Many women notice that their menstrual blood does not always look the same. It may appear bright red, dark red, brown or occasionally pink. Although changes in colour are often normal, certain patterns may deserve medical attention.
1. Bright red blood: This often indicates relatively fresh menstrual blood flowing from the uterus.
2. Dark red blood: Blood that remains in the uterus or vagina a little longer before leaving the body may appear darker.
3. Brown menstrual blood: Brown blood is commonly older blood that has taken longer to leave the body. It may appear at the beginning or end of a period.
4. Pink discharge: A small amount of blood mixed with cervical fluid can appear pink. It may occur around the beginning or end of menstruation.
5. Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels can affect the amount and timing of menstrual bleeding.
6. Pregnancy-related bleeding: Light bleeding may occur in early pregnancy, but bleeding during pregnancy should not automatically be assumed to be harmless. Medical advice is important.
7. Infection or other gynaecological conditions: Unusual bleeding, especially with pelvic pain, fever, unpleasant-smelling discharge or bleeding after sex, may indicate a condition requiring treatment.
When should you seek help? Arrange a medical assessment if your periods suddenly become very heavy, persistently irregular or unusually painful. Seek urgent care if you soak through a pad every hour for several hours, feel faint or experience severe pelvic pain.
Final thoughts: Menstrual blood colour can vary naturally throughout a cycle. However, colour alone cannot diagnose a reproductive health condition. Pay attention to changes in flow, pain, timing and other symptoms.
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