Why Is My Period Blood Brown?

Noticing brown period blood can be surprising, but it’s often normal. The color of menstrual blood may vary throughout your cycle, and while bright red is typical, brown period blood can sometimes show up. In some cases, brown period blood can be an underlying sign of different conditions, including fibroids. In this blog, we will discuss why period blood can turn brown and how conditions like uterine fibroids can play a role in discoloring.

What Does It Mean if Period Blood is Brown?

Brown period blood usually indicates older blood that has had time to oxidize, turning it from bright red to dark brown as it leaves the body. This is often seen at the start or end of your menstrual cycle when the blood flow is slower or takes longer to be expelled. While this is normal, other factors can also cause brown period blood, including:

• End of Menstrual Cycle: As your period ends, the remaining blood in the uterus may take longer to exit, turning brown due to oxidation.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can slow the shedding of the uterine lining, causing blood to stay in the body longer and change color.
• Infections: Brown discharge may indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), in some cases.
• Underlying Conditions: Certain conditions, including uterine fibroids, can affect the menstrual cycle and cause brown period blood.

Can Fibroids Cause Brown Period Blood?

Yes, fibroids can cause period blood to appear brown. Uterine fibroids can interfere with the normal flow of menstrual blood, giving it more time to oxidize and turn brown. This is especially common when fibroids are located in areas that obstruct blood flow, such as near the cervical opening or within the uterine cavity. Along with causing brown period blood, fibroids may also lead to other menstrual changes, including:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Spotting or irregular bleeding between periods
• Severe menstrual cramps

If you’re experiencing brown period blood along with these symptoms, fibroids may be the underlying cause, and it’s important to see your doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Why Do Fibroids Cause Brown Discharge?

Fibroids can cause brown discharge for several reasons, primarily due to their impact on the uterus. Here’s how:

• Delayed Blood Flow: Fibroids can obstruct normal blood flow, causing them to stay in the uterus longer and giving them more time to oxidize. 
• Irregular Uterine Contractions: Fibroids can disrupt the uterus’s ability to contract efficiently, slowing the shedding of the uterine lining. 
• Changes in the Uterine Lining: Fibroids can alter the structure of the uterine lining, resulting in irregular bleeding patterns, which may lead to brown discharge.

Birth Control and Brown Period Blood

Birth control pills, patches, and IUDs can also lead to brown period blood. These birth control methods alter hormone levels, which can affect how and when the uterine lining sheds. A side effect of this can be brown period blood, particularly during the first few months of starting birth control, when the body is adjusting to the hormonal changes. 

Here are some common reasons for brown blood related to birth control:

• Lighter Periods: Birth control often results in lighter or shorter periods. When the flow is lighter, blood may take longer to be expelled, turning brown before it leaves the body.
• Breakthrough Bleeding: Hormonal fluctuations from birth control can cause irregular bleeding or spotting, which may appear brown due to the small amount of blood being released.

If you’re on birth control and notice brown period blood, it’s usually not a concern. However, if you experience other symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain, it’s worth getting a professional medical opinion to rule out the possibility of fibroids.

Pregnancy and Brown Period Blood

Pregnancy can also be a factor that causes brown period blood, especially in the early stages. It’s often a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Other causes of brown blood during pregnancy include:

• Hormonal Changes: The hormonal shifts in early pregnancy can sometimes cause light bleeding or spotting.
• Cervical Irritation: Pregnancy increases blood flow to the cervix, and light spotting may occur after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. This blood may appear brown as it exits the body.

If you’re pregnant and noticing brown discharge or what seems like period blood, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider right away.

Schedule an Appointment with American Fibroid Centers

While brown period blood is often a normal part of the menstrual cycle, it can sometimes signal underlying conditions such as uterine fibroids. If you’ve noticed changes in your menstrual blood or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. At American Fibroid Centers, we offer non-surgical fibroid treatments, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), to help women find relief from their symptoms. Please schedule an appointment with one of our fibroid specialists today to learn more about UFE and get expert fibroid care.