What Causes Brown Menstrual Blood?
Nov 05, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yan Ying
Introduction
1. Qi stagnation and blood stasis—often manifesting as thin, pale-yellow discharge; from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is commonly attributed to qi deficiency, cold accumulation, or internal heat.
2. Vaginal inflammation—prolonged retention of menstrual blood within the uterus may lead to such discharge; a foul odor typically suggests the presence of vaginal inflammation.
3. Uterine coldness—when accompanied by symptoms such as cold hands and feet and sallow complexion, it indicates uterine coldness.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is influenced by numerous factors. To maintain regular menstruation, it is essential to keep the body warm and avoid consuming excessive amounts of spicy, cold, or raw foods in daily life. Moreover, menstrual patterns naturally fluctuate from month to month. Exposure to cold or heightened stress before menstruation may disrupt the cycle—potentially causing delayed periods or symptoms such as dysmenorrhea. So, what causes brown-colored menstrual blood? Below, we address this question.
What Causes Brown Menstrual Blood?
1. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
This pattern commonly manifests as light, pale-yellow discharge. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, it may stem from qi deficiency, internal cold, or heat. Additionally, it could indicate hyperprolactinemia—a syndrome characterized by elevated prolactin levels, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, anovulation, and infertility, triggered by internal or external environmental factors. Normal pulsatile prolactin secretion and its circadian rhythm play crucial regulatory roles in mammary gland development, lactation, and ovarian function.
2. Vaginal Inflammation
Prolonged stasis of menstrual blood within the uterine cavity may result in brownish discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor—suggesting possible vaginal inflammation. It is advisable to consult a physician at a hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), frequently associated with endocrine disorders, may also contribute: when estrogen levels are excessively low, the endometrium fails to proliferate adequately, leading to scanty, dark-colored menses. Similarly, kidney deficiency in women can cause irregular cycles and reduced menstrual flow.
3. Uterine Cold
If accompanied by cold hands and feet and sallow complexion, these symptoms point to “uterine cold.” Herbal therapy is particularly suitable—for instance, formulas that tonify qi and nourish blood while warming the meridians and promoting circulation. Such treatments help expel cold and damp pathogens, thereby strengthening qi, enriching blood, warming the meridians, dispelling cold, and unblocking the channels. Additionally, delayed cycles, decreased flow, dark menstrual blood with clots, lower abdominal pain, and cold intolerance may indicate “blood cold”—a condition resulting from invasion of cold pathogenic factors, leading to cold-induced qi stagnation and impaired blood circulation.
The above outlines the potential causes of brown menstrual blood. We hope this information is helpful to you.
