Period Color: What does yours mean?
Photo: Lili Murphy-Johnson
Your menstrual cycle is considered the "fifth vital sign" of health, alongside body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate. Yet a shocking 58% of women don't know what a normal cycle or healthy period blood looks like. Today, we're diving deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of cycle awareness: the story your period blood tells about your overall health.
Think of your period as a monthly health report card from your body. Its color, consistency, and pattern can reveal information about your hormonal balance, nutritional status, and reproductive health. Rememz, this isn't just about fertility – it's about your vitality as a whole.
The color variations in period blood primarily stem from its exposure to oxygen. Just as you might notice on a band-aid or pad, when blood comes in contact with oxygen, it naturally darkens to maroon or brown hues. While this oxidation process is the main factor behind color changes, several other conditions can influence the shade of menstrual blood and understanding these color variations can provide valuable insights.
Hormonal imbalances, including both excess and low levels of estrogen, can affect the blood's appearance.
The pace at which the endometrial lining sheds during menstruation also plays a role.
Possible bacterial vaginosis
Nutritional deficiencies & improper diet
Sexually transmitted infections
Potentially cervical cancer
And then you have clots.
Those small jelly-like globs in your period blood? They're actually quite normal! Your body produces anticoagulants to keep menstrual blood flowing, but sometimes blood collects faster than it can be broken down. Here's what you need to know:
Normal clots:
Smaller than a quarter
Only appear occasionally
Usually dark red in color
More common during heavy flow days
However, unusually large or frequent clots could signal several underlying conditions:
Uterine fibroids: Can cause heavy bleeding and large clots
Endometriosis: May lead to irregular clotting patterns
Hormonal imbalances: Can affect blood flow and clotting
Adenomyosis: Often causes heavy periods with significant clotting
PCOS: May result in irregular periods with unusual clotting
Remember: Early detection often leads to easier treatment. Don't hesitate to discuss changes in your cycle with your healthcare provider.
Decoding Your Period Blood:
Your period blood cleanses out your uterus and is there to support healthy flow and chi. The color is a result of how fast your uterine lining sheds. At the start of your bleed, it’s a slow shed, then faster in the middle, then slow towards the end again.
Colors & Their Messages:
Bright Red: Fresh, oxygen-rich blood indicating a healthy flow! If you’re bleeding between periods,it could mean sexually transmitted infections or fibroids —seek medical guidance).
Dark Reddish Brown: Normal beginning and end-of-cycle blood
Dark Brown: Older blood that took longer to leave the uterus, could indicate signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. If you have an irregular cycle, heavy bleeds, acne, weight gain, unusual hair growth, and fertility issues, please seek guidance from a medical practitioner.
Purple: Could indicate estrogen dominance and may be accompanied by large clots, cramps, pain, and heavy bleeds.
Black: Slow shedding rate, stagnant blood, old blood. Lack of circulation which can cause cramps.
Pink: Potentially low estrogen levels from perimenopause, ovarian insufficiency, birth control pills, or low iron levels.
Gray or Orange: Possible sign of bacterial vaginosis or other infections. Seek medical guidance.
Fascinating new research...
has revealed that menstrual blood contains powerful stem cells similar to those found in bone marrow. These cells, called MenSCs (Menstrual Blood-derived Stem Cells), show promising potential in regenerative medicine and for faster healing! Watch this reel by Dr. Jolene Brighten.
But here's something even more immediate: your period blood is literally liquid gold for your garden! Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, you can dilute your period blood to make it a nutrient-rich plant fertilizer, add it to compost for enhanced soil fertility, and water your flowering plants!
Rif Period Undies - so cute and non-diapery!
Speaking of period care, let's talk about making your cycle more sustainable and healthier. I'm thrilled to share my personal favorite: RIF CARE period products. Their commitment to both body and environmental health aligns perfectly with our philosophy of conscious cycle care. Their products are:
Free from harmful chemicals, made from Hemp.
Sustainably produced
Designed for optimal comfort and protection
Perfect for maintaining vaginal pH balance
Want to transform your period care routine? Use code LYSSANDRA84505 for 15% off your first RIF CARE order!
Until then, start paying attention to your period blood. What stories is your body trying to tell you?
Ready to decode your cycle's language?
Join our waitlist for the next Femme Balance | Cycle Wisdom course opening in March.
In our comprehensive cycle tracking program, you'll discover:
Tracking techniques to keep you aware of your bodily changes
How to correlate cycle changes with lifestyle factors
Eating for your cycle with recipe guides
Customized self-care strategies based on your cycle pattern
And so much more! Get ready to begin a new cycle and a new you.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee Opinion No. 651
Journal of Women's Health Studies, 2024
International Society for Reproductive Medicine
