Locations:
Search IconSearch
September 28, 2020/Living Healthy/Women's Health

What Does the Color of Your Period Mean?

What those colors mean and when you need to worry

woman concerned at doc office

Your period — it comes, it goes. It’s light, it’s heavy. But have you noticed it sometimes changes color — from crimson red to light pink to brown? What’s that all about? Ob/Gyn Swapna Kollikonda, MD, offers a color-coded guide to period blood.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Why period blood has different colors

“The color of period blood depends on how long the blood stays in the uterus and vagina,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “The longer it sits, the darker it gets because the blood oxidizes — it reacts with oxygen in your body and gets darker.”

Period blood commonly takes on these different colors:

Pink period

When a period starts, your vaginal mucus discharge may mix with some fresh, bright red blood, which then gets diluted. What’s shed is blood with a pink hue. Lighter periods may also appear more pink than red.

Bright red period

As your uterus actively contracts, it sheds blood quickly. Since the blood doesn’t have time to oxidize, it remains a vibrant red.

Dark red period

If you have a moderate period, it may take longer for the uterus to shed the lining. As it sits in the uterus, it gets darker.

Dark red + blood clots

If your uterus doesn’t contract well and sheds blood quickly, it can cause blood to stay in the uterus and clump together, forming clots. Clots can be tiny or big, but they are usually a deep red color.

Brown period

As your period ends, you might experience a lighter blood color, which then mixes with vaginal mucus discharge.

When to worry about the color of your period blood

“Ob/gyns are rarely concerned about the different colors of period blood,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “If you have spotting between your period or post-menopausal bleeding or a heavy flow or lighter flow, that’s when we want to investigate.”

Advertisement

She also wants to know if you:

  • Often experience quarter-sized or larger blood clots.
  • Are soaking a pad every hour, plus passing blood clots.
  • Too frequent or infrequent periods.
  • Prolonged bleeding for days during periods.
  • Bleeding for a month at a time.
  • Severe cramping during periods.

Dr. Kollikonda says color, consistency and amount are subjective. If you find it worrisome, then it’s worth reaching out to your provider. Most likely, you’ll get reassurance that what you are experiencing is normal.

Diagnosing period problems

To rule out problems, your ob/gyn will discuss medications you are taking. Drug interactions with birth control pills or not taking them correctly can also can also cause irregular periods.

Next, you will probably have a transvaginal ultrasound. During this painless procedure, your provider inserts an ultrasound probe into your vagina. The probe emits soundwaves that create detailed pictures on a screen.

“We use the pictures to help diagnose endometrial growths (polyps), fibroids or adenomyosis (when the uterine lining (endometrium) grows into the wall of the uterus),” says Dr. Kollikonda. “All these issues might impact how your uterus contracts and can cause clots or irregular bleeding or excessive bleeding.”

Depending on the findings, your doctor may want to run additional tests before figuring out how to best care for you.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Healthcare provider pointing to menopause symptoms floating around female with hands on head
January 20, 2025/Women's Health
When You Should See a Doctor About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms

Missed periods, heavy periods, painful sex and frequent hot flashes are just a few symptoms worth discussing with your provider

A copper intrauterine device (IUD)
January 20, 2025/Women's Health
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) and Your Period

IUDs can make your period lighter, heavier, irregular or stop it completely

Caregiver holding newborn while also reviewing paperwork at home
January 9, 2025/Parenting
Mom Burnout: Are You Dealing With ‘Depleted Mother Syndrome’?

This burnout is characterized by physical and mental exhaustion and feelings like worry, guilt and overwhelm

Caregiver holding baby while talking with a healthcare provider in medical office
January 6, 2025/Women's Health
What Are the Types of Breastfeeding Medicine Providers?

Breastfeeding medicine specialists, lactation consultants, lactation educators and peer counselors offer support and guidance in different ways, for different needs

Person holding bottle of vitamins, reading the label
December 9, 2024/Women's Health
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins Without Being Pregnant?

The pros and cons of taking prenatal vitamins when you’re not pregnant depend on your age, ethnicity and health

Female asleep in bed in darkened bedroom, red alarm clock on table
November 15, 2024/Sleep
Why Women Need To Sleep More Than Men

Changing hormones, mental health issues and a higher risk for sleep disorders can all impact women’s sleep needs

Female looking at laptop at home desk in living room, hand on head, holding coffee cup, looking stressed
November 14, 2024/Women's Health
Midlife Crisis in Women: When It Starts and How To Cope

Biological changes, family issues and work problems may cause you to reevaluate your life and make changes for the better

Female reclining on couch holding laptop, having video appointment with healthcare provider
November 8, 2024/Sex & Relationships
Dealing With Vaginal Rips and Tears After Sex

Most tears down there are mild and heal on their own, but some require medical treatment

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad