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When it comes to our bodies, we all know that everyone’s different. However, sometimes that difference may be a sign of something worth investigating.
But that’s not to say you need to panic – instead, it’s all about being clued up on what to look out for.
What is ‘normal’ period blood?
According to Bupa, ‘normal’ period blood can be red, pink, brown or black, with the colour often depending on how heavy your flow is, where you are in your cycle and how long the blood has been in your body for.
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However, it warns: “Period blood colour alone isn’t enough to say whether a period is 'normal’. If you’re experiencing symptoms like pain, spotting, itching or an irregular odour, please book an appointment with a health professional.”
Pink period blood
A pink colour may be totally harmless, but Bupa advises that there's one key difference to be aware of.
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Pink discharge before your period is also ‘perfectly normal’, as it simply shows your period’s on its way as blood mixes with your cervical mucus.
However, pink discharge between periods is something you should always flag with your GP, not least because pink, watery discharge may be a sign of cervical cancer.
What other period colours mean
Brown
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"Brown blood has been outside of your blood vessels for a longer time. When blood comes into contact with air, it oxidises and turns brown," Bupa says.
"If you find that your period blood is brown frequently, it may mean that your womb shedding rate is on the slower side. Or, it could even be the last bit of womb tissue discharging from a previous cycle."
It's not usually anything to be worried about, but if you're concerned, reach out to your GP.
Black
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It may look 'alarming', but it's just another sign of older blood.
"Sometimes, it might also have a different consistency lumpy, like coffee grounds," Bupa adds.
"This shows your period was probably late and on the acidic side again, it’s usually nothing to worry about."
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Bright red
You'll often see this at the start of your period, when your uterus muscles are contracting to quickly shed your womb lining.
If your flow is bright red and very heavy, it could be a sign of other issues like 'fibroids, polyps and ovarian cysts'.
Dark red
If your period changes from bright red to dark red after the first few days, this is 'completely normal', as your womb lining starts off by shedding quickly, before slowing down.
Sometimes, however, a darker red period can indicate that your body is preparing for pregnancy, or it could be a sign of miscarriage.
Orange
Orange fluid is sometimes just a sign your period is on its way, but orange blood with 'itching, strong smells or discomfort from the vaginal region' may be a sign of infection, so it's worth speaking to your GP.
Grey
If your period blood is grey or off-white, book an appointment to see your GP - especially if you're pregnant, as it could be a sign of miscarriage.
A grey colour could also be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis.
When should I see a GP?
Bupa warns that you should visit your GP if you experience any of the following:
- If you pass blood clots the size of a 10p coin
- If you bleed for longer than a week
- If your period blood is grey
- If your mood is severely impacted during your period
- If cramps, bloating and headaches around your period are debilitating
- If you have bleeding between periods, or your periods are irregular
- If your period is heavy meaning you need to use more than one product at a time, you bleed through clothing, or change your sanitary products every few hours, or empty your menstrual cup more frequently than is recommended
- If your period blood is pink or orange, alongside other symptoms like vaginal itching and an unusual smell
The NHS also advises that, while periods can and do change - for instance, they may last longer or get lighter - it's important to get any differences like these looked into.
As well as visiting your GP, you can also head to your nearest women's clinic or contraceptive clinic for advice.
Jess Hardiman