What Your Period Blood Says About You

Is it okay for period blood to have another color than bright red? Young women who have just begun having periods often worry about the colors of their period blood. Dr. Carolyn Cook, Miami Acupuncturist, MSOM, AP, Dipl Canonical Chinese Medicine, LMT shared that different blood colors aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, menstrual blood can be an important gauge of women’s health and fertility. This blog aims to give you essential information about period blood colors, what they could mean, and how Chinese herbal medicine could help with any flow irregularities.

Period Blood According to Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) says the balance of yin and yang in the body is important to our well-being. One of the ways to check whether we are well-balanced is through our menstruation. For instance, if your period arrives earlier than expected, then that might mean your Qi is unable to govern the blood you need to expel. In contrast, if your period arrives later than your date, then that may be a sign of blood deficiency or blood stagnation.

You may consult Dr. Cook about your irregular flow and have a safe and friendly consultation. In addition, you should know the difference between period colors.

• Light Red: Menstrual red that is pale red or pink may indicate a deficiency in Spleen Qi, which means having difficulty making enough red blood cells. Dr. Cook’s fertility treatment can assist to nourish and tonify the blood to ensure the endometrial lining is thick and blood-rich. You don’t need to worry unless the bleeding becomes heavier or if it is accompanied by cramps.
• Bright Red: This shade of period color is ideal for most women. Remember, your body temperature may be affecting the quality of the blood, so bright red occurs when your basal body temperatures are too high in the early part of your cycle (above 36.6 °C). Make sure to stay hydrated, drink water, and not engage in extraneous activities. Dr. Cook recommends warming the uterus with nourishing herbs when mild cramping occurs.
• Medium Red: A darker shade of red indicates your basal body temperatures are too low. Due to a stagnation of the Liver Qi, you may experience cramps or have more blood clots. In that case, you may get stressed easily and may need help to activate the Qi and blood flow from Dr. Cook.
• Deep Red/Purple: Some women may see their period blood turn dark purplish red which comes with large clots, intense, sharp, stabbing cramps, and heavy flow. Unfortunately, this may lead to fertility and conceiving problems, putting the mother at a greater risk for clotting problems. If left untreated, this could potentially lead to a pathological condition.

Dr. Carolyn Cook says while various consistencies and shades of red are usually not pathological from a gynecological perspective, the balance of yin and yang in the body can be evaluated through women’s periods. In the same period cycle, the color of period blood may change depending on how warm your uterus is and the movement of your blood.

How Miami Herbs Can Help During Your Period

At Classical Herbs and Acupuncture, you will not jump in to have some needles placed immediately. Dr. Cook will walk you through an initial consultation, checking your pulse in 9 different positions on each wrist, which gives her the necessary information she will need to give the specific treatment to assist your issues.

Dr. Cook also reminds us of the following tips when you are on your period.

1. Warm the uterus: Avoid consuming cold foods or beverages because it slows blood flow and contributes to cold in the uterus. Instead, eat warm food like soups and stews, and drink warm beverages.
2. Move the blood: Try to exercise while on your period (but don’t overdo it!) which can help minimize common symptoms like cramps, bloating, and low mood. Also, acupuncture with Dr. Cook can regulate your cycle and lessen pain by normalizing blood flow.
3. Listen to your body: If you’re feeling premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability and depression, it’s important to slow down and help your body regain its balance. You may go on gentle walks, soak in baths with calming bath salts or oils, or lay on a yoga mat breathing for 10 minutes. This allows you to hear what your body is trying to tell you without distraction.

Different colors of your period blood may indicate an imbalance of your yin and yang. Consult with your gynecologist if severe period symptoms persist. Let Dr. Cook help take you to a restful state during your period. You may schedule an appointment today by calling us at (305) 665-9711.