The menstrual fluid (lat. menstrua: monthly sacrifices) consists of endometrial tissue, blood and vaginal secretions. [1] The average volume of menstrual fluid during a monthly menstrual period is 35 to 150 milliliters [2] [3] [4] and seems to be connected to the female constitution, intensity of sport, nutrition as well as body weight. The first periods after pregnancy mostly are stronger. [5] [6]

Menstrual fluid is reddish-brown and can have a runny or viscous consistency. [1] The liquid may also contain blood clots which appear as clumps of blood [7] [8]. When it dries, it might have an intensive smell. [9]

Myths
There are several myths and taboos about menstrual fluid and the process of menstruation. [HISTORY OF MENSTRUATION] In earlier generations, for instance, the contact of menstrual blood with all sorts of food was believed to be dangerous because it would rot. According to Isidor of Sevilla (560-636), dogs eating it, would get rabies. [10]

Some taboos, such as the participation in grape stomping, are understandable in so far as there were unhealthy hygienic environments in earlier times and blood had always been a vector of diseases. However, menstrual blood is neither harmful nor poisonous and can safely be touched, smelled or tasted in the absence of contagious diseases. [8] [10] [11]