Do you know what the different colors of blood mean during your time of the month? Some could signal bad news and it might be time to call your doctor.
Here’s what should know about what your body is trying to tell you during your period.
Dark Brown
According to Healthline, you may see dark brown blood at the beginning or end of your cycle, but it’s nothing to worry about. This darker color is perfectly normal and indicates the blood is old. Sometimes blood sits in your uterine lining from the previous cycle, and it takes a while to leave body.
Dark Red
You’re likely to see this color when you first wake up in the morning after you’ve been lying down for a while or during the middle of your cycle when your flow starts to slow. Unlike the rust color, the blood of this hue hasn’t oxidized in the uterus long enough to turn brown.
Bright Red
If you notice a cranberry-like shade on your tampon or pad, it means the blood is new and that your period is perfectly healthy and regular. You’ll see this cherry Kool-Aid color during the middle of your period or when your flow is heaviest. It’s a good sign that everything is functioning properly.
Gray and Red
Gray or off-white clumps mixed in your blood almost always signals bad news. If you’re sexually active, it could mean that you’ve contracted an infection, STD or STI. However, if you’re pregnant, you may be experiencing a miscarriage. Either way, you should call your doctor ASAP.
Pink
Have you recently started exercising frequently, lifting heavy weights or running? Well, you may notice a pinkish, lighter-than-usual flow. If you’re on any form of hormonal birth control, it could cause your estrogen levels to dip, resulting in a lighter hue. A poor diet can also lead to pink-colored blood.