What does the uterus look like during menstruation?

Menstruation in the uterus is mainly characterized by periodic shedding of the endometrium accompanied by vaginal bleeding, which is a normal physiological phenomenon of the female reproductive system. The main characteristics of menstruation include the amount, color change, duration and accompanying symptoms, which are often closely related to fluctuations in hormone levels.

1. Changes in bleeding volume

The amount of menstrual bleeding varies greatly among individuals, and the total blood loss in a single menstrual period is mostly 20-60 ml. The amount of bleeding is small and dripping in the early stage, reaches a peak on the 2nd to 3rd day, and gradually decreases in the later stage. You can use a rough assessment of the wetted area of ​​sanitary napkins. Changing 3-5 sanitary napkins daily is within the normal range. Bleeding volume exceeding 80 ml may indicate menorrhagia, and uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps and other lesions need to be investigated.

2. Menstrual blood color

The color of menstrual blood changes dynamically with the bleeding speed. In the early stage, it is mostly dark red or brown, reflecting old bleeding. ； The active phase is bright red, indicating fresh endometrial peeling. ； Later it turns to dark red again. If black blood clots or gray-white secretions continue to appear, it may be related to pathological conditions such as uterine cold and infection.

3. Duration

Normal menstruation lasts 3-7 days, and most women focus on 4-5 days. It takes a certain amount of time for the endometrium to completely shed. If it is too short, it may indicate insufficient luteal function, and if it is too long, you need to be alert to endometriosis or coagulation disorder. Women in adolescence and perimenopause may experience irregular cycles, which is a normal physiological adjustment process.

4. Discharge of tissue

Menstrual blood may be mixed with small amounts of membrane-like tissue, which are fragments of the sloughed-off endometrium. Some women will observe 0.5-2 cm floc, which usually has no special smell. If blood clots or rot-like tissue larger than 3 cm appear, special conditions such as miscarriage and uterine submucosal fibroids need to be considered.

5. Accompanying symptoms

About 60% of women will experience menstrual discomfort, which is commonly manifested as symptoms of prostaglandin action such as lower abdominal distension and lumbosacral soreness. Mild headaches and breast tenderness are related to hormone withdrawal. Severe abdominal pain, fever or a large number of blood clots may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis and other diseases, and it is recommended to seek gynecological consultation.

It is recommended to keep the vulva clean during menstruation and change sanitary products every 2-3 hours. Drink warm water in moderation and avoid strenuous exercise and cold or raw food. Hot compress on the lower abdomen can be used to relieve cramps. When the pain is severe, you can use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by your doctor. Record the changes in the menstrual cycle. If there is prolonged menstruation, sudden increase in menstrual flow or amenorrhea, gynecological ultrasound and six hormone examinations should be carried out in time. Pay attention to supplementing iron-containing foods such as animal liver, spinach, etc. daily to prevent iron deficiency anemia.