"We often pay little attention to the color of our menstruation until more concerning symptoms arise. However, it should be closely monitored. It is a valuable indicator of a woman's health and what is happening in the body. Each color has its meaning and may hold surprises..."
"The blood is red, pink, burgundy, or brown: then everything should be fine."
Menstrual blood is usually bright red or vivid red. If you see this bright poppy red on your washable period underwear, it means that everything is fine. You are healthy and the color of your period confirms this.
"Sometimes the color is pink, especially on the first day. This is due to the fact that menstruation still contains relatively a lot of vaginal secretions. These substances, particularly cervical mucus, are white and mix with the red of the period. The result is a shade of pink that you see on your washable menstrual underwear."
A pink period can also occur for other reasons. In women who use contraceptives, this color may appear, for example. A hormonal contraceptive like the pill reduces the production of estrogen, which depletes the blood and makes it lighter. The pill hormonally puts us in a state of pregnancy, putting our reproductive system on "standby," which can also lead to the absence of menstruation. Most of the time, women still have their period, but the color of the menstruation becomes very light because the blood is low in estrogen.
A pink discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy. Because during implantation, when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining, small tears can occur. Such tears in small blood vessels are not a concerning symptom. If this small bleeding was what caused the pink discharge, you might be pregnant!
"When the color of menstruation becomes darker, it is usually due to oxidation. This phenomenon occurs when menstrual blood comes into contact with the surrounding air. Therefore, it is quite normal to observe a burgundy or even brown menstruation, especially when you are at the end of the cycle and your period is generally light."
"If you notice small red blood clots, you don't need to worry. These are fragments of the endometrium. It's a scary term, but we know that menstrual blood is largely made up of these "pieces" of the uterine lining that detach when fertilization does not occur. This is a normal process and even very good news: You are witnessing an internal cleansing!"
"Blood is red, pink, burgundy, or brown: when should you be worried?"
Even if the color of your menstrual bleeding shows the usual shades, certain symptoms may draw your attention. If your period is bright red and lasts longer than a week, you should see a gynecologist. This can be a sign of internal dysfunctions, for example in the thyroid. If your period suddenly becomes particularly heavy, caution is advised: you may have fibroids in the uterine lining.
A pink menstrual bleeding is concerning when it is accompanied by a feeling of weakness or fatigue, as it may indicate anemia. Sometimes, lighter menstrual blood can occur with an unbalanced or insufficient diet or significant weight loss. The pink color is a sign of a weakened organism.
If the color of your period is very dark and you notice certain symptoms like fever, difficulty urinating, or unpleasant odors, you should see a doctor. It may be a blockage in the vagina, which would explain the oxidation of the blood.
The blood is orange, gray, or black: time to see a doctor.
If you notice an orange menstrual bleeding or orange discharge in your underwear, it generally indicates a vaginal infection, particularly bacterial vaginosis. While it is better to seek a doctor's advice, the orange color, if you do not observe any other concerning signs, may simply be caused by the mixing of blood with the usual secretions. However, if there is any odor, itching, or discomfort, a doctor should be consulted quickly.
A gray blood color can also indicate a vaginal infection. If the color of your period is red and then suddenly turns gray, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible. If you have red bleeding that contains grayish clots, it could also be a miscarriage. If the color of your period becomes very dark or black, this indicates excessive oxidation, which could suggest a vaginal obstruction and needs to be treated immediately.
Other symptoms to watch for
Many women neglect to observe their menstruation, and for some, it is still a taboo subject that is not talked about. However, this should become a habit from puberty onwards, even before the first period occurs. It is very important to get to know your body by observing the color of your menstruation from the beginning to the end of the cycle and comparing it with the color of the last month.
"It is also important to note any irregularities in menstruation: dysmenorrhea (irregular menstruation) or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) can indicate either harmless hormonal fluctuations or be a sign of a more serious health issue."
You should also pay attention to the amount of menstrual flow. If you have to change your menstrual hygiene products more than four times a day throughout your entire period, you might want to see a doctor. This is especially important if your period lasts more than 8 days.
"If you are currently trying to get pregnant, you should closely monitor the color of your period and especially any bleeding during pregnancy."
And finally, you should consult a doctor if you experience bleeding outside of the usual menstrual phase, even if you are already suffering from premenstrual syndrome, unless, of course, it is a clearly identified spotting.
