."
