Latest news with #JRavichandran
News18
22-05-2025
- Health
- News18
What Your Period Blood Colour Reveals About Your Health
Last Updated: Understanding the color of your period gives you the ability to recognize warning signs early and take charge of your own health Your menstrual cycle is not just a recurring biological event—it's a monthly health report. Menstrual blood color is a lesser-known but no less significant indicator of what's going on inside the body, even though many people concentrate on flow intensity, cramps, or timing. Differences in period blood color can provide insight into hormonal balance, the possibility of infection, the presence of nutritional deficiencies, or reproductive health, much like differences in skin color or nail quality can provide insight into internal health. In India, where menstrual health is shrouded in silence in many cultures, being able to understand what's considered normal and what may not be can be a powerful first step towards early intervention and better overall health. Dr. J Ravichandran, Amrutanjan Healthcare helps us decode the color palette of a period. Bright red blood is often seen in the early days of the menstrual cycle, typically days one to two, when bleeding is heaviest. This shade denotes fresh blood, indicating rapid and effective shedding of the uterine lining. This indicates normal hormone activity and good uterine health. However, conditions like uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, or hormonal imbalances may be indicated if the flow is extremely heavy, requiring changing pads every hour or accompanied by large clots. 18–24% of Indian women in their reproductive years' experience heavy menstrual bleeding, which is a common cause of gynaecological consultations, as per recent reports by Journal of Mid-Life Health, At some point in your period, the blood may darken to a dark red or maroon color. This is simply blood that has had longer to oxidize slightly, as it has taken longer to leave the uterus. This darker color most commonly appears in the final days of the cycle or after waking. In most cases, dark red blood generally appears to be completely normal, but if it is accompanied by pelvic pain, an unpleasant odor, or lasts longer than usual, it could be associated with retained tissue which is a particular risk after childbirth or a miscarriage. In these circumstances, it is important to see a gynaecologist. Brown or rusty blood is commonly older oxidized blood that did not leave during the last cycle. It is often noticed at the beginning or end of the period, and sometimes just as spotting between cycles. Generally speaking, this is usually not a problem. Spotting particularly as brown spots can indicate a thyroid issue, hormonal contraceptive side effect, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), especially if you have irregular periods or pain in your abdomen. In fact, nearly 20% of Indian women of reproductive age have PCOS according to the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. It is important to be aware of these symptoms. Pink Blood: May Indicate Low Estrogen or Nutritional Deficiency Pinkish blood is frequently the result of blood diluted with cervical fluid, usually seen during lighter periods or spotting. Consistently pink periods may indicate low estrogen levels, which can be caused by eating disorders, low body weight, or excessive exercise, though they may be normal for some people. In India, pink menstrual blood can also denote low haemoglobin levels, as anaemia is affecting more than half of the women between the ages of 15-49. It is important to pay attention to any other symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, or breathlessness, and to request a blood test if the pink spotting persists. Grey or Off-White Clots: Requires Immediate Attention The appearance of greyish blood or tissue during menstruation can be a medical red flag. This coloring can point to a bacterial infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is usually accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching, or abnormal discharge. Grey tissue may also indicate retained products of conception in postpartum women which necessitate clinical care. According to the World Health Organization, untreated reproductive tract infections among women in developing countries represent one of the leading causes of infertility and chronic pelvic pain. You should go see a gynaecologist as soon as possible if you experience any grey discharge. Seeing black period blood can be alarming, but usually, it is simply older blood that has stayed in the uterus longer than normal due to cervical stenosis, accumulation of endometrial tissue, or even a lighter flow. If the black blood is accompanied by severe cramping, cycles are irregular or there is a foul odour, it could mean a serious problem like endometriosis, fibroids or an infection. Noticing these behaviours can be the first step towards early diagnosis. In India, these conditions are often under-diagnosed because of stigma and low awareness about women's health issues. Let Your Body Speak top videos View all Menstrual blood comes in a spectrum of colors each one a potential signal. Even though the majority of variations are benign and a natural part of your body's rhythm, you shouldn't disregard any persistent changes or concerning symptoms. In India, menstrual health education is still a major obstacle, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Understanding the color of your period gives you the ability to recognize warning signs early and take charge of your own health. Whether you are a mother managing cycles after giving birth, a working woman or a student it's important to know what's normal so that you can safeguard your fertility, comfort and long-term menstrual health. First Published: May 22, 2025, 16:05 IST
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Do tampons affect virginity? Doctor busts myths, shares why it is hygienic and safe
If you tend to choose pads over tampons and menstrual cups whenever possible and feel inserting a tampon is still a process, you're approaching these menstrual hygiene products from the wrong angle. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr J Ravichandran from Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited busts common myths about tampons and menstrual cups and explains things to keep in mind for safe usage. Also read | Women's health experts on why tampons are the best period products ever He says, 'In urban India, even though menstrual hygiene is receiving attention in mainstream health conversations, tampons and menstrual cup use continue to be wrongly positioned. Particularly by some health practitioners, terming it as dangerous and filthy, based on traditional cultural barriers, misunderstanding, and unfounded fear.' According to Dr Ravichandran, as a result, many people continue to be confused and reluctant to use these hygienic and eco-friendly sanitary options. Furthermore, there are challenges with access to credible information and a lack of opportunities for proper demonstrations, he adds. Dr Ravichandran says, 'Whether a woman chooses pads, cups, cloth, or tampons, the most important thing is that she makes an informed decision that is free from stigma and easily accessible. Tampons or menstrual cups cannot be considered luxury items; for many women who do not have access to clean water, viable disposal, or stable monthly income, they represent basic health and hygiene requirements.' Dr Ravichandran says that less than 0.3 percent of women who menstruate use menstrual cups, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in India. This isn't because they aren't safe or effective; rather, it's because schools, clinics, and homes don't introduce or explain them, he adds. Moreover, less than 50 percent of adolescent girls in rural India receive any formal education about menstruation before their first period, and this lack of awareness is the real challenge, not the product itself, according to Dr Ravichandran. Ahead, Dr Ravichandran distinguishes fact from fiction and explores the science behind the safe use of sanitary products, especially for women and girls in rural and semi-urban contexts, where there is little understanding or information about these items. Dr Ravichandran says, 'In rural areas, this is one of the most enduring myths. Many people think that putting anything in the body while menstruating will lead to infection or long-term damage. In truth, menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, a safe, non-toxic, and body-friendly material. Menstrual cups are safe when used properly, as long as basic hygiene precautions are taken, such as cleaning hands before inserting the cup and sterilising it in between cycles.' He adds, 'Women who used menstrual cups reported fewer vaginal infections than those who used cloth or pads for prolonged periods without change. In areas where waste disposal facilities or clean restrooms are limited, menstrual cups are an eco-friendly, sanitary, hygienic, and dignified option in comparison to single-use products. It allows women to disengage from the monthly reliance on single-use products that add to the planet's waste.' Dr Ravichandran says, 'This myth is based on cultural ideas of virginity being 'intact' as long as the hymen remains whole. However, the hymen can stretch or rip from normal activities such as biking, dancing, or even yoga. Using tampons or menstrual cups is a method of managing menstruation; it does not signify that an individual has lost their virginity. Gynaecologists in India have increasingly advocated for menstrual health education to move away from anatomical myths. Emphasizing comfort, cleanliness, and health should take precedence over outdated notions of purity.' According to Dr Ravichandran, it might take one or two cycles to get used to using a menstrual cup, just like with any new habit. He adds, 'However, many women report that cups are more liberating and comfortable than other options once they get used to them. Most women in rural awareness programs — once trained by ASHA workers or NGOs — were able to use cups successfully after one or two guided demonstrations. These cups are flexible and body-adaptive and come in many sizes. In fact, cups are often found to be the more practical option for women in jobs with a lot of manual labour or farming communities as they don't restrict movement and need a relatively little adjusting.' Dr Ravichandran says it is anatomically impossible for a cup or tampon to become 'lost' in the body. He explains, 'The vaginal canal is a finite length and the cervix is a physical barrier. A cup might move a little higher, particularly for persons using it for the first time. In these cases the object will not be impossible to retrieve by squatting, gentle bearing down, and relaxing the pelvic muscles. This is exactly why education and awareness campaigns are so important when introducing products to a new community.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
