What does your period colour say about your health?
As every menstruating woman knows, period blood is not always red. Menstrual flow varies in colour through each period, and from month to month too. You can expect it to be brighter red when your period is at its heaviest in the first couple of days but you may see pink, brown or even black blood.
Most women have a period for five days a month, but it can last for anything between three and eight days and the flow and colour can change throughout your cycle. But can the colour and consistency of your period blood reveal anything else about your health?
Dr Alex Eskander, Consultant Gynaecologist, The Gynae Centre, and GP Dr Juliet McGrattan explain what your period blood texture and colour really means so you know when to relax and when to worry:
Why period blood varies in colour and texture
Period colour and texture can vary based on a number of different factors, including the following:
How long the blood takes to leave your body
How heavy your period is
Underlying health conditions that might require medical attention.
It is normal for period blood to vary in colour. At the start and end of your period there is less blood flow and so it may take more time for the blood to leave the body, meaning that it has more time to become oxidised, resulting in a darker colour. Consistency tends to be slightly jelly-like but can differ between individuals.
What does black or brown period blood mean?
Although it can look disturbing, black or brown period blood is just blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus, and as such has oxidised more. The blood loss at the end of your period, when the flow is slower, may be black or brown in colour. It can be common in women who have infrequent periods.
What does bright red or dark period blood mean?
Bright red and dark red blood are both signs of a healthy period. When the blood is bright red, it is fresher – this is more common at the start of your period when bleeding is heavier. Dark red blood has just taken longer to expel from the body and has had time to become oxidised. Both are entirely normal.
A very heavy period (menorrhagia) with large amounts of fresh red bleeding can be due to conditions called polyps or fibroids. These are benign (non-cancerous) growths that can develop in the womb and cause an increase in the amount of monthly bleeding.
What does pink period blood mean?
If you notice period blood with a pinkish tinge, it’s likely this is simply due to the blood mixing with cervical fluid. However, it could indicate low oestrogen levels if accompanied by a flow that is lighter than usual. Light blood loss either during or between periods is often called spotting and may be red or pink in colour. Bleeding between periods is called inter-menstrual bleeding (IMB) and can be due to a number of causes including:
Hormonal contraceptives
Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Ovulation
Polyps or fibroids (non-cancerous growth in the uterus)
Conditions of the cervix including erosion or ectropion where the surface of the cervix is very delicate and can bleed
Cancers of the cervix, womb, vagina or vulva
See your doctor if you are experiencing inter-menstrual bleeding so the cause can be identified.
Implantation bleeding is the term used to describe a light blood loss that can occur when a newly fertilised embryo attaches and nestles into the wall of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy. This bleeding is often pink in colour.
If you experience a sudden, large flow of pinkish blood this could be a sign of a miscarriage.
What does orange period blood mean?
Orange period blood is usually a sign of vaginal infection, for example, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or bacterial infection. It may also be accompanied by an unusual smell or change in the texture of your blood. A visit to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment is advised.
What does grey period blood mean?
Grey period blood or discharge can indicate that you have an infection and you should book an appointment to see a doctor for tests and treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is one of the more common infections. Bacteria in the vagina overgrow and cause a smelly, grey tinted discharge. Itching is common.
If the grey discharge also has a change in texture and contains any lumps or tissue, there’s a possibility that you’re having a miscarriage.
What does watery period blood mean?
Some women just have lighter periods with thinner blood and this can be normal.
Heavy periods where blood flow is faster can be watery too.
A rarer cause of watery blood loss or watery discharge is a fallopian tube cancer. Most women with fallopian tube tumours are over 50 and have never had children. There are usually other associated symptoms such as abdominal pain or swelling, needing to pass urine frequently or feeling very tired.
Menstrual clots
Small blood clots are a natural part of menstruation and can be common in the first few days when the bleeding is heavier. Clots happen when the blood pools and begins to coagulate. However, if the clots are larger than a 10p in size and are particularly frequent, this could be a cause for concern and may indicate a condition like fibroids, uterine polyps, or endometriosis.
A membrane-like menstrual substance
If you can see membrane or tissue in your period blood it’s likely something is wrong. Some of the most common reasons for membrane or tissue in your period blood include hormone issues, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancies can be fatal and so to be on the safe side, it’s advisable to visit your doctor or gynaecologist as soon as possible.
When to see your doctor
It’s perfectly normal for period blood to vary slightly but if you notice something that isn’t normal for you, especially prolonged or significant changes to the colour or texture of your period blood, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor or gynaecologist.
If you suffer from heavy periods that last longer than five to seven days, this is considered prolonged menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia. If your periods are so heavy that they're affecting your wellbeing, ask your GP for advice and you may be referred to a specialist for investigations.
Alternatively try one of the following resources:
Try Brook's Find a Service tool
Call the national sexual health line 0300 123 7123
Call Worth Talking About on 0300 123 2930 (for under-18s)
Last updated: 03-09-2020
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