It is that time of the month! You look down and see different shades of hue on your underwear. Your mind fills with fear and doubts. Your hands automatically search google for the meaning of the period blood color .
Fret not! Here in this article, I will throw some light on what shades of period blood are normal and what not. However, it is always best to consult your gynecologist when you see some abnormal changes from your usual blood discharge.
The blood discharge during the period varies from one woman to another. Similarly, the period blood color also varies during each day of the period.
Although most of the colors ranging from black to brownish red are normal, you must immediately contact your doctor when you find grey, orange or light pink watery discharge. They may indicate a serious infection like cancer.
1. Why is the period blood Brown?
When the blood stays in the uterus for a longer time, it oxidizes and changes its color from red to brownish shades. Brownish blood is usually a sign of old blood (stayed in the uterus for a longer time).
It is because of this you can find brown shades of blood at the start of your period and also on the days of lightest flow, that is at the end of your period.
Also worry not, if you see the brown blood as first thing in the morning. It is just that the blood had overnight to dry and thus darken. Simply change your pad (It is always best to use herbal pads to avoid infection) and continue with your routine.
2. Why is the period blood Black?
Blackish blood is mostly the leftover blood from your last period. If the progesterone level of your body is very low, your body cannot shed some tissues. It waits for the next cycle to send them out, when the progesterone level will be high.
Also, on the heaviest days of the period, you can find blood clots (which are normal) that appear in dark black.
3. Why is the period blood Purple?
Purple is a lovely shade of cheerfulness. But what if you look down and find this wine color? Do not panic. This happens when the estrogen level is very high in your body.
This can be corrected by including fiber rich food in your daily diet. Some of them are sweet potatoes, carrots, corn and leafy vegetables.
Flax seeds can help a lot and you can include them in your salads and milk shakes.
4. Why is the period blood Yellow?
It is very common to find watery pale-yellow discharge right before the beginning of your period. It is a sign for the start of your period. Also, brownish yellow discharge can indicate the end of your period.
But if the yellow discharge is associated with foul odor (fish smell), it can be a sign of serious Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) called Trichomoniasis. So, if you find yellow discharge with strong odor, do not hesitate to consult a doctor before it grows into a harmful infection.
5. Why is the period blood Pink?
We girls may love a lighter period for our stainless pants, but experts think otherwise. A pink period can indicate that something is wrong in your lifestyle. It may be because of low estrogen levels caused by heavy exercises, daily workouts and sudden weight loss.
Include protein rich food like yoghurt, almonds or consult your doctor to correct this problem. Another reason for the pink period can be because of hormonal birth control or perimenopause.
However, irregular watery pink discharge during the normal days can indicate a sign of cervical cancer and need immediate physician attention.
6. Why is the period blood orange?
Orange color blood with abnormal consistency and smell can indicate bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection and should be immediately shown to a gynecologist.
Younger girls and women who are in the perimenopause stage can often have irregular periods and miss one or two periods. Always consult an obstetrician when you find unusual vaginal discharge, white color vaginal discharge, itching around the vaginal area, strong odor and if you are having pain, fever and other abnormal symptoms.
It is true that the color of your period blood can relay a great deal of information on your health.
So, keep an eye for any abnormal changes and including healthy food in your diet can help a lot to maintain a healthy and regular period. Have a happy and blissful period!
