Hi, everyone --

I'm an Ask Me Help Desk novice looking for a few answers and a little reassurance.

I just experienced a relatively light period capped by a fairly heavy day-long flow of brown blood with a distinctive odor. I'm in my mid-30s, not pregnant, and I don't have any STDs. Should I be worried?

It is not uncommon for a woman's period to get heavier towards the end.

Brown blood is just old blood. There is nothing to worry about with the color.

You said it has a distinctive odor. What kind of odor? Not like what a period generally smells like?

First of all, thanks so much for responding to my question so quickly.

To answer your follow-up, the brown blood doesn't smell like menstrual blood. It's more pungent, a hint of ammonia maybe, but not super-unpleasant. Should I be worried now?

The ammonia odor in your perineal area is caused by oils in your sweat gland and vaginal secretions. The secretions are the same component as urine, and that's where the ammonia smell comes from.

There is nothing for you to worry about, it is just your natural secretions.

Thank you so, so much for the prompt, helpful, and reassuring response. It's so unsettling when your body acts out of character, so I really appreciate you demystifying the experience for me.

Best wishes and good health,

cobblestonetripper

You're very welcome. I'm glad I could be of help.

Best wishes and good health to you too :)

My pried late 2days after came light blood not flow before my pride2nd up still now brown this implantation blood ?