Ever wonder why you menstruate lighter in color some days and darker others? Periods come in all shapes and sizes, and the color of your blood is no exception. In fact, these varying colors can say a lot about you, your fertility and your overall health at any given time.
While not all colors are created equal, there’s no need to be intimidated when you see a shade you’re unfamiliar with. Experiencing fluctuations are completely normal, just like our hormones!
Read on to discover period’s major colors and what they mean for you and your body:
🌸 Pink
Pink blood usually denotes spotting before or after your period. According to Healthline, “This lighter shade likely indicates that the blood has mixed with your cervical fluid, diluting its hue.
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🌺 Bright red
Bright red is the color most women might consider “normal,” and they’d be absolutely right. This cranberry color means blood is the freshest that your uterus is shedding, and that’s a good thing! Most women will experience this color mid-cycle, perhaps day 2 or 3, though seeing it before or after is also completely fine.
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🍂 Dark red, brown and black
The darker your blood color, the longer it’s been sitting in your uterus. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. Blood with dark red hues, for example, might make an appearance after when you get out of bed or stand up after having been sitting on a chair for quite some time. Brown and black, on the other hand, may simply be signs of old blood that didn’t make it out during your last cycle.
🍊Orange
Rust-colored blood is not cause for concern in itself. Healthline reports that blood mixed with cervical fluid can appear orange, and as a result, you may see orange discharge for the same reasons you see pink discharge. However, strange textures (discharge) and funky smells to your orange blood may indicate sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Contact your physician if you begin to experience these symptoms.
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We may have discussed only four major types of period blood, but it is important to note that every woman and body is different.
So, the next time you see bright red, or brown, or even orange, don’t fret. Refer back to this post and rest assured that you’re (probably) doing just fine!If you would like to learn more about the rainbow of period colors, Healthline is a good place to start. To fully understand your period and health, please visit your physician and/or gynecologist.