Period Blood Colors and Textures, Explained

While we often think of period blood as being red, it’s not uncommon to experience variance in hue and texture. In fact, the color of your period may offer some important information about your overall health. In our latest edition of “What’s Up, Down There,” we’re helping you decipher what each shade means and when to call your Axia Women’s Health provider.

Period Colors

Bright Red

Bright red blood is fresh, meaning it hasn’t been sitting in the uterus or vagina for long. Think of it like when you get a cut or scrape—at first, the blood is bright red because it hasn’t had time to be exposed to air and oxidize. You’ll usually see this color on the heaviest days of your period, when your flow is at its strongest.

Brown

Brown blood usually means it’s older blood that’s been in your body a bit longer. You’ll often notice it on lighter flow days because it’s coming out more slowly. Birth control can also make your flow lighter, so seeing darker or brown blood is pretty common with certain forms of contraception. Sometimes, brown spotting can happen early in pregnancy too—around two weeks in—and that’s called implantation bleeding. It’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.

Pink

Pink blood isn’t unusual at the start or end of your period. Sometimes, it can actually mean you’re ovulating. Around ovulation, cervical fluid increases and mixes with the blood, making it look lighter. This kind of spotting usually lasts a day or two. Women going through perimenopause might also see pink blood since lower estrogen levels can change the flow and color of your period.

Orange

Orange blood or discharge could be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. If you’re experiencing other symptoms like vaginal itching or discomfort, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your Axia Women’s Health provider for further testing.

Gray

Seeing gray discharge? It might not be period-related at all. In fact, gray discharge is often a sign of bacterial vaginosis, a common infection that usually comes with a fishy smell and itching. If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s definitely time to reach out to your provider to get it checked out.

Green

Just like gray discharge, green-tinted discharge or period blood can be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. If you notice any green, it’s a good idea to get an evaluation from your provider.

Period Consistencies

The texture and consistency of your period can change throughout your period. When the blood mixes with the endometrial tissue (tissue from inside the uterus), it can produce different textures ranging from thick and clumpy to smooth and light. It’s important to know that a little fluctuation isn’t cause for alarm.

Thick

A thicker texture is normal around the start of your period. Every woman is different so don’t be alarmed if yours is thinner.

Watery and thin

Typically, a watery and thin texture indicates a lighter flow.

Jelly-like blood clots

Don’t be concerned if you notice small blood clots. These are normal and common with a darker period color meaning the blood has built up over time. As you shed your uterus lining, blood clots can accumulate with bits of tissue. If you frequently notice clots or the clot is larger than a quarter, it may be worth checking with your doctor. This could be a sign of a uterine fibroid, polyp, endometriosis, or a miscarriage.

When Should I Contact My Provider?

You know your body best. If you’re experiencing irregularity in your cycle or new symptoms like heavier bleeding, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Some signs to watch out for include:
• Your period lasts longer than seven days
• You’re soaking through a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours
• Your period is getting in the way of your day-to-day activities
• You’re experiencing blood clots larger than 1 inch
• You have severe pain that is beyond the discomfort of typical menstrual cramps

More FAQs: Period Blood, Discharge & What It All Means

1. Can stress or diet affect my period color or flow?
   Yes! High stress, sudden weight changes, or shifts in diet can all impact your hormones, which may alter your flow, color, or even the timing of your period.
2. What’s the difference between spotting and a period?
   Spotting is light bleeding that can happen between periods and doesn’t require a pad or tampon. It’s often pink or brown in color and can be linked to ovulation, pregnancy, or hormonal changes.
3. Can infections change the color of my period blood?
   Infections can sometimes cause discharge to mix with your menstrual blood, leading to unusual colors like gray, green, or orange. If this happens alongside odor, itching, or discomfort, get checked out.
4. Is it normal to have no period at all sometimes?
   Occasional skipped periods can be caused by stress, weight changes, over-exercising, or certain birth control methods. But if you’re missing multiple periods or think you might be pregnant, it’s best to speak with your provider.
5. What if I get period-like bleeding but I’m not on my period?
   Bleeding outside of your usual cycle can happen due to hormonal fluctuations, ovulation, or conditions like polyps, fibroids, or even early pregnancy. Any unexpected bleeding should be evaluated if it happens regularly.

TL;DR– Minor changes in period color and texture are normal, but, repeated patterns of period irregularity or painful symptoms could be a sign of a greater health issue. Getting in tune with your menstrual cycle by tracking color of your period, length, and symptoms can help you take charge of your health and make the most of your next appointment with your Axia Women’s Health provider.