The Different Period Blood Colours and What They Mean

We're going to talk about something that isn't always easy to discuss but is important nonetheless: period blood. There are many different types of period blood out there, and it can be overwhelming to know what each one means.

If you are squeamish or would rather not see your period blood, you can opt for period pants with a black gusset or washable pads with grey or black top layers - as well as not seeing your uterine lining, you will also be saving money and the environment!

We've created this guide to help you understand the different colours and consistencies you may see during your menstrual cycle.

What do different colours of period blood mean?

Here's our guide to what different colours of period blood mean:

Black Blood:

If you notice black period blood, don't be alarmed, this colour is simply a sign that the blood is older and has taken longer to leave your body. It's normal to see black discharge at the beginning or end of your period.

Brown or Dark Red Blood:

Brown or dark red period blood is also normal, as it is simply blood that has had time to oxidise. This brown blood can appear at any point during your period and is nothing to worry about.

Bright Red Blood:

Bright red period blood is what most people expect to see. This colour is a sign that the menstrual blood is fresh and flowing quickly. You can expect to see bright red blood at the start of your period and when it is heaviest. Uterine fibroids can cause heavy periods and this would show as fresh red blood. 

Pink Blood:

If you notice pink period blood, it's likely just a small amount of blood mixed with cervical mucus. This can occur with lighter period or when you're nearing the end of your cycle.

If you have done a positive pregnancy test and have some bleeding that is brown or pink, whilst it is important to get checked out, don't panic as it could be implantation bleeding.

Orange, Grey or Green Discharge:

These would be out of the ordinary, it could be a sign of infection or an underlying issue. We recommend speaking to Doctor if you experience any of these colours.They may be accompanied by a foul smell, irregular periods, or could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.

I was genuinely sceptical of these pants until I braved wearing them during a very heavy flow. The results were amazing. The blood and moisture dried very quickly and the pants themselves are just so comfortable.

Incredibly easy to wash and use again and again. I will be buying another couple of pairs and I will be encouraging my friends to do the same! Megan trustpilot Feb '20

What do different consistencies of period blood mean?

Hormone levels - especially estrogen levels - can affect your period blood colour and consistency. Here's what different consistencies of period blood mean:

Clots:

It's normal to see small blood clots during your period, but large clots could be a sign of a larger issue. If you notice clots that are larger than a 10 pence piece, speak to your GP.

Washable knickers and reusable pads deal with clots really well, they absorb the fluid and any residue can be wiped away when you next go to the toilet.

Watery or Thin:

Watery or thin period blood is nothing to worry about. This can occur during a light period or at the beginning or end of your cycle.

Jelly:

If you notice a jelly-like consistency to your period blood, it could be a sign of cervical mucus mixing with blood. This is nothing to worry about and can happen at any point during your cycle.

Stringy:

Stringy period blood is also normal and can happen when your period is light or when you are nearly finished your period. This consistency is nothing to worry about.

"I bought these period pants from cheeky wipes as it’s my first time trying them and they were the cheapest I could find.

I wanted to try an environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and my menstrual cup. I used them the main day of my period and whilst blood being collected outside of my body took a little bit of getting used to the cheeky wipes did a great job.

They are super comfortable and I felt protected all day." Mrs Deborah Hill June '22 trustpilot

We hope this guide has helped you better understand the different colours and types of period blood. Remember, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your menstrual cycle and speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

If you found this blog useful you may like - 

Period clots: What they are and how to manage them

Hygiene on your period: Your questions answered

The ultimate guide to BV and your period

Which are the best pants for heavy flow, clots, flooding or endometriosis

Can food make your period heavier?

You can browse all our blogs here. 

As always, if you're unsure of what you need to make the switch to reusable sanitary products and period pads, please do drop the team a line or use the online chat function. The team all use the products themselves and just LOVE to chat pee poo and periods, all day long, nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences...

About the Author:  Kirstin Scriven is part of the Customer Experience team at Cheeky Wipes, which since 2008 has been selling the original reusable wipes kit. She is mum to 3 and loves the forest, the sea and the hills!

Along with the rest of our crack team, she spends most days talking about poo, pee and periods and loves a chance to overshare. The business was recognised with a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021, celebrating their hard work over the last 13 years.