What Does The Color Of Your Period Mean

When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

Speak to your healthcare provider if you notice a potentially concerning period blood color or anything that is out of the norm for you.

Changes in your menstrual bleeding can be a symptom of another health issue, including polycystic ovary syndrome . Not all of these conditions are serious or need medical attention, but a professional should weigh in.

Signs that you should see a healthcare provider about your period include:

• Missed periods: Not bleeding for more than three months when you know you’re not pregnant
• Irregular periods: This includes periods that are too close together or far apart, as well as periods that last for longer or shorter than normal.
• Unexpected bleeding: Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Heavy bleeding: Normal periods can vary from one person to the next. But if you are bleeding so much and so quickly that you flood your menstrual products or need to change them more than once an hour, you should be evaluated. This is particularly true if you have a family history of a bleeding disorder or have ever had anemia.
• Clots in period blood that are > 1 inch: These may be a sign of uterine or cervical fibroids, polyps, or cancer a hormonal imbalance endometriosis miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
• Severe pain during your period: This goes beyond the discomfort of typical menstrual cramps.

What Is Period Blood

Most women get their periods once every 28 days or so. However, its normal for some menstrual cycles to be longer or shorter. The menstrual cycle is between 21 and 40 days for many women. Your period usually lasts from three to eight days, with the heaviest bleeding in the first two days.

Periods usually start around the age of 12, although some girls may experience their first period earlier or later. Your periods will continue until you reach menopause , usually when you are in your late 40s or early 50s. During the run-up to menopause, periods can often become less frequent and heavier during whats called perimenopause.

What You Can Do For Your Cycle Health

A healthy body weight, diet and exercise are imperative for cycle regularity and reproductive health. Being overweight or underweight can lead to hormone changes that cause cycle irregularity.

Stress can also impact your cycle, leading to temporary changes in your monthly period.

Monitor your menstrual cycle and report any changes or symptoms that are affecting your life to your gynecologist or primary care physician.

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Read Also: Do You Start Birth Control On Your Period

The Mooncup Can Help To Monitor The Consistency And Colour Of Your Period Blood

The Mooncup menstrual cup works by collecting your period blood rather than absorbing it, like a tampon would. This makes it easier to monitor the consistency and colour of your blood. The millilitre markings on the side of the cup can be used to track your flow too.

This is helpful information to share with your doctor if youre concerned about your periods.

Did you know that we offer a unique Advice Service run by medical health professionals, like Cathy, who can be contacted with any Mooncup usage queries? Here to help you make the switch.

Get to #knowyournormal. Find out more about the Mooncup and get yours here.

Read more on the Mooncup blog:

Brown Or Black Period Blood

If you recall what weve already mentioned about changes in the appearance of menstrual blood over the course of your period, then brown or black period blood wont come as much of a surprise. Period blood starts off bright red, but becomes darker as it remains in the body for longer. At the end of the cycle, you may see brown or even black blood on a sanitary towel or tampon.

How does red blood become brown or black? Old blood gets darker if it stays outside of blood vessels. When blood comes into contact with air, it goes through a process called oxidation. As the hemoglobin and iron in your blood interact with the air, your blood turns brown.

There are several reasons why blood or uterine tissue may remain in your body for a longer time. It may be that the last remnants of old uterine tissue from a previous cycle are finally being discharged. Or it could be that youre among the many women who shed their uterine lining at a slower rate than the majority of the population. Aside from the rather unpleasant, tarry discharge that results from it, this slower shedding is nothing to be concerned about.

Also Check: What Does A Heavy Period Mean

Why Period Blood Has Different Colors

Period blood commonly takes on these different colors:

Pink period

When a period starts, your vaginal mucus discharge may mix with some fresh, bright red blood, which then gets diluted. Whats shed is blood with a pink hue. Lighter periods may also appear more pink than red.

Bright red period

As your uterus actively contracts, it sheds blood quickly. Since the blood doesnt have time to oxidize, it remains a vibrant red.

Dark red period

If you have a moderate period, it may take longer for the uterus to shed the lining. As it sits in the uterus, it gets darker.

Dark red + blood clots

If your uterus doesnt contract well and sheds blood quickly, it can cause blood to stay in the uterus and clump together, forming clots. Clots can be tiny or big, but they are usually a deep red color.

Brown period

As your period ends, you might experience a lighter blood color, which then mixes with vaginal mucus discharge.

Color Change During A Period

Blood can change in color and texture from month to month or even during a single period.

Hormonal changes, as well as a persons diet, lifestyle, age, and environment, can all cause variations in period blood.

Period blood can vary from bright red to dark brown according to changes in flow. Infections, pregnancy, and, in rare cases, cervical cancer, can cause unusual blood color or irregular bleeding.

People who experience unusually long or heavy periods may require an appointment with a doctor.

Healthy period blood can contain visible pieces of the uterine lining. These small pieces of tissue, or clots, in the blood are not a cause for concern.

However, very heavy bleeding or large clots can be a sign of menorrhagia. According to the , menorrhagia is when a person has unusually heavy menstrual bleeding or periods that last for more than 7 days.

The CDC recommend seeing a doctor if a person has one of the following:

• bleeding that requires a person to change a tampon or pad after less than 2 hours
• blood with clots that are the size of a quarter or bigger

The CDC also list the following as causes of menorrhagia:

• growths on the uterus, such as uterine fibroids or polyps
• hormonal imbalances

Read Also: When To Expect Period After Birth

Orange Gray Or Green Period Blood Colors

Orange period blood can be a normal outcome of cervical fluid mixing with blood.

Orange spotting not linked to a period may mean you’re pregnant. It can occur when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall. This takes place between about 10 and 14 days after conception.

However, orange, gray, or green tinges to your period blood or vaginal discharge are often a sign of infection, such as:

• Some sexually transmitted infections

Other symptoms of an infection include:

• Vaginal itching and discomfort
• Discharge with a bad odor, including a “fishy” smell
• Painful urination

See a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. You may need an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

Period Blood Color Chart: What Each Color Means

03 Sep, 2021

Everyone loves a rainbow, but seeing a myriad of menstrual flow colors isnt necessarily awe-inspiring.

Your monthly flow can change colors month to month and day to day. Seeing different colors is very normal and rarely a sign that something is wrong. However, your period can tell you a lot about your overall health.

The color of your period blow can give you bits of information like:

• Your current hormone levels
• Where you are in your cycle
• Whats going on inside your body
• Whether or not you have an infection
• If you are pregnant

Every persons body and period is different, but the colors of your flow usually have a similar meaning. Together, well crack the code and find out what each color means.

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Understanding Period Blood: Quick Summary

Heres a summary of period blood and what the different colors mean:

• The color of your period blood can change over time or even from day to day during the same period.
• Normal period blood ranges from black or dark brown to bright red and pink.
• When your period is heaviest, the blood is often bright red. On lighter days, it can be brown, pink, or black.
• Grey or orange-colored period blood may be a sign of infection, and it would be best to investigate further with your doctor.
• Period blood flow and consistency vary from woman to woman. And it can also change as your period progresses. However, bleeding tends to be heaviest during the first couple of days.
• Monitor the color and consistency of your period blood so you get a heads up on any changes.
• Consult your health professional if you are worried or concerned about any differences.

Dark Period Blood : Normal

Dark blood may appear red, or even close to purple, and is typically older blood. It could have been part of the uterine lining and so had more time to break down, begun to coagulate in the vaginal canal, or been exposed to air. Many women notice darker red blood when they first wake up in the morning. This blood may also be clotted.

Read Also: How To Get Pregnant Fast With Irregular Periods

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Period Blood Type #: Dark Brown/spotting

Brown-coloured blood indicates the blood has been exposed to oxygen. This can be due to spotting before the true period starts, or as old blood after the period has ended.

Dark brown period blood is commonly seen when women experience spotting in the days before their period. This is often because the endometrial lining has started to break away too early, and can be a sign of low progesterone.

Progesterone is the hormone created primarily in the second half of the menstrual cycle and is responsible for keeping the lining in place until our period is due . When progesterone levels dip too early, small parts of the lining can break away. This is observed as dark brown spots on your underwear.

Dark brown blood is also seen when the uterus has not efficiently removed all the blood by the end of the period. After a normal, bright red coloured period, you may notice dark, thick blood for a day or two after your period ends. This is a sign that all of the blood was not removed quickly enough, and the blood has been exposed to oxygen.

If you are noticing this type of blood after your period, focusing on pelvic stretches and gentle yoga during your bleed, acupuncture treatment or seeking out a Myan Fertility Massage can help to move the blood more efficiently so that it can be cleared in the active bleeding days.

Read Also: Early Signs You Are Pregnant Before Missed Period

So What Does The Color Of Your Period Blood Mean

As of late, a ton of research and conversations have been presented on the relationship between your menstrual cycle and overall health. Much like our individual bodies, everyones period is different and varies from duration of days to heaviness-there are even varying degrees of what is normal. Individually, a lot can change from month to month in your own cycle, especially your period blood color.

Your menstrual blood color is likely to be bright red at the beginning of your cycle, since its fresher, and the uterus lining is more actively shedding. Towards the end of your period, darker brownish blood is more common. The brown color means that the blood has stayed in the uterus longer and has oxidized since the uterine shedding/blood flow has likely slowed down by that point. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern. However, below are shades to familiarize yourself with:

Black Blood

Black blood is also old blood which has oxidized in the body, but if it is much darker than your typically dark brown blood it could mean that there is a vaginal blockage. If you see black blood along with foul smelling discharge, and itching & irritation in the vulva, it is best to see your gynecologist.

Pinkish/Watery Blood

Pinkish/watery blood is often mixed with cervical mucus and can signal a STI , pregnancy, or low estrogen. If you are on a hormonal birth control this is more common as well as a lighter menstrual flow with blood with a pinkish tint.

Gray Blood

Is Period Colour A Cause For Concern

Generally, period blood can come in a variety of shades and it doesnt usually mean anything in particular. Some people think period blood colour can tell you how well your hormones are working, but there isnt much evidence to support this.

If youre bleeding between periods, or your bleeding doesnt seem like a normal period or smells odd, it is best to check it with a medical professional. Likewise, if youre frequently seeing large menstrual clots , have a chat with your GP.

By Chloe Laws

Recommended Reading: When Should I Get My Period After Taking Plan B

Flow Color Timing And More

People who are assigned female at birth typically get their first menstrual period by ages 12 to 13. The average age of menopause, which is the end of your menstrual cycles, is 51. Between your first period and menopause, your body may be able to carry a pregnancy and have a baby.

The word “cycle” implies regularity. However, menstrual cycles can vary widely between one person and another and will change over your lifetime.

Your cycle can say a lot about your health, so it’s important to pay attention to it. Here’s what to know and when to talk to your physician about it.

The Different Colors Of Period Blood And What They Mean

Did you know that the blood you see on your period, is similar but not exactly the same as the blood you would see when you get hurt and start bleeding? What you see on your preferred collection method be it a pad, tampon, or cup is a combination of both blood and tissue lining from your uterus. How much bleeding and shed tissue you produce will affect the color of your period blood.

Recommended Reading: What To Eat On Your Period To Help Cramps

Period Blood Color Guide: What Colored Blood Means For Your Health

When that time of month rolls around, the sudden appearance of red splotches in your underwear is totally normal . If you’re noticing a different hue than usual, things could be worth a second look. As it turns out, your period blood doubles as a barometer for gauging how healthy you are overall. Who knew?

Any shade other than red can potentially be your bodys way of indicating that your hormone levels are off, and its time to get them back in check. Your period is the ultimate biomarker of how healthy or unhealthy you are, notes Alisa Vitti, functional nutritionist, hormone expert, and creator of FLO Living and the My Flo Tracker app. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists even recently deemed periods a fifth vital sign that should be taken into consideration when evaluating the health of women.

The good news is that you can often treat whatever Crayola color your period is by making a few minor dietary changes. If youre not quite sure whats happening down below, get ready for a color theory lesson that extends way beyond art class. Here, a period blood color guide that breaks down every shade of the rainbow. And remember: visiting a healthcare professional is the BEST way to make sure your period is healthy.

Stress And Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Stress is a major cause of delayed or missing ovulation . Our body is clever: it will always prioritise our survival over the creation of a baby. If our body deems our current lifestyle is too dangerous, it will temporarily shut down ovulation to remove the possibility of us falling pregnant.

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is a condition of chronic lack of ovulation that is not caused by PCOS. As frustrating as this diagnosis can be, its helpful to remember your body is trying to protect you.

If you relate to this period type, its time to explore why your body doesnt feel safe: Are you over-burdened? Are you truly eating enough to support your body? Are you over-exercising? Have you recently made any significant changes to your diet or exercise routines?

Get really honest with yourself and consider areas of your life that need more nourishment. By focusing on these areas for a few months, its likely your period will return on its own. If not, see your primary health care provider for the next steps.

Read Also: Can You Swim On Your Period With A Pad

Can The Pill Affect The Color Of My Period Blood

Absolutely.

The color of your period blood while taking hormonal birth control will likely be different than the color it is without it.

As I discuss in Beyond the Pill, because the pill works by preventing ovulation and the endometrium from growing thicker, the bleeding you experience while taking it isnt a true period.

Its actually withdrawal bleeding from the medication. This bleeding can be lighter in flow and darker in color than what youre used to without it. Sometimes, just a tiny bit of brown blood is all youll see when on oral contraception. Other women will have no bleeding at all

Breakthrough bleeding is also common on the pill and IUDs for that matter, especially during the first few months of use. This blood can be light red to dark brown.

Also check out my comprehensive contraception guide here to learn everything you need to know about all of your options for pregnancy prevention.

Your estrogen levels will likely be affected by the pill too this can mean your withdrawal bleeding will also likely be a different color than what you were used to pre-birth control.

The pill can also trigger nutrient deficiencies, which can cause changes in your period blood too. Check out my free nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory recipes if youre struggling in this department.