Health library
What does period blood color mean?
Period blood color meaning, from bright red to brown, black and pink, what's normal at each stage of your period and which colors need a doctor.
Updated
In short
What does period blood color mean?
Period blood color usually shows how fresh the blood is and how fast you're bleeding. Bright red is fresh blood on heavier days. Brown or very dark blood is older blood, common at the start or end of a period. Pink often means light bleeding mixed with discharge. Grey discharge, a bad smell or a fever needs a doctor.
Written by the Gyne team · Medical review: pending
Key takeaways
- Red, brown and pink period blood are all usually normal.
- Blood darkens to brown or almost black the longer it takes to leave your body.
- Pink or brown blood is common on lighter days and at the very start or end of your period.
- Grey or green discharge, a strong fishy smell, fever or bleeding in pregnancy needs a doctor.
Why does period blood change color?
Period blood is a mix of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus. When you bleed quickly, the blood comes out fresh and red.
When bleeding is slow, the blood stays in the body longer and turns darker as it ages. That's why the color often changes over the days of one period.
What does bright red period blood mean?
Bright red blood is fresh blood flowing steadily. It's most common on the first 2 or 3 days, when bleeding is heaviest.
Red blood is only a concern if there's a lot of it, for example if you soak through a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or pass clots bigger than a quarter.
A period usually lasts 2 to 7 days. Over the whole period, most people lose about 1 to 5 tablespoons (20 to 90 ml) of blood.
Is brown period blood normal?
Yes. Brown blood is older blood that took longer to leave the uterus. It's very common at the start of a period, on the last days and as light spotting.
Brown spotting at other times in your cycle, or brown discharge with a bad smell, itching or pain, is worth checking with a doctor.
What does black period blood mean?
Very dark brown blood can look black. This is usually old blood, often seen at the start or end of a period, and on its own it's not a cause for worry.
Rarely, dark discharge with a strong or unpleasant smell can be a sign of an infection. See a doctor if you notice a bad smell, itching, pain or a fever.
Why is my period blood pink?
Pink blood is usually light bleeding mixed with clear or white vaginal discharge. It's common on the lightest days of your period.
Light pink spotting can also happen around ovulation, with some hormonal birth control, or in early pregnancy. If you could be pregnant, take a pregnancy test, and tell a doctor or midwife about any bleeding in pregnancy.
Which colors are a warning sign?
A change in your discharge or blood, together with other symptoms, can be a sign of an infection. Don't try to diagnose it yourself. See a doctor if you notice:
- Grey, thin, watery discharge with a strong fishy smell, which can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
- Green, yellow or frothy discharge, which can be a sign of an infection like trichomoniasis.
- Bleeding or discharge with pelvic pain, which can be a sign of chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Bleeding with a fever, chills or a rash, especially while using a tampon or menstrual cup.
- Any change in color, smell or texture that worries you, or bleeding between periods or after sex.
What do clots in period blood mean?
Small, dark red clots are normal, especially on heavy days. Clots the size of a quarter or smaller are common.
Clots larger than a quarter, about 1 inch (2.5 cm), or a lot of clots, can be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding and should be checked.
When to see a doctor
- You have grey, green or yellow discharge, a strong fishy or unpleasant smell, or itching and soreness.
- You pass clots larger than a quarter or soak a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours.
- You notice bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex or after menopause.
- You're pregnant and see any pink, red or brown blood: call your doctor or midwife.
- You have a high fever, a sunburn-like rash, vomiting or feel faint while using a tampon or cup: remove it and call 911 or your local emergency number.
How Gyne helps
Gyne's calendar keeps your period and past cycles in view. When the bleeding you log looks heavy, it runs a quick check, so you know when it's worth calling your doctor.
PeriodsThis guide is general information, not medical advice. Only a doctor can diagnose a condition.