Does Brown Period Blood Signal Hormonal Issues? I Asked A GP

Scrolling through Instagram, a video from holistic nutritionist Rachel Fuller caught my attention. 

“The brown blood you get at the start and end of your period... yeah, that’s not normal,” the alarming caption read.

Though I’d been taught that brown blood was simply older blood that was released later into your cycle, the post claimed that darker stains could come from a progesterone deficit. 

But is that true?

Here’s what GP Dr Rupa Parmar, medical director of Midland Health, had to say on the claim. 

Yes, brown blood can be related to hormones – but it can also be completely normal 

Dr Parmar explained that blood turns brown as it oxidises, which becomes more likely the longer it’s left in your body.

At the start and end of your period, your flow is typically slower, so your blood has more time to turn brown. 

“This is completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern,” Dr Parmar advised. 

But, the GP continued, sometimes hormones really can play a part.

“If there isn’t enough oestrogen circulating in your body, the uterine lining may break down at various points throughout your cycle, resulting in brown spotting or other unusual bleeding,” she told us.

That’s because the blood takes longer to leave the body, allowing it to oxidise and turn brown.

“On top of this, low estrogen may lead to other symptoms, such as tender breasts, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or even night sweats and insomnia.”

You might also notice brown blood when starting new hormonal contraception as your body adjusts to the different levels. It may also appear when you ovulate and can even be a sign of perimenopause.

When is brown blood something to worry about?

In and of itself, “Brown blood in your discharge should only be a concern if it lasts for several weeks, has a ‘bad’ smell, happens commonly after sex, or you’re also experiencing intense pain, cramps, or itching,” the GP shared.

“This may indicate an infection and should be discussed with a medical professional.” 

If you notice menstrual cycle changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flushes, and/or bladder problems, you may be experiencing perimenopause.

But when it comes with other symptoms, a lot of brown blood might be a sign of menstrual disorders, the GP said. 

PCOS, for instance, can also create heavy flows or no period at all, oily acne-prone skin, excess hair, and pain in the pelvis.

“Knowing your cycle and what’s normal for you helps you understand when something might be wrong,” Dr Parmar ended. 

“It’s normal to experience changes during a period. But if there are any sudden and irregular variations in blood colour, flow, or duration, or if you’re noticing new symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP.”