Question 1

stool is darker in one area. stool was normal sized and also normal in color. mostly brown but at the end seemed way darker ?

Accepted Answer

All brown colors: of stool are normal. Abnormally light stools ("clay-colored") may be due to reduced bile associated with liver disease. All dark brown stools are normal UNLESS they are BLACK which suggests upper GI bleeding. Sometimes more or less hydration in one part of the stool may affect its brown color. I wouldn't worry about this any further. Stay well:)

Question 2

normal for stool to change consistency in the same day? one is light brown/normal shape, next one is dark brown and pretty soft.

Accepted Answer

Can happen: This can happen. Usually due to changes in diet.  If you are consistently taking a fiber supplement, then less likely.  You should consider regular fiber in the diet and more water intake.
It's best to discuss significant changes with your physician.  May want to consider colonoscopy if you are adult age.

Question 3

i've been having stools that come out as 2 shades of brown. sometimes its normal brown and dark, other times its normal brown and light brown. diet?

Accepted Answer

Stool Color: Stool color not a problem unless persistent black or very light clay color.

Question 4

is dark brown stool normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes : As long as it is not bloody not dark, tarry black, that color is ok.

Question 5

i am having very dark stools (not black!). iis this normal?

Accepted Answer

Probably: As long as not black / tarry which would indicate bleeding.

Question 6

is it normal to have a dark brown or black color in my stool?

Accepted Answer

Possibly not: Black tarry, malodorous stool can be due to blood in bowel movements. Stool may also turn black if one takes iron pills or bismuth medications. A stool guiac can distinguish if there is blood in stool or not.

Question 7

what to do if i have about 5-6 bm's a day! i have noticed now that my stool is like a dark gray/green. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal stools: Malabsorption comes to mind which can be intestinal like celiac sprue or pancreatic like chronic pancreatitis; also colonic problems, infection, inflammatory bowel disease are in the differential diagnosis-see your gastroenterologist

Question 8

what causes persistent mixed colored stool (brown on one side and dark brown on other) even after colonoscopy says everything is normal?

Accepted Answer

: Its just a coincidence and will change depending on what you eat and drink.  Nothing to get concerned about.

Question 9

healthy, eat well, exercise etc.  my stool sometimes wants to come out fast and it is dark grey and brown, mucas... other times just normal brown?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenterology: This is not normal. It may very well be there is a food allergy or other condition that would be best evaluated with a gastroenterologist.

Question 10

my stool often comes in 2 stages in one sitting. first stage is firm and light brown, 2nd stage is very loose and very dark brown. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Not unusual: The sigmoid colon acts to solidify and compact stool so what you are seeing first probably comes from that area of the colon.  What is up higher may not be so firm because it has not reached the sigmoid yet so it can be somewhat looser.  Unless this represents a recent change in bowel habits would not be too concerned but if it is a change would have it checked out by your doctor with rectal exam.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Darker than normal stool

A member asked:

Stool is darker in one area. stool was normal sized and also normal in color. mostly brown but at the end seemed way darker ?

A member asked:

Normal for stool to change consistency in the same day? one is light brown/normal shape, next one is dark brown and pretty soft.

A member asked:

I've been having stools that come out as 2 shades of brown. sometimes its normal brown and dark, other times its normal brown and light brown. diet?

A member asked:

Is dark brown stool normal?

A member asked:

I am having very dark stools (not black!). iis this normal?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have a dark brown or black color in my stool?

A member asked:

What to do if i have about 5-6 bm's a day! i have noticed now that my stool is like a dark gray/green. is that normal?

A member asked:

What causes persistent mixed colored stool (brown on one side and dark brown on other) even after colonoscopy says everything is normal?

A member asked:

Healthy, eat well, exercise etc. my stool sometimes wants to come out fast and it is dark grey and brown, mucas... other times just normal brown?

A member asked:

My stool often comes in 2 stages in one sitting. first stage is firm and light brown, 2nd stage is very loose and very dark brown. is this normal?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?