Is this normal?

Dear Foreverisover,

Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community! 

It is very unlikely the red blood is from tearing your hymen-did you experience any pain when inserting the tampon?

It is normal for the period blood colors and textures to vary from bright red to brown or somewhat black and from thin to very thick. These changes may be a sign that the blood has been in the uterus for some time and has not been removed quickly. This may be a normal occurrence, which should not be a cause of concern.

Some women however, feel that something may be going on, and want to know the possible reasons in the changes from their usual menstruation.

Different period blood colors

Bright red: Bright red menstrual blood signifies that the blood was recently shed and released from the body. This type of blood flow is usually light and one may be having frequent periods.

Dark red: Dark red blood is usually "older blood". This may have been stored in your uterus for a while and has taken a longer time to be shed. Many women shed blood that is dark red upon waking up.

Brown/Black: This is also old blood. Most women see dark brown or black blood towards the end of the period, and the blood flow is not that heavy. It may also be blood that stayed in the uterine folds, or in women whose periods are infrequent, it may be blood that was initially there before being released much later.

In most cases, changes in period blood colors and textures are normal and not a cause for worry. There are a few cases, however, when one may suspect an abnormality, which then you should call your doctor.

Changes in period blood colors and textures are not commonly serious. However, sometimes it can lead to a loss of a significant amount of blood over time, without being noticed because it occurs slowly. It is advisable to see your doctor if you experience:

Easy fatigue after normal activity

Frequent dizziness

Pale ashen skin

Pale fingernails

Irregular periods

These may be signs of anemia, which can be confirmed with a blood test. Iron supplements may be prescribed to improve this condition.

You are probably just experiencing an irregular period and no cause for alarm. When in doubt talk with your mother or another woman you trust and or schedule and exam with your Gynecologist.

I hope this helps!

Best,

Kristin