Every woman has a menstruation cycle that ranges from 21 to 35 days. During menstruation, the body sheds the lining of the uterus, resulting in the menstrual blood flow, which can have various colors and textures.

Understanding the color and texture of your menstrual blood can indicate potential health issues and help you take necessary steps to maintain your well-being. Let’s take a closer look at what your menstrual blood color indicates about your health.

Bright Red

Bright red menstrual blood that is fresh and without clots is the typical color of menstrual flow; it indicates a healthy menstrual cycle.

The bright red color is due to the shedding of the uterus lining that has built up since the end of the last period. This type of menstrual blood usually lasts for 2-3 days at the start of the menstrual cycle.

Dark Red

If your menstrual blood has a dark red color throughout your cycle, it could indicate a thick, heavy flow. This could be a sign of endometriosis.

It’s recommended that you see your OB/GYN for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience heavy bleeding along with painful menstruation.

Orange or Gray

Any unusual color in menstrual blood, such as orange or gray, can indicate an infection. Usually, infections that cause these colors result from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Infection during a menstrual period can be dangerous. It’s crucial to see a doctor right away if you experience any itching, burning, or pain in your vagina.

Pink

Having a pinkish shade to your menstrual blood could be a sign of low estrogen levels. It can also result from low progesterone. Women approaching menopause commonly encounter this type of color in their menstrual blood.

If you are young and experience this color in your menstrual blood, it’s recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider.

Brown

Brown menstrual blood is common at the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle. It is often caused by the shedding and cleaning of the uterus wall. Brownish colors in menstrual blood do not indicate any severe health issues.

However, if your menstrual blood continues to have a brown or dark color throughout your period, it may indicate an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen levels.

Black

Black menstrual blood color can occur at the end of the menstrual cycle. It’s often a sign that the blood has remained in the uterus for an extended period. According to Healthline, black blood is not a severe health concern.

It’s important to be aware, however, if your menstrual blood is black throughout your cycle, you should speak with your doctor right away. Some causes may include polyps or fibroids and hormonal imbalances such as PCOS.

Clots

Clots are not necessarily an indication of a health problem, but large ones in particular can be alarming. Usually, clots occur when the uterus is shedding lining during periods heavily.

Clots are also more common in people who use hormonal birth control and have extremely heavy bleeding. If you’re concerned or notice changes in the size or frequency of clots, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.

Thin and Watery

Thin and watery menstrual blood can result from hormonal imbalances, particularly low estrogen and progesterone levels. Additionally, if you’re very active, you might experience watery menstrual blood.

If you’re still concerned about your thin and watery menstrual blood, speak with your gynecologist.

Conclusion

The color of your menstrual blood can indicate potential health conditions, and it’s essential to keep track of how it looks.

Although many factors can affect the menstrual cycle, understanding its color can be a basic way to be more aware of what’s happening with your body. If your menstrual blood consistently colors are unusual, it’s recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider.