What Color Is Period Blood?
Period blood color isn't uniform; it varies. Normally, you'll see shades of pink, red, and brown. The specific shade can depend on several factors.
- Bright red: This is common and indicates fresh blood.
- Dark red/Brown: This is often older blood that has spent more time in the uterus before exiting the body.
- Pink: Often a mix of fresh blood and vaginal discharge. This is frequently seen at the beginning of a period.
Several sources corroborate this information: Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324848), Verywell Health (https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-menstrual-blood-look-like-2721937), WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-color-period-blood), and Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-blood) all confirm that bright red, dark red/brown, and pink are typical colors. While other colors like black or orange can occur, they often indicate other underlying health issues and warrant consultation with a healthcare professional.
Factors Affecting Period Blood Color
The color of your period blood isn't just about the blood itself. It's also influenced by how long the blood remains in your body before leaving and the presence of other substances, like vaginal discharge.
While the sources mentioned above highlight the most common colors, it's crucial to remember that unusual colors (black, orange, green, etc.) might signal underlying medical conditions. Consult a doctor if you observe consistently unusual period blood color.
