What causes dark menstrual period? How should I adjust my diet?

Under normal circumstances, the color of menstruation should be bright red and usually lasts about five days. Generally, women with irregular menstruation, lack of personal hygiene, and qi stagnation and blood stasis tend to have dark menstrual color.

Why is the menstrual period dark in color?

1. Irregular menstruation

Some women often experience too little or too much menstrual flow before their period, early or delayed menstrual cycles, or red or dark menstrual color. These are all manifestations of irregular menstruation and may be caused by gynecological diseases. You need to go to a regular hospital for a comprehensive gynecological examination and symptomatic treatment.

2. Improper care

If women do strenuous exercise, smoke and drink, have uncontrolled sexual life, take a bath during menstruation, stay up late or overwork, or do not pay attention to menstrual hygiene, all of these will cause the color of their menstrual blood to be dark.

3. Qi stagnation and blood stasis

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, dark menstrual color is a symptom of qi stagnation and blood stasis, which can cause excessive or insufficient menstrual flow, abnormal color with black spots, and often accompanied by abdominal pain. Some traditional Chinese medicines that can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, regulate qi and relieve pain can be used for treatment.

What should I eat if my menstrual period is dark in color?

1. Eat more fish and animal liver

Women with dark menstrual blood should eat more animal liver and fish, because they contain high-quality protein and are easily absorbed by the intestines. Women tend to feel tired and have no appetite during menstruation. At this time, they should ensure adequate nutrition and avoid eating spicy, fried or grilled food, otherwise it will lead to increased menstrual flow.

2. Supplement iron

Women also lose a lot of iron during menstruation. Iron can enhance the body's resistance and immunity and promote metabolism. During menstruation, you should pay attention to supplementing enough iron to improve food digestion. In addition, you should also drink more brown sugar ginger water, which can not only replenish blood and promote blood circulation, but also regulate menstruation.

3. Motherwort and Red Date Soup

You need 60 grams of motherwort, 30 grams of red dates, and ten eggs, put them together in a pot and cook them. Take it once in the morning and once in the evening every day. It is especially suitable for dark menstrual blood caused by insufficient essence and blood.

4. Astragalus and Angelica Pills

You need 30 grams of Astragalus, 15 grams of Polygonatum, 12 grams of Cornus officinalis and Morinda officinalis, and 9 grams of Angelica sinensis. Grind all these ingredients into fine powder and make them into pills. Take three grams three times a day, each time, to treat dark menstrual blood caused by deficiency of essence and blood.

5. Lamb ribs and rice porridge

You need two pounds of fresh lamb chops or 200 grams of glutinous rice. Wash the lamb chops and cut them into small pieces. Put them in a pot to make soup first, until they turn white. Then add glutinous rice and cook into porridge. You can add some seasoning when using it. A course of treatment is 10 days.

Kind tips

Patients with dark menstrual blood should maintain a happy spirit, avoid being overly excited, avoid mental stimulation, pay attention to the hygiene of the external genitalia, and not have sexual intercourse during menstruation. They should also pay attention to keeping warm and avoid excessive physical fatigue. They should not do strenuous exercise during menstruation and choose soft cotton underwear.