What your period blood colour means

Brown, pink, orange + more 🌈

Quick summary 📝

👉 Period blood changes colour for lots of natural reasons, e.g. during a period, brown blood is very common

👉 Most changes are normal, but some colours may signal an issue – especially if they come with unusual symptoms

👉 For any unusual symptoms like itching, a very bad smell, or unusual discomfort it’s best to check in with a doctor 🚑

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Ever looked down at your pad and wondered why your period is brown? Or spotted another colour that made you worry?

It might seem a bit strange, but paying attention to the colour of your period blood can help you understand your health ☝️🤓

So luna's here to break down the different colours your period blood might be, and what each one means 🫶

Bright red blood ❤️

👉 Usually appears mid-period (day 2-3) when your flow is heavier

👉 A sign of fresh blood and a steady flow

👉 If you're feeling as you normally do, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about

Brown or dark red blood 🤎

👉 Seen at the start or end of a period when the flow is slower

👉 May be old blood that's stayed in body longer and oxidised (reacted with oxygen)

👉 Very common and usually nothing to worry about

If it comes with new symptoms like itching, a strong smell, or unusual discomfort it’s best to check in with a doctor 🚑

Black blood 🖤

👉 Seen at the start or end of a period when the flow is slower

👉 May be old blood that has stayed in body longer and oxidised (reacted with oxygen)

👉 If you feel fine otherwise, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about

👉 Can can sometimes be a sign of vaginal blockage, like a forgotten tampon

Signs of vaginal blockage include:

👉 Bad-smelling discharge

👉 Fever

👉 Difficulty peeing

👉 Itching in or around the vagina

If you have black blood AND any of these symptoms, feel unwell, or think something is stuck inside you, seek urgent medical advice 🚨

Pink blood 🩷

👉 Can happen when period blood mixes with discharge, making it look lighter

👉 May be linked to low oestrogen (a hormone), often due to medication or hormonal changes

👉 Can also be a sign of anaemia, significant weight loss, or a diet low in iron and nutrients

If pink blood is unusual for you, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms like dizziness or extreme fatigue, check in with your doctor 🩺

Orange blood 🧡

👉 Can happen when period blood mixes with discharge, making it look lighter

👉 May be a sign of an infection, like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis, especially alongside unusual discharge.

Other symptoms of infection to look out for:

👉 Fishy or unusual smell

👉 Pain or burning in the vagina

👉 Pain when peeing

👉 Redness or irritation down there

If you have orange blood along with these symptoms, speak to a doctor to get treatment 🩺

Grey blood 🤍

👉 Can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which happens when the acidity levels in the vagina change, leading to a bacterial imbalance

👉 The grey colour comes from a mix of bacteria, white blood cells, and discharge mixing with period blood

Other symptoms of BV to look out for:

👉 Fishy or unusual smell

👉 Pain or burning in the vagina

👉 Pain when peeing

If you notice grey blood with these symptoms, speak to a doctor for treatment 🩺

Your period blood can tell you a lot 🌷

As you've hopefully learnt, most colour changes are completely normal if you otherwise feel fine.

But some colours may be a sign to check in with a doctor – especially if you notice unusual symptoms.

Tracking your cycle and any changes using luna's Tracker can help you feel more in control 💛