What Does the Color of Your Period Mean?
We all know that periods may change in duration and flow, but did you know that the color of your period can also give you essential clues about your health and what is going on in your cycle?
From how often you get it, how long it lasts, how heavy your flow is, and the color of your blood… your period is your monthly report card.
What causes menstruation?
You might have questions about your menstrual cycle or maybe you’re not even sure what a period is… that’s okay! I am here to give you the low-down on what’s happening with your body during your period.
What is happening during menstruation:
🩸If you had a healthy ovulation, then you‘ll ideally have a healthy period that month as well (bleeding does not always mean you ovulated though!)
🩸Tissue lining is being shed
🩸Progesterone and estrogen levels will start to drop, which may result in moodiness, feeling tired, headaches, or body aches. When your hormones are balanced, you can still feel these symptoms, but they’ll likely be less extreme!
What a healthy period looks like:
✅Occurs every 21-35 days
✅Mostly liquid, not many clots (clots should typically be no larger than a dime)
✅Mild cramping is normal, as your uterus is contracting to shed the lining
On average, the menstrual cycle lasts for two to seven days each month.
Remember: no two people with periods have exactly the same cycle.
Important Note:
It is important to note that if you are currently using a hormonal method of birth control or an IUD, you cannot rely on your period to tell you as much. The bleed you experience on the pill is not an actual period, it is withdrawal bleeding.
Period Blood Color Meaning
Red
This is ‘typical’ period blood. It means your flow is healthy and fresh. It may be healthy depending on the color towards the end of your bleed
Deep Red
Deep red blood will likely come at the beginning and/ or end of your bleeding and often signifies old blood.
Pink
Pink blood is a mix of period blood + cervical mucus. This color of blood occurs more often on the pill, and can also be a sign of weight loss or anemia.
Brown
Brown blood can serve as another sign of older blood and will typically appear the beginning or end of your period. Keep in mind, brown blood can also be a sign of pregnancy. If brown blood occurs when you’re not experiencing your period, check with your OBGYN.
Black
Black Blood can be another sign of old blood and may be normal, but if there are any other symptoms such as itching or burning check with your OBGYN.
Grey
Grey Blood is usually a sign of BC. Go see your OBGYN.
Orange
Like a pink period, orange blood can be a sign of cervical mucus + period blood, but can also be a sign of BV so if you have any abnormal symptoms like itching, odor – check with your OBGYN.
In addition to blood color, some other things to take note of are:
🌿How long the period lasts – Ideally, between 3-7 days of bleeding
🌿Blood loss – The goal is to lose between 30-50mL of blood over the entire period, a regular tampon holds about 5mL – this is where a period cup rocks because it is the perfect way to measure blood loss
🌿Cycle length – A healthy cycle comes every 21-35 days
🌿Symptoms – Cramps, headaches, fatigue, bloating, nausea, etc⠀⠀
Interested in learning more about your cycle?⠀⠀⠀
Inside of Hormone Bootcamp, I teach all of the fundamentals you need to know to get in touch with your body and know what the f*ck is going on during your cycle every month.
Designed to teach you the tools to take care of your hormone + gut health, regulate your cycle, and say yes to your life without worrying about mood swings, bleed-throughs, or unwanted PMS symptoms. In Hormone Bootcamp, you’ll learn how to support your period and understand what your body needs to ✨thrive✨
Enroll now >> Hormone Bootcamp!
🥰For more support, ask inside my Facebook community, DM me on Instagram, listen to the Get Cliterate podcast, read my blog, Or all of the above?! Hehe 💛
LET’S HAVE HEALTHY, HAPPY HORMONES! 👑🔥💫💖
free resources:
- Join our *SECRET* Facebook Community
- Are My Hormones Imbalanced? Masterclass Learn how to identify hormone imbalances, where to start, + how to take charge of your symptoms!
- What Is Non-Hormonal BC? Masterclass Learn more about non-hormonal birth control options, effectiveness, & how to get started!
- Hormone Happy Grocery List: Your quick guide to hormone happy grocery shopping!
- Follow @caleeshea and @getcliterate on Instagram
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