7 Things Your Period Blood Color Could Be Telling You About Your Health

Periods, and most importantly, period blood are slowly becoming less taboo to society. Knowing what your period blood should look like might save you from very dangerous conditions. For example, the light pink color of your period may signal low estrogen levels and could be a signal of an approaching osteoporosis diagnosis later in life.

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7. Pink-ish color

Light pink period blood might be a sign of low estrogen levels.
If you’re a frequent runner or highly active, this could be the reason your menstrual blood appears lighter—studies show that intense physical activity, especially running, can lead to a drop in estrogen.

It’s worth paying attention to, as low estrogen has been linked to a higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

6. Watery

Watery, pale, or very light pink menstrual blood can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies—or in rare cases, a more serious condition like ovarian or fallopian tube cancer.
While it’s important to stay aware of changes in your cycle, don’t panic: fallopian tube cancer is extremely rare, making up less than 2% of all gynecological cancers.

If this kind of bleeding persists, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.

5. Dark brown

Dark brown or deep red menstrual blood usually means that older blood has taken longer to exit your uterus.
While the exact reason isn’t fully understood, this is generally considered normal and nothing to worry about—especially if it appears at the beginning or end of your period.

4. Thick and looks like jam with clots

Thick, jam-like period blood with dark red clots may indicate low progesterone and high estrogen levels.
In most cases, it’s completely harmless. However, if you notice large clots or a high number of them, it could point to a hormonal imbalance—or, in some cases, uterine fibroids.

While this might sound concerning, these conditions are common and usually manageable. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

3. Gray-reddish mix

Gray or grayish-red discharge can be a warning sign, and its meaning depends on your situation.
If you’re not pregnant, it may indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and should be checked by a doctor.
If you’ve missed a period or suspect pregnancy, this type of discharge could be a sign of an early miscarriage.

In either case, it’s important to seek medical attention to understand what’s happening and get the right care.

2. Cranberry red color

Cranberry-colored menstrual blood is generally considered healthy and normal.
However, what’s normal can vary from person to person. That’s why it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your doctor—to ensure everything is in balance and catch any potential issues early.

1. Orange

Orange-colored menstrual blood—especially when mixed with gray—can be a sign of an infection.
If it’s related to an STI or other serious infection, it’s usually accompanied by other symptoms like a strong odor, itching, or sharp pelvic pain.

If you notice this combination, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Curious information

Over the course of 38 years, the average person experiences around 456 periods—adding up to roughly 2,280 days, or about 6.25 years, spent menstruating.

A systematic review in a “Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology” journal reported:

25–50% of adult women in developing countries experience menstrual pain.

About 75% of adolescent girls in those settings have dysmenorrhea.

5–20% of participants (across age groups) suffer severe dysmenorrhea, which prevents daily activities

If your period symptoms feel unusual or start affecting your daily life, don’t ignore them.
Always consult a doctor if you notice anything concerning—your health deserves attention.

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