brown and black menstrual blood

[Half-Pint]

Hi, I am 39 years old with a 13 year old son who has severe special needs and a perfectly healthy 3.5 year old girl.  My son was born to my first husband (ended in divorce) and my daughter to my second husband.  After I remarried I became pregnant in Oct. 1998 and had a missed miscarriage in Jan 1999.  I ended up having a D&C as the tissue just wouldn't pass. I became pregnant again in May of 2000 only to miscarry again in July of 2000.  This pregnancy miscarried naturally.  In 2001 I became pregnant again and delivered my healthy little girl.  I became pregnant again in August of 2004 with twins and miscarried both in October.  I did not have a D&C but I really felt that my body did not pass everything.  I became pregnant again in January of 2005 and miscarried in March of 2005.  I so desparately didn't want to have another D&C but was forced to when after waiting it out I began bleeding heavily and ulrasounds showed large amounts of tissue still present.  I have a strong feeling that tissue from the twin pregnancy was still in my uterus and then I got pregnant on top of that.   Anyway, I had my D&C in April 2005 and didn't get my period until exactly 8 weeks after that.  My periods since then have been very scant and the blood is brown to almost black!  I did not have this problem when I had my D&C back in 1999.  Has anybody ever had this similar experience.  I have been trying to conceive since June, but no luck so far.  I am worried that conception might not be possible with this kind of blood. Any thoughts?

[yvett22]

Hi guys,
I am 22 years old and I just consulted 2 doctors for the same symptoms (Dark brown menstrual period). I wanted a second opinion because the first doctor told me not to worry. So I consulted a male and a female. I have been having the same problem as you guys. My last 2 periods have been very dark brown, some even black. They have no smell, is like a thick liquid, with no pain nor cramping. I got a sonogram/ultrasound done to check for any cysts or abnormalities, and everything is fine. The ultrasound was done to check my ovaries and uterus. I was very scared, and thought many things.
But I hope this helps you guys.
Both said that menstrual blood should not be a bright red, if it is, there is probably some hemorrhage. Blood should be a dark red, like a wine color. It has to do with the shedding of the inner lining of the uterus.
Therefore, brown or black is ok.

If you guys are still worried, you might want to go for an ultrasound just to make sure you are ok.
Hope my info helps.

[zoner224]

I am only 13 years old and my period just came 2 weeks late and now it is black! I'm reading these comments and I am really nervous now. I'm pretty sure that I'm not having a miscarriage because I have never had any sexual intercourse but then why is my period black?!

[Nadica]

I'm having the same issue.  I had a M/C in May with a D&C, and then a chemical pregnancy last month which had a normal AF.  Now I started AF again and it's dark brown sticky, coagulated gel-like, with little coming out, and I'm noticing an odd smell.  I'm not in pain, but it's freaking me out. Does anyone know what this is?

[tbaldy]

I'm 38.  I've had 3 pregnancies and one of thoses was twins.  I've had normal periods all my life.  I used to be able to tell when I ovulated.  I've been having break through bleeding after intercourse.  And I will have a dark brown discharge at varying times for no reason.  I also have back pain and pain in pelvic area.  I've had paps, thyroid test, & ultra sound.  My doc prescribed piroxicam which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.  All my test come back normal.  But we are monitoring discharge for the next 3 months and then review again.  I am currently having a very black discharge and it concerns me.  I think with all the medical education there is out there, this stituation needs to be defined.  Still seeking answers...

[asugirl]

I am having a similar problem. My period was very late, and when it did "come" it was a dark brown color. One day it was red, and I thought ok, I'm going back to normal..but then it went straight back to brown. Here's the trouble. It has not stopped. I'm still having that brown color- it's been 2 weeks. I took two pregnancy tests, both negative. No pain. I don't know what is going on with me. I feel that it is time to go to the doc though.

[Kace1]

Hello,

I have read some of these posts and I am currently experiencing this sticky brown discharge and my period was roughly 6wks late I only noticed what was like about 3-4 drops of light red blood when I began two days ago, and I have been wondering what could be going on, I am also at an age I wonder if my irregularity could be due in part to periomenopause. Does anyone have any insight as to what may be happening with me?
I also have had some pretty bad cramping all over, front, side, and back this time.