Menstrual health is a key indicator of overall well-being, yet it often remains a topic clouded by stigma and misinformation. From knowing when you are due to start your period to knowing when there is something wrong with your body, it pays to be informed. Have you ever asked yourself what does color of your menstrual blood mean? Or which of the symptoms call for attention? Now it’s time to get into the specifics of questions like these and more as we discuss menstrual health.

What’s Normal in Menstrual Health.

It important to point out that the menstrual cycle may be different in different individuals. While no two cycles are identical, certain patterns fall within the range of normalcy:

1. Cycle Length: The normal menstrual cycle should take between 21 and 35 days.

2. Duration: Bleeding usually lasts up to 7 days for women using 21 days packs and 3 days for those who use 28 days packs.

3. Flow: Flow could be mild discoloration to full-blown bleeding but should not disable the woman from her normal activities.

4. Symptoms: Cramps, Headache, vomiting, mild pains, swelling of the breast, changes in mood, allergic reactions are considered normal and short term.

What’s Not Normal? Warning Signs to Watch For

Certain symptoms may indicate underlying issues that require medical attention:

❖ Irregular Periods: Cycles that fluctuation in the number of months or are irregular at some point and regular at other times.

Read on How to get your periods to be regular? 5 tips to get regular periods.

❖ Excessive Bleeding: Leaking through a pad or a tampon within 2 hours or shorter period than this.

❖ Severe Pain: Soreness that interferes with ones regular activities.

❖ Unusual Discharge or Odor: Signs of infection.

Read more on Urinary Tract Infection in Females: Dos and Don'ts.

❖ Bleeding Between Periods: May signify hormonal disturbances or some other problems.

The Colors of Menstrual Blood: What Do They Mean?

Your menstrual blood color thus holds a lot of information concerning your health. Here’s a breakdown of the different colors and what they signify:

1. Bright Red

❖ What It Means: Points to new DNA, especially at the beginning of your period.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Healthy. This is a normal colour for menstrual blood.

2. Dark Red or Brown

❖ What It Means: Velamentous blood, usually present in later days of your period or if you are lying down for numerous hours.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Healthy. This is typical as the blood has oxidized Chemical digestion occurs in multiple site through secretion and absorption process.

3. Pink

❖ What It Means: Many women have confirmation of mucus whose characteristic feature is the combination of Menstrual blood and cervical fluid. This may also mean low estrogen levels.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Monitor. If it is regular then, it is advisable to seek help from a doctor because low estrogen levels can result to weakening of bones.

4. Orange

❖ What It Means: Blood in this secretion is cervical mucus or can be an indication of an infection.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Not healthy. Any orange-colored vaginal discharge that is possible to produce some bad smell, stench, or discomfort should be referred to the doctor.

5. Gray

❖ What It Means: Normally, it’s an indicator of infection or miscarriage.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Not healthy. Seek immediate medical care.

6. Black

❖ What It Means: Older blood which remains in the uterus and is often observed at the close of a cycle, this blood is Coagulated.

❖ Healthy or Not?: Monitor. Black blood, if persists, is generally painless or causes discomfort, still should be consulted with the doctor.

How to Maintain Good Menstrual Health

1. Track Your Cycle

There are apps such as Clue or Flo that allow a user to track patterns and notice if there are any deviations from normal.

2. Stay Hydrated

These meals should be well accompanied by water so that it would reduce on the swelling and the cramping that may be experienced.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

Take spinach or any green vegetable, lean meats especially if one has a lot of bleeding.

4. Exercise Regularly

Normal activities such as Yoga can help reduce cramp and even enhance mood.

5. Prioritize Hygiene

When using pads or tampons, they should be changed after 4-6 hours and products with fragrance should not be used especially on the vagina.

6. Regular Check-Ups

Getting your annual check up can help detect any problem the doctor may be concerned about.

Common Menstrual Disorders to Be Aware Of

1. Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

❖ Causes: Problems in the uterus which include contractions, endometriosis, or fibroids.

❖ Solution: Heat massage, medication, and hormonal treatments are some of the ways used in the management of the pain.

2. Amenorrhea (Absence of Periods)

❖ Causes: Fatty meals, stress, rigorous exercise, diseases such as PCOS or Celiac.

❖ Solution: Discuss the following with a healthcare provider:

3. Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)

❖ Causes: Issues such as hormonal fluctuations, fibroids, or clotting disorders pale in comparison to a business’s disruption.

❖ Solution: Iron supplements for anaemic patients, hormonal therapy or in severe cases, surgery.

4. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

❖ Symptoms: Peritoneal irritation – mood swings, bloating, fatigue.

❖ Solution: Changes in diet, change in behavior and patterns and in some instances prescription of drugs.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following, consult a healthcare provider:

❖ Diffuse cycle disturbances that do not go away after some time.

❖ Pain that cannot be easily relieved by medication that is available without prescription from a doctor.

❖ Red or orange blood, gray blood.

❖ Rate of cycle changes in your body.

Breaking the Stigma Around Menstrual Health

Public discussion of sanitary issues often brings better awareness and the elimination of the stigmatization of women. Exchanging stories and getting prompt directions if required are the two main steps to empower themselves.

For more such related content check out our blogs on Women's Health.

Final Thoughts

Merely learning about periods and how to deal with them is part of menstrual health to embrace them fully as a part of life. Being aware of the cycle’s rhythm and notifying your physician when something goes awry will help to stabilize your condition.