What Your Period Colour Can Tell You About Your Health
Let's be honest – most of us have glanced into the toilet or at our underwear and wondered, "Is that colour normal?"
The good news? Period blood comes in a variety of colours, and most of the time it's completely normal. Your period colour can change throughout your cycle and even from one month to the next.
While period blood colour isn't a foolproof health check, it can sometimes provide clues about what's happening in your body.
Let's break it down.
Bright Red Blood
Bright red blood is usually fresh blood that is flowing quickly from the uterus.
You'll often notice this colour during the heaviest days of your period. It's generally a sign that everything is working as it should.
Usually means:
- Active menstrual flow
- Normal period bleeding
- Common during the first few days of your cycle
Dark Red Blood
Dark red blood is older blood that has taken a little longer to leave the body.
You may notice this colour first thing in the morning or towards the end of your period when your flow is lighter.
Usually means:
- Blood has been sitting in the uterus or vagina for longer
- Normal beginning or end of a period
- Slower menstrual flow
Brown Blood
Brown blood is simply older blood that has had more time to oxidise before leaving the body.
This is one of the most common colours women see and is usually nothing to worry about.
Usually means:
- Old blood leaving the body
- Beginning or end of a period
- Light spotting
Pink Blood
Pink blood or discharge occurs when menstrual blood mixes with cervical fluid.
This can happen at the beginning or end of your period, during ovulation, or when hormone levels fluctuate.
Usually means:
- Light menstrual flow
- Hormonal changes
- Ovulation spotting
If pink bleeding is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Orange Blood
Orange blood is often blood mixed with cervical fluid.
Sometimes this is completely normal, but if accompanied by an unusual smell, itching, burning, or discomfort, it may indicate an infection.
See your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Strong odour
- Pain
- Itching
- Unusual discharge
Grey Blood
Grey period blood isn't considered normal and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
In some cases, it can be associated with infection.
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Grey discharge or bleeding
- Fever
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual odour
What About Blood Clots?
Small blood clots during your period can be completely normal, especially on heavier flow days.
However, if you're regularly passing large clots (larger than a 50-cent coin) or experiencing extremely heavy bleeding, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor.
When Should You See a Doctor?
While colour changes are often normal, seek medical advice if you experience:
- Extremely heavy bleeding
- Severe pain
- Large blood clots
- Bleeding between periods
- Unusual odours
- Grey discharge
- Sudden changes to your cycle
Remember, you know your body best. If something feels different or concerning, trust your instincts and get it checked.
The Bottom Line
Your period doesn't always look the same every month—and that's okay.
From bright red to dark brown, period blood colours can tell a story about how quickly blood is leaving your body and where you are in your cycle. Most colour changes are completely normal, but understanding what you're seeing can help you feel more confident and informed about your health.
At Frankly You, we believe periods shouldn't be a mystery. The more we talk openly about our bodies, the more empowered we become to care for them.
Because when it comes to your period, knowledge is power.