Which Color Is Your Period Blood?

Knowing the color of your monthly flow can offer incredible insights as to what if going on hormonally.

It really is a fascinating tool and something women should be taking advantage of each month. It is our monthly report card after all. Analyzing the color will help to show us where improvements can be made or just where we are at in general with the health of your flow. 

I know blood can make some of us squeamish, but the color of our period blood, when we experience bleeding or spotting, and the amount of blood lost during our period are all helpful signs available to us every month, in order to better understand our internal health.

Bright Cranberry Red

This means a healthy and normal period. Your flow should be moderately heavy on day one, heaviest on day two and then begin to taper off as your period comes to an end. It’s also normal for the color to oxidize and turn brown towards the end of your flow as it is exposed to more air.

Light Pink

This may indicate low estrogen levels, extreme exercise, extreme dieting and/or a nutrient deficiency. It is usually accompanied with light bleeding too. It’s common for female professional athletes to stop ovulating and lose their periods. It may not seem like a big deal but long-term low estrogen levels can increase your risk of osteoporosis, causing your bones to become weak and fragile. If you have recently changed your workout or eating habits and notice light pink periods, you may want to reconsider your workouts and/or talk with your health practitioner.

Dark Eggplant / Purple Period Blood

This may indicate high estrogen levels. It’s usually accompanied by heavy bleeding and/or clots. Can also be associated with PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or fibroids.

Brownish Maroon

If it starts out brown and almost streaky on the first day, this may indicate low progesterone or it could be old oxidized blood from your previous cycle and your uterus didn’t clear it all out. Vaginal steaming can help with clearing out old blood from the uterus. Brownish in color is normal at the end of your period though. You may experience cycles with high anxiety or depression, mood swings, stress, low sex drive and all PMS symptoms if your progesterone is too low.

Orange or Gray

Bright orange or gray may be a sign of vaginal infection or it’s blood mixed with cervical fluid. Make an appointment with your doctor.