Women’s Health Signals: Decoding the Different Colors of Period Blood

The body itself teaches us many crucial aspects of women's health by sending signals. One of them is - the color of menstrual blood. Usually, women only listen to the date and discomfort of periods, but the color of blood also sends an equally crucial message. This color may be various in every woman and also may shift in every cycle. Sometimes red, sometimes brown, and sometimes black… all these have different meanings. So let's know what the color of period blood can tell about your health.

Brown or Dark Red

This too is a sign of old blood and tends to show up in the first or last few days of periods. At times, even a light brown mark during early pregnancy may be implantation bleeding as well. Bleeding seen after childbirth is referred to as lochia, which becomes lighter in color with the passage of time.

Black

If the blood is black during or after periods, then it is generally old blood, and that has been released late from the body. But if there is a foul smell along with it, fever, or painful urination, then it can be a sign of vaginal blockage or any infection.

Bright Red

This is a sign of new blood and most women's periods begin with this colour. If red spots are seen from time to time without a period date, then it can be an indication of infection, fibroids or sometimes even cancer of the cervix. If there's heavy bleeding, long periods or smelly discharge, see a doctor at once.

Pink

When blood mixes with vaginal fluid, its colour may appear pink. If the level of estrogen is low (such as when taking birth control pills), then period blood may be light pink. Sudden loss of weight, failure to eat the appropriate diet or anemia may also be the cause of this. Also, if stomach pain and pink blood are both experienced during pregnancy, it may signal miscarriage.

Orange

Orange colored blood or discharge at times may be a sign of infection, like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. If itching, burning or a foul odor is present as well, then a doctor's check-up is required.

When to see a doctor?

• Bleeding is excessive and lasts for a long time.
• Bleeding starts suddenly between periods.
• Discharge smells bad or causes discomfort.
• Any kind of bleeding is seen during pregnancy.