Regular and monthly periods for a healthy menstruating woman indicate fertility. Women dealing with infertility often experience irregular menstruations. However, it is not a thumb rule that women experiencing irregularity in periods will be infertile.
But did you know that the colour of blood of the period speaks much more about reproductive health?
According to World Bank Statistics, “Every day, some 800 million women and girls menstruate. Being able to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically and with confidence and dignity is critical not just for their health and education, but also for economic development and overall gender equality.”
According to Chinese Traditional Medicine, if periods for a girl occur earlier than expected, ‘it is considered that the heat is causing reckless movement of your blood and the “qi” is unable to govern that blood and hence you need to expel it.’ And if the periods get delayed, it indicates blood deficiency or stagnation.
In this Article
What does the period blood indicate?
During the first few years of menstruation, a woman can face a spectrum of changes in the blood colour and flow. Period blood is not the same throughout the same period cycle. And so experts believe that menstrual blood is an important gauge for reproductive health and fertility.
According to the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the period can be used as a vital health sign. The changing lengths of the cycle, textures, and colour of the blood during periods are all important indicators of the reproductive health status and condition.
The periods’ blood colour can range from dark brownish black to bright red to orange- are considered “healthy” and “Normal”. But periods colour like runny pink, pale red and others may be an alarm bell to see your doctor.
Different blood colours and their Indications
| Colour of the period blood | CLINICAL INDICATIONS |
| BLACK | Old blood, Miscarriage, “Normal” period, slow flow |
| BROWN | Implantation, Lochia, Missed misscarriage, or miscaarigae, “Normal” period, Old blood, Pregnancy spotting, slow flow. |
| DARK RED | “Normal” period, Implantation, Lochia, Implantation |
| BRIGHT RED | “Normal” period, Miscarriage, Polypos or fibroids, Infection, Implantation or spotting. |
| PINK | Implantation, spotting, low oestrogen, lochia, mid cycle- “ovulation” spotting, miscaariage, “normal” period, pregnancy spotting. |
| ORANGE | Implantation or spotting, “Normal” period, Infection, Mid cycle- Ovulation spotting, Miscarriage. |
| GREY | Miscarriage or Infection |
The Black period blood
The black period blood does not necessarily seem black. It may be dark brownish black similar to coffee grounds. Black blood is the blood that flows slowly and usually takes time to come out of the uterus.
Brown period blood
Period brown colour at the beginning or end is also a sign of old blood flow that has eventually oxidised due to its prolonged stay in the uterus. The blood can also be leftover from your previous period.
The woman experiences lochia for the first four to six weeks- a pinkish or brownish bleeding post-delivery. Spotting during pregnancy can also be brown as the active bleeding has stopped.
Dark Red period blood
Dark red is a usual spotting during the early hours of your period days. The deep red indicates that the blood has been accumulated for a long time in the uterus but has not oxidised. Dark red is associated with lochia and is even seen as the period ends or slows down.
Dark purplish red can also mean that the person is likely to have or has a history of endometriosis or fibroids- one of the major reasons for infertility among women.
Period blood is bright red
A period starting with bright red flow indicates that the blood is fresh and healthy. However, this red may darken as the flow slows. Bright red is usually associated with possible infections, polyps, or fibroids. Red spotting during pregnancy is also a sign of “miscarriage.”
Bright red, heavy bleeding with clots during pregnancy may also indicate “missed miscarriage” where the foetus development comes to a halt but does not pass off the uterus for at least four weeks. Some women even experience dark brown or excess bleeding in such situations.
Pink period blood
The pink colour at the beginning or end of the period indicates spotting. However, Light pink shows that the blood has mixed with the cervical fluid and is associated with lochia or low oestrogen in the body. A woman experiencing pinkish flow in between periods indicates “implantation” spotting. While a woman bleeding pink during pregnancy is a clear sign of miscarriage or loss of pregnancy symptoms.
Orange blood during periods
When the blood fuses with the cervical fluid, it may appear orange. Orange period blood means “implantation” spotting (if seen around suspected implantation time) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Grey Period discharge
Grey or off-white period flow is associated with infections like bacterial vaginosis. Other signs of these infections include- fever, pain, itching, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If pregnant, grey discharge is a sign of pregnancy loss or miscarriage.
Also Read : https://pregajunction.com/blog/periods-address-unhygienic-menstrual-conditions/
Conclusion
Young women have a lot of questions and worries at the start of their periods. There are still regions where talking about periods is considered a shame or a stigma, which makes it difficult to understand period flow, texture, and colour and what it indicates. But, noting the period colours that change from month to month or even from the beginning to the end is vital, as it acts as an alarm bell for many reproductive problems, including infertility.
If you observe any abnormality in your period blood colour, or have issues with heavy menstrual flow or spotting between periods, talk to your doctor immediately to seek appropriate guidance, diagnosis, and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for the period colour to be different at the beginning of change at the end?
Yes! The colour of the period blood may change from the beginning to the middle and end. Sometimes, the period colour changes between menstruations. Dark brown or deep red colours are due to the slow menstrual flow. Bright red is common during your heavy menstrual days. Pale pink or orange, grey may indicate health concerns and requires medical attention.
What if the period blood is runny or filled with clots?
In addition to period blood colour, the period blood texture may also change throughout the periods and between menstruations. Runny, flowy, or even clots are not a reason for concern. However, if you are experiencing menorrhagia (or heavy menstrual flow) or see large clots consult your doctor. Also, look for anaemia symptoms, like weakness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
What is the healthiest period colour?
Experts believe that crimson/ bright red refers to “normal” or “healthy” blood flow during periods. However, the period blood colour changes during particular menstruation and between menstruations. Also, the period colour “normal” for one may be different for another.
