Have you ever noticed pink or dark red coloured blood during menstruation? Well, it is a mistake to think that period blood colour is always red. Menstrual flow and time greatly impact the change, infections and other ailments can also change the colour of blood.
Types of period blood colour
Period blood is like the blood that flows throughout your veins. But the only difference is that it contains tissue shedding from the endometrium, also known as the uterus lining.
During your menstrual cycle, your body sheds tissue and blood from your uterus via the vagina. So, the discharge may vary from bright red, pinkish red, dark brown, or even black, depending on the time and consistency. Blood may stay in your uterus for a longer timeframe. This blood reacts with oxygen. So, the oxidised blood becomes darker in colour.
Did you know?
Medical conditions and hormonal changes may affect the texture and colour of your period blood. So, the colour and consistency of the blood are different from the regular blood you see after you cut your finger.
To assess the period blood types, let’s evaluate the following pointers and narrate the most common types:
1. Bright red
If you have a steady flow, you may bleed bright red-coloured blood during your menstrual cycle. The period usually starts with bright red blood and darkens at the end of the cycle. But it may be a symptom of cervical cancer too.
2. Dark red or brown
Dark red blood is a sign of old blood that usually appears at the period’s end or beginning. Spotting or brown blood also indicates pregnancy, while brown discharge during pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Brown blood after childbirth indicates postpartum bleeding or lochia. But remember, its duration varies from one individual to another.
3. Black
A Black colour period usually appears at the end or beginning of your period. It is a sign of old blood that takes longer to leave the uterus. Black blood may be a sign of blockage inside someone’s vagina.
4. Pink or orange
If the period blood blends with the cervical fluid, it appears pink in colour. Birth control pills may reduce the level of oestrogen, resulting in pink blood. Sexual intercourse leads to tiny tears inside the cervix or vagina. If blood from these areas mixes with vaginal fluids, it results in pink discharge.
Orange discharge indicates an infection. Sometimes, a woman may bleed orange blood during her period, indicating vaginal infection. Other signs include discomfort, vaginal itching, and foul smells.
5. Grey or green
Grey discharge is a warning signal that indicates bacterial vaginosis. It occurs because of an imbalance between harmful and beneficial bacteria in your vagina. Green discharge is also a sign of infection.
Conclusion
Besides the colour, consistency also varies from one woman to another. The menstrual blood may be watery, sticky, thick, or thin. Watery and thin period blood tends to be pinker. But sticky and thick blood is brown or blood red.
There might be a change in consistency at the end of the cycle. Note that period blood may contain clots. Clots are formed to prevent further bleeding as the endometrium separates from the uterine wall. If you feel you need to consult a medical associate regarding blood colour or clot formation, get personalised consultation from Ova Book an appointment at the soonest.
FAQs
1. What colour period of blood is healthy?
Bright red or dark brown can be regarded as healthy period blood. Also, it is normal to bleed black blood at the end of the cycle.
2. What is abnormal period colour?
Blood or discharge that is grey or orange might indicate an infection. Pinkish blood may also indicate an abnormal period.
3. Why is my period blood thicker and darker?
Blood tends to appear darker and thicker if it has stayed in the uterus for a longer time frame after oxidising. Dark blood period or thicker and jelly-like blood broken into thick clumps is blood clots, which may occur during normal period flow.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.