Each color is a sign that indicates health
We all know that when your uterus sheds its lining, the menstrual blood flows from the uterus through the cervix and comes out of the body through the vagina. Throughout the duration of your period, you might notice some changes in the color of the blood, ranging from black to deep red. Different colors of period blood have different significance in regards to your health. Here’s a guide to determine what they could mean for your health.
In most cases, the color change depends on how long the blood has been there in the uterus. Your flow will change based on how long the blood remains in your uterus. You may see bright red blood on your heaviest days and brown blood on your lightest days.
However, certain colors can signal a problem, and you might need to visit a gynecologist .
Black or Brown Blood
Black or brown blood might look alarming, but it isn’t necessarily a reason to worry. Black or brown usually indicates old blood, which means the blood was there inside the uterus for a longer time and got oxidized over time. Brown blood, in particular, is often seen at the start or end of your period. During these times, your flow may be slow. The blood might also be that left over from your last period.
Dark Red Blood
You may see dark red blood upon waking up during your period or after you’ve been lying down for a while. The deep color may mean that the blood has been in the uterus for a while but hasn’t been oxidized yet. Dark red blood is associated with the end of your period. You may also see dark red blood towards the end of your normal menstrual cycle as your flow slows down.
Bright Red Blood
Your period may start with bright red bleeding as the blood is fresh and flowing quickly. Your blood may stay this way throughout your period or may darken as your flow slows down.
Post delivery, women experience bleeding for four to six weeks, which is called lochia. Lochia bleeding begins with a heavy flow and bright red blood. After around day four, lochia may be pinkish or brownish in color. However, infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause bright red blood. These infections can cause bleeding between periods. If you see bright red blood before your period, contact your doctor.
Pink Blood
Your blood may appear pink in color at the beginning or end of your period, especially if you’re spotting. This lighter shade usually means that the blood has gotten mixed with your cervical fluid. Sometimes pink menstrual blood may indicate low estrogen levels in the body. Some causes of low estrogen include being on hormonal birth control that doesn’t contain estrogen, or perimenopause.
Orange Blood
Blood may appear orange after it mixes with cervical fluid. You may see orange-colored blood for the same reasons you see pink blood. Still, any abnormally colored stain or unusual discharge may also be a sign of bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Gray Blood
If you see a gray or off-white discharge, call your doctor. Gray blood is associated with infection. Other signs of infection include fever, pain, itching, or a foul odor. If you’re pregnant, a gray discharge may be a sign of miscarriage.