What the Color of your period says about your Health

At some point in your life, you've probably declared that your period is the actual worst. And for the most part, it totally is (what up, cramps and annoyingly cumbersome tampon stash). But while that time of the month is generally way more nuisance than not, there is one sort of cool silver lining to the whole thing: It’s a good way to gain insight into your overall health.
  According to the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, your period may be used as a vital health sign. Anything from the length of your cycle to the textures and colors you see may indicate something important about your health.

You may see colors of blood ranging from black to bright red, brown to orange. Although most colors can be considered “normal” or “healthy,” others may be reason to see your doctor.

1. Brown color: of all shades is typically a sign of old blood. The blood has had time to oxidize, which is why it’s changed hues from the standard red.  Another reason your period blood may veer toward the brownish side is if you have an IUD—especially the progesterone kind.

2. Bright red

A bright red colour (like cranberry juice) is a sign of a healthy  and regular period. There is a possibility that what is normal for one can be different for another but in general, bright red colour is considered as a healthy period colour.

3. Pinkish red

Pinkish colour is

Pinkish colour is

Pink-ish colored period blood may signify low estrogen levels. If you’re an avid runner, this could also be a reason for your menstrual blood to be light in color, as it’s been proven that playing sports, especially running, may cause the estrogen levels to drop.

It’s something to watch out for as some studies have found a connection between low estrogen and osteoporosis later in life. 

4. Blood clots:  those thick blobs of blood that can appear during your period—are generally not too worrisome. They’re simply a function of your bleeding, says Millheiser, and as long as they don’t happen all the time and they’re under the size of a quarter, you’re probably fine. But if you have large clots on a regular basis, they could be indicative of a larger problem. 

 5. Mixed of gray and red: 

Though not so common but women suffering from serious infections like STD/ STI may notice this period colour. If you notice grey coloured chunks in your period flow, then it is also an indication that you are either pregnant or having a miscarriage. Doctor's intervention becomes important if you notice this colour in your period blood.

Is it PMS or PMDD?

Many women feel different a week or so before they get their periods. They may get depressed, cry often, feel angry, get acne, have tender breasts , feel sleepy, have less energy, and feel heavy or bloated.

If you have these problems around the same time every month and they go away when your period starts, you likely have premenstraul syndrome  (PMS).

But if your PMS symptoms are so extreme that they stop you from doing the normal things that you do at work or at home, or if they affect the way that you relate to the people in your life, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS.

 

Signs of PMS vs. PMDD

 In both PMDD and PMS, symptoms usually begin seven to 10 days before your period starts and continue for the first few days that you have your period. Both PMDD and PMS may also cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in sleep and eating habits. In PMDD, however, at least one of these emotional and behavioral symptoms stands out:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Anxiety or tension
• Extreme moodiness
• Marked irritability or anger

But PMS and PMDD are different in several ways. For example:

Depression . If you have PMS, you may feel depressed. But if you have PMDD, your sadness may be so extreme that you feel hopeless. You might even have thoughts about suicide 

Anxiety. You could feel anxious when you have PMS. But with PMDD, the anxiety  you feel is probably on a very different level. Some women with PMDD describe feeling very tense or on edge.

Mood swings. When you have PMS, you can get moody. You feel happy one minute and upset or angry the next, and you’re more likely to cry. But with PMDD, your mood swings will be much more severe. You may become very angry, and things are likely to irritate you that wouldn’t normally bother you. You might pick fights, even if this isn’t your usual style. You may also cry about things that wouldn’t usually upset you. You may feel out of control of your life.

Feelings about your life. If you have PMS and feel depressed, you may feel a little detached from your usual routine. But if you have PMDD, you’re likely to stop caring about your job, your hobbies, your friends and family -- anything that otherwise might put you in a good mood. 

**PMDD affects 3-8% of women in their reproductive years, with symptoms usually emerging during a woman’s twenties.These symptoms may worsen over time; for example, it has been observed that some women may experience worsening premenstrual symptoms as they enter into menopause.Less commonly, PMDD may begin during adolescence , with case reports suggesting that successful treatment options in adolescents with PMDD are similar to those used for adult women.

Causes

No one knows the exact causes of PMS or PMDD, but changes in hormone levels are thought to play a part. Genetics may also play a role. Depression  is also linked to PMS and PMDD, although one doesn’t cause the other to happen. The changes in hormone levels may make mood disorders like depression worse, though.

Treatments

  Treatments of PMDD is directed at preventing or minimizing symptoms and may include:

• Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, others) and sertraline (Zoloft), may reduce symptoms such as emotional symptoms, fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems. You can reduce symptoms of PMDD by taking SSRIs all month or only in the interval between ovulation and the start of your period.
• Birth control pills. Taking birth control pills with no pill-free interval or with a shortened pill-free interval may reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms for some women.
• Nutritional supplements. Consuming 1,200 milligrams of dietary and supplemental calcium daily may possibly reduce symptoms of PMS and PMDD in some women. Vitamin B-6, magnesium and L-tryptophan also may help, but talk with your doctor for advice before taking any supplements.
• Herbal remedies. Some research suggests that chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may possibly reduce irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, swelling, cramps and food cravings associated with PMDD, but more research is needed. The Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate herbal supplements, so talk with your doctor before trying one.
• Diet and lifestyle changes. Regular exercise often reduces premenstrual symptoms. Cutting back caffeine, avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking may ease symptoms, too. Getting enough sleep and using relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga, also may help. Avoid stressful and emotional triggers, such as arguments over financial issues or relationship problems, whenever possible.

***Review your symptoms with your doctor. A thorough medical evaluation may determine if symptoms are due to PMDD or some other condition. If you're diagnosed with PMDD, your doctor can recommend specific treatments to help minimize symptoms.