Why is the blood black on the first day of menstruation, and what should be done?
Menstruation refers to a woman's monthly period. Generally, the first day of menstruation having black-colored blood may be caused by factors such as light menstrual flow, endocrine disorders, cold uterus, endometritis, or abnormal uterine position, and different situations require different treatments.
1. Light menstrual flow: At the beginning of the menstruation, only a small amount of endometrial lining sheds, resulting in light bleeding. A small amount of menstrual blood may remain in the vagina and uterus for a prolonged period, causing oxidation of iron in the blood and turning it black or brown. Usually, no special treatment is needed, and as the menstrual flow increases, the color typically turns red naturally.
2. Endocrine disorders: Factors such as high life stress and staying up late may cause endocrine disorders. Hormonal imbalances can affect the normal growth and shedding of the endometrium, leading to abnormal menstrual blood color on the first day of menstruation. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, maintain a regular schedule, and try to avoid staying up late.
3. Cold uterus: Long-term consumption of cold foods or abdominal exposure to cold temperatures may lead to cold uterus (gonghan). Cold uterus can cause poor uterine circulation, menstrual blood to coagulate easily, and darken in color. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and cold hands and feet. Keeping the abdomen warm during menstruation and daily life can help improve blood circulation.
4. Endometritis: Inflammation can damage the endometrium. During menstruation, the inflammation affects the normal discharge of menstrual blood, and inflammatory secretions mix with menstrual blood, causing a change in its color. It is recommended to follow a doctor's guidance to use medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablets, or azithromycin tablets for treatment.
5. Abnormal uterine position: Excessive anteversion or retroversion of the uterus can cause menstrual blood to accumulate in the uterine cavity without timely discharge, remaining for too long and potentially causing dark-colored menstrual blood. If the degree of uterine position abnormality is mild, manual repositioning under a doctor's guidance is recommended. If the uterine position abnormality is severe, consultation with a doctor may indicate the need for treatment options such as wearing a pessary or undergoing uterine suspension surgery.
If menstrual blood remains black for a long time or is accompanied by other physical discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.