Every woman knows that menstrual bleeding is a natural process that occurs cyclically. However, many women are still mystified by their period blood color and what it means.

Understanding the different shades of red and other colors you might experience during your period can reveal a lot about your health.

What is Period Blood?

Period blood is the blood and tissue that is shed from the uterus during menstruation. The average cycle for a woman is 28 days, with bleeding occurring for around 3-7 days, depending on the individual.

During this time, the lining of the uterus shed, and this is what causes the bleeding.

What Do the Different Colors of Period Blood Mean?

Period blood can come in different shades of red, brown, and even black. Knowing what color of period blood to expect and what it means can help you to determine if there is something unusual going on with your menstrual cycle.

Here are the different period blood colors and what they mean:.

Bright Red Blood

Bright red blood is the hallmark color of menstrual bleeding. The bright red color is normal during the early days of a menstrual cycle, and it usually indicates a healthy flow of oxygenated blood from the uterus.

Dark Red Blood

Dark red blood is normal towards the end of your period, as it is blood that has been in the uterus for a longer time.

If, however, the blood is consistently dark red, it could indicate a slow flow, and possibly a blockage in the vagina or cervix that is preventing the blood from flowing.

Light Pink Blood

Light pink blood is usually seen at the beginning of a menstrual cycle and is often associated with spotting. It could also occur if there is a low estrogen level, or due to a miscarriage.

Brown Blood

Brown blood is old blood that has been in the uterus for some time. It is usually seen towards the end of a period, and is perfectly normal.

However, if the brown blood is seen during ovulation, it could mean that there is a hormonal imbalance and needs to be checked.

Black Blood

Black blood is also old blood and has been in the uterus for an extended period. If black blood is seen consistently, it could indicate a vaginal or cervical infection, and a doctor’s visit may be required.

Grey Blood

Grey blood is an abnormal color for period blood and can be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted disease. A doctor’s appointment is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Yellow Blood

Yellow blood, or yellow discharge, is also an abnormal color and could mean there is an infection. It could also indicate hormonal imbalances such as low or high prolactin levels, as well as an illness.

A doctor’s visit for diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

Green Blood

Green blood, or green discharge, is the most abnormal color of period blood and could indicate a serious infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or cervical cancer. Seeing a doctor immediately is critical for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Keep Track of Your Period Blood Color

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and noting your period blood color can help you to identify any potential issues with your reproductive health.

You can use an app like “Clue” to track your period, including the color, the start and finish dates, the length of the cycle, and any other symptoms associated with your cycle. When you visit your doctor, these notes are valuable in providing a better understanding of any possible reproductive health concerns.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different colors of period blood can give you an idea of your overall health and aid in the detection of possible issues.

If you have concerns about the color of your blood, seek medical attention to identify and treat any potential reproductive health problems. As always, it is best to pay close attention to your body’s signals and seek help when you’re unsure.