Ever looked inside your underwear during your period and been shocked by what you saw? It okay! It happens, and most of the time it’s completely normal. However, sometimes, abnormal colors can indicate that something might be wrong with your period. Here’s a list of the different colors your period can take and what they mean!
1. Bright Red
What it means: Bright red menstrual blood typically indicates that the blood is fresh and has been recently released from the uterus. It’s the most common color and is generally a sign of a healthy period. This color is often seen at the beginning or during the peak of menstruation.
→ Health Insight: It is normal and can be seen during the first 2–3 days of your period when the flow is heavier.
2. Dark Red
What it means: Dark red blood usually means the blood has been in the uterus a bit longer, allowing it to oxidize. It’s typically seen in the middle or toward the end of your period when the flow is lighter.
→ Health Insight: Generally, this is still a normal color. It can indicate the blood has had more time to exit the body, so it’s not a cause for concern.
3. Brown
What it means: Brown blood typically appears at the beginning or end of your period, or when the flow is light. The color is due to the blood taking longer to exit the body, causing it to oxidize more.
→ Health Insight: Brown blood is typically not something to worry about and can be common for people with irregular cycles or at the start or end of their period. However, if you notice brown blood consistently throughout the cycle, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out conditions like hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
4. Pink
What it means: Pink menstrual blood can indicate a lighter flow, often due to low estrogen levels or the early days of a period. It’s typically caused by a mix of blood and cervical mucus.
→ Health Insight: Light pink blood can be perfectly normal, but if it occurs outside of your normal menstrual cycle or is accompanied by other symptoms (like spotting), it could indicate hormonal imbalances or other issues like early pregnancy, especially if you’re pregnant and notice spotting.
5. Black
What it means: Black menstrual blood typically appears at the very end of your period. Like brown blood, black blood has had more time to oxidize. It can also occur with heavier or irregular periods.
→ Health Insight: While black blood is typically just old blood that’s leaving your body, if it’s accompanied by a strong odor, severe pain, or occurs mid-cycle, it could be a sign of a uterine infection, endometriosis, or fibroids. It’s important to check with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned.
6. Gray or Clumpy
What it means: Gray menstrual blood, especially if it looks clotty or chunky, could indicate that there is an issue with the uterine lining. This may be seen in cases of miscarriage or certain infections.
→ Health Insight: If you experience gray or clumpy blood and suspect a miscarriage or infection, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away.
7. Orange
What it means: Orange blood can be a mix of old blood and cervical mucus. It is more common if there’s a lighter flow or spotting.
→ Health Insight: Orange blood is generally not a cause for concern, but if you notice this color along with other symptoms like unusual discharge, it could indicate an infection, particularly a vaginal or cervical infection, which requires medical evaluation.
When to Seek Help:
While menstrual blood color can vary naturally from cycle to cycle, it’s important to seek medical advice if:
- The blood color changes dramatically and consistently (e.g., persistent gray, green, or unusually dark blood).
- You experience symptoms like severe pain (dysmenorrhea), an unusual odor, or irregular cycles.
- Your period becomes significantly heavier or lighter than usual.
- Your normal cycles have changed and they’re now irregular.
Conclusion
The color of your menstrual blood can provide insights into your menstrual health, but variations are often normal. However, persistent or unusual colors, especially if accompanied by pain, odor, or other symptoms, should be addressed with a healthcare provider.
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Sources
Ratini, Melinda. “What Affects the Color of Your Period Blood? What Colors Are Considered Normal for Period Blood?” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-color-period-blood.
Marcin, Ashley, and Adrienne Santos-Longhurst. “Period Blood Color Chart: Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More.” Healthline. Accessed December 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-blood#dark-red.
