What Sheds During Menstruation?

Even though almost half of the population experiences them for a good chunk of their lives, periods are widely misunderstood.

This is in large part thanks to a lack of research and education about the female body. At Intimina, we’re here to change that – one question at a time. 

We’re getting into the nitty gritty of reproductive health – which brings us to the topic at hand. What actually comes out of the body during menstruation? 

Time to find out!

Periods 101

Menstruation is the act of having your period. Whether you just had your first period or have had it for years, a lot of people are still unclear about what’s happening in their bodies.

If you relate to this, it’s not your fault! It’s hard to find clear information about menstruation and reproductive health education in schools doesn’t always answer the many questions we have. 

What Exactly Is a Period?

Your period is the typically monthly shedding of blood and tissues from your uterus, which comes out of your vagina. This is just one part of the menstrual cycle.

Your menstrual cycle actually lasts the whole month and includes everything from ovulation to your period. Here’s a brief overview of it:

• Menses phase: Your cycle actually starts on the first day of your period. This typically lasts three to five days.
• Follicular phase: Your follicular phase overlaps with your menses phase (your period) and ends at ovulation. 
• Ovulation: Ovulation typically occurs about halfway through your cycle (day 14 for a 28 day cycle). Your body experiences a sudden increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) which causes your ovary to release an egg, aka ovulation. 
• Luteal phase: After ovulation, you enter your luteal phase. During this time the released egg (or eggs) travels from your ovary to your uterus via your fallopian tubes. Your luteal phase is also marked by increased levels of progesterone, which helps thicken the uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy. 

If you happen to get pregnant after ovulation, the fertilized egg implants by attaching itself to the uterine wall. If no implantation occurs, your hormone levels begin to drop, and you get your period – starting the cycle over again. 

What Comes Out During Menstruation?

We’ve established that menstruation is the shedding of blood and tissues, but what comes out exactly? 

This will come as no surprise but one of the main ingredients of menstruation is, well, blood. Normal period blood can range from deep red to brown in color. If it’s brown, that typically just means that the blood is oxidized after spending a little longer in the uterus. 

Another thing you’ll find in period blood is endometrial lining. You may recognize the word endometrial from conversations around endometriosis (or maybe you have this disorder yourself).  Endometrium is the tissue lining your uterus, and may come out as clots – some small clots are totally normal. 

Bacteria are all around and inside of us – including in your period blood. Your vagina becomes more moist around your period, and as we all know, bacteria love moisture. That’s why like most things on this planet, you’ll find quite a bit of bacteria in menstruation. 

One of the last things you’ll find in period blood are secretions from the vagina and cervix. These secretions are largely made up of water and electrolytes and help to keep your vaginal pH low (acidic), which in turn helps to keep bacteria in check. 

Things To Look Out For

Now you know the main ingredients that make up menstruation, but that doesn’t necessarily tell you what is or isn’t normal. Knowing what to look out for can help you determine if there’s any questions or concerns you may want to take to your provider. 

We already touched on period clots, some of which are normal, but when should you be concerned about them? Normal clots are typically infrequent and smaller than a quarter. You may want to talk to your provider if you pass multiple blood clots that are bigger than a quarter per menstrual cycle.

Large or frequent blood clots may be indicative of a hormonal imbalance, obstructions in the uterus, or even miscarriage. 

Another important thing to look out for is the color of your period blood. We mentioned that normal period blood can range from red to brown but you pay attention to any of these other colors:

• Orange blood: Unless it’s accompanied by other symptoms like itching or a funky smell, orange blood is typically just a result of blood mixing with cervical discharge.
• Black or brown blood: This is usually harmless and typically just means that the blood took a long time to move out from your uterus, giving it more time to oxidize and darken.
• Pink or light red blood: May be indicative of a hormone imbalance or that you’re creeping into perimenopause. You may want to see a doctor if you persistently have blood this color. 
• Gray blood: Gray period blood is definitely a sign to go to your doctor as it may mean an STI is present or that you’re having a miscarriage. Remember that most STIs can be treated with antibiotics when caught early!

That gives you a pretty good idea of what is or isn’t normal when it comes to period blood. You’ll also want to pay attention and track any other symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain, and mood changes – all important data to give your provider so that you have a better idea of what’s going on in your body!

Finding the Right Period Products

Now that you’re freshened up on all things menstruation – and what’s in your period blood – it’s time to find the best period products for you and your body.

We of course are big fans of period cups. Another great thing about period cups is that they let you examine what exactly your blood looks like so you can check for any abnormalities. We have a wide range of period cups to choose from like the Lily Cup One which is great for beginners or the Ziggy Cup 2, designed for ultimate comfort.

Not sure which cup to get? Check out this guide and you’ll be on your way to your most comfortable period yet!