Periods can be a mysterious and sometimes scary experience for many women. But understanding the color of your period blood can actually tell you a lot about what’s going on in your body. From health issues to hormone levels, the nuances of your period blood can help you better understand your body and ensure you’re getting the care you need.
So, what exactly does the color of your period blood mean? Period blood is actually made up of a mix of blood, uterine lining, and cervical mucus. Depending on the time of your cycle, each of these components can vary in color, texture and amount. So, what does your period blood actually mean? Let’s take a look at the various shades and what they could indicate.
🌺 Bright Red
This is the most common type of period blood and is usually the shade you’ll see in the first few days of your period. Bright red blood indicates that the blood is freshly released from your uterus, making it the healthiest type of period blood.
🍷 Dark Red
This shade of period blood is usually seen in the middle of your cycle. This darker hue indicates that the blood has been in your uterus for longer and is being expelled at a slower rate. This is completely normal, and nothing to worry about.
🟤 Brown
Brown period blood usually appears after the first few days of your cycle and is a sign that your period is coming to an end. This is because brown blood is older and has been exposed to oxygen for a longer period of time, causing it to darken.
🌸 Pink
Pink period blood is usually seen at the beginning or end of your cycle and is an indication that there is only a small amount of uterine lining being expelled. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as low hormone levels or a shorter cycle.
⚫️ Black
Black period blood is usually a sign of old blood. It indicates that the blood has been in your uterus for a while and is now being expelled. It is completely normal to see this type of period blood, and is nothing to worry about.
🟠 Orange
Orange period blood is usually seen during the middle of your cycle. This shade is caused by the presence of cervical mucus or white blood cells, which is completely normal.
🔘 White
White period blood is usually seen at the beginning of your cycle. It is caused by the presence of cervical mucus, which is also completely normal.
🟡 Yellow
Yellow period blood is usually an indication of an infection. If you notice this shade of period blood, it is important to speak to your doctor to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment.
🌫️ Gray
Gray period blood is usually a sign of an infection or other health issues. If you notice this shade of period blood, it is important to speak to your doctor to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in color or texture of your period blood. If you notice any changes, it is important to speak to your doctor to ensure that you get the appropriate care. Remember, understanding your body and the nuances of your period blood can help you better understand your health and ensure you’re getting the care you need.
So next time you’re on your period, take a closer look at the color of your period blood. It might just give you some valuable insight into your body and health.
Head photo by Karolina Grabowska