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Observing the colour of your period blood can help drop hints about your reproductive health. Although colour variations in your menstrual blood are usually common and can be caused by the stage of your menstrual cycle, diet, and hormonal changes, some changes in your period blood colour may alert you of underlying health issues that require medical attention.
Different menstrual blood colours and their indications
These are several common menstrual blood colours and what they may mean to your reproductive health:
- Brown menstrual blood: After your period ends, you may notice brown menstrual blood. Rest assured, this is typically not something to worry about. However, if you regularly experience brownish blood throughout your cycle, this may suggest you have issues such as hormonal imbalances or irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Pink menstrual blood: Light pink blood is usually a normal occurrence, and it may happen at the start or the end of your period. If you experience consistent pinkish blood throughout your cycle, you may have low oestrogen levels or other hormonal issues.
- Bright red menstrual blood: Bright red menstrual blood is normal at the start of your period when the blood flow is usually heavier, which means fresh blood. However, if you regularly experience bright red blood or it comes together with heavy bleeding and serious cramping throughout your cycle, it may indicate conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis.
- Dark red menstrual blood: Dark red menstrual blood is blood that takes a longer time to get out of your body. It can be accompanied by blood clots, they are typically considered normal unless they appear abnormally big or bigger than the size of quarters.
- Orange menstrual blood: Orange blood is usually the result of blood mixing with cervical fluid. If you constantly experience orange-coloured period blood or the blood is accompanied with worrying symptoms like pain, unusual odour, or changes in menstrual patterns, it is crucial to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
- Black menstrual blood: It is rare to come across black menstrual blood, but it is not unusual. This could indicate that blood has been staying in the uterus for an extended duration before being rid of the body. If you constantly notice black menstrual blood throughout your cycle or if it comes together with other symptoms such as serious pain, unusual odour, or irregular periods, it is recommended to see a doctor. These symptoms may suggest underlying health issues that require medical attention and further evaluation.
- Grey menstrual blood: Grey menstrual blood is not a typical period blood colour and if you experience it, it may suggest a health issue that needs medical attention from a doctor. Potential reasons for grey-coloured menstrual blood include an infection, retained menstrual products, or other health conditions.
When to see a doctor
Noticing various shades of menstrual blood when you have your period is normal. Do seek medical advice if you wonder about the colour changes or experience abnormal changes in your menstrual cycle.
- Periods that persist past a week or need you to keep changing pads and tampons every one to two hours.
- Serious abdomen pain during your period that disrupts your daily activities.
- Passing blood clots larger than the size of a quarter.
- Spotting or bleeding when you are not menstruating.
- Period cycles less than 24 days or beyond 38 days.
- You do not have a period in three months, but you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You still experience bleeding after reaching menopause, which normally happens in your 40s or 50s.
- Menstrual changes are accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or abdominal pain.
Read more: Menstrual Irregularities: Management and Treatment Options
Book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
If you see any abnormal colour changes in your menstrual blood, it is crucial to see a doctor as these changes may warn you of underlying health issues that need medical attention.
Contact us today to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists or to learn more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
