7. Dark or Tar-like Stools: The Alarming Excretion
When it comes to gauging our health, the last thing many of us think to check is our stool. However, our excretion can sometimes tell tales that our external symptoms might miss. One of the signs of a bleeding gastric ulcer in women is the appearance of dark, tar-like stools.
Initially, it might be dismissed as a result of certain foods or medications. Dark leafy greens or iron supplements, for instance, can darken the stool. However, if the dark stools persist and are accompanied by other ulcer symptoms, it’s not something to be taken lightly.
When an ulcer bleeds, the blood gets processed along with food in the stomach and intestines. As the blood moves through the digestive system, it gets broken down and turns from red to a dark, tarry consistency. This is what results in the dark stools. This type of stool isn’t just identifiable by its color but also its stickiness and foul odor.
Continuous occurrence of such stools is a clear indication of internal bleeding, often from the ulcer site. While the bleeding might be slow, and not immediately life-threatening, if left unchecked, it can lead to complications.(7)
