By Manuella Kiala
– Posted on 11 Nov 2022 at 08:00
– Updated on Nov 09, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why the color of your period varies? Knowing how your period looks or how your bleeding progresses can help you better understand your body and know when something is wrong.
It is normal for your period to change color during your period. It has a palette of shades of red that generally starts from light red, to very dark brown. (For some women, the dark color to be darker until approaching gray-black).
What does your period color mean?
Bright red :
The bright red color of your period is usually seen when you have just had it. Because during the first few days of your period, the lining of the uterus quickly peels off. This color is totally normal, the first two days. But, if your period severely breaks through your pad or tampon in less than 1 hour, consider seeing a doctor.
Dark red :
As time passes, the color of your period will darken. The dark red color is because you lose less uterine lining.
Brown :
Old blood turns dark because once it leaves your body, the blood remains in contact with the air, allowing it to oxidize. It’s normal for our period blood to turn dark brown when we get to the end of our period.
Some people may get this brown color at the start of their period because their uterus drains the leftover blood that didn’t leave their body during their last period.
Pink :
The pink color of your period usually comes from a mixture of blood and vaginal discharge. There is also the case, where the pink color of your period is due to the light quantity that the body evacuates. The fact that your body does not produce a large amount of blood is not a problem. On the contrary, it is quite common among women who use a contraceptive.
Grey :
Gray vaginal discharge often occurs when you have a vaginal infection.
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Why is it important to keep an eye on the appearance of periods?
Understanding your menstrual cycles will help you understand how your body works, while taking care. It’s important that you track your period to spot signs of abnormal menstrual bleeding, which can indicate a health problem. If you’re having trouble spotting them, here are some signs to look out for:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 8 days;
- Bleeding that crosses for sanitary napkins or your tampons during the first hour;
- Thick gray vaginal discharge;
- A menstrual flow with blood clots, the size of a dime or more;
- An absence of periods for more than 3 months.
If you have other problems with your period, talk to your gynecologist or GP.
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