The color of your period blood is not always the same in each cycle and can even vary on each day of your period. The meaning behind your period blood color is strongly influenced by the ongoing hormonal processes within your body. It is important for women to observe and understand the meaning of the color of their periods.
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In general, most women’s menstrual blood is pretty normal and consistent but some can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, or even diseases that need to be watched out for.
Normal Menstrual Blood Color
- Bright Red
A bright red color like cherries signifies a normal and healthy menstruation. Blood comes from the uterine lining that is shed and passed through the vagina quickly so that the color still appears bright. Usually this color appears on the first few days of your period, it may stay this way your whole period or may darken as your period progresses and lightens. - Dark Red
Dark red color during your period is also still considered normal. The deep red color is probably just because the blood has been in the uterus for longer. This color is usually associated with the end of your period. - Brown
At the beginning or end of your period, the color of the blood usually becomes brown. This happens because the uterine wall is oxidized and it doesn't come out right away. Brown blood at the start of menstruation comes from oxidized blood in the previous menstrual period. If there is brown blood appearing in between your periods, it could be an early sign of pregnancy.
Menstrual Blood Colors to Watch Out for
- Orange
This period color mainly indicates the presence of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. If there is an infection, it is likely to be accompanied by vaginal itching, discomfort and foul-smelling vaginal odor or discharge. - Pink
Pink menstrual blood indicates that estrogen levels are too low. Low levels of estrogen leads to less menstrual blood that is mixed with the cervical fluid resulting in the pink color. In addition, pink periods can be an indication of an unhealthy diet or anemia. - Purple
The opposite of pink, purple period blood color indicates high estrogen levels. Often followed by large blood clots and a period that lasts longer than a week. Estrogen levels that are too high can trigger inflammation and lead to further health complications such as endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian cysts. - Gray
As we already know, naturally our vagina is full of good vaginal flora. However, excessive growth of this bacteria can cause bacterial vaginosis which is characterized by gray period blood. - Black
This period color indicates that there is a blockage within the vagina. This blockage can be due to a variety of reasons from a congenital issue with the hymen, vaginal septum or even an absence of a cervix. If severe, you may even experience amenorrhea, a complete lack of periods. This is likely to be accompanied by pain, adhesions and endometriosis.
If you encounter any menstrual blood colors to watch out for, you should immediately seek help from a medical professional.
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