Okay, let’s talk about something we all do but maybe don’t talk about: looking at our period blood. It might seem a little weird, but it’s actually one of the coolest and easiest ways to check in with your health. The color and texture of your flow can give you clues about what’s going on inside your body.
But what does it all mean? Is brown blood bad? Are clots normal? It can be confusing, and let’s be honest, Google can be a scary place. At CrampCare, we’re here to give you the straight facts, no drama. Consider this your friendly guide to decoding your flow.
The Official Period Blood Color Decoder
Your period blood can change colors from day to day, and most of the time, it’s totally normal. It all comes down to how long the blood has been in your uterus and exposed to oxygen. The longer it’s been hanging out, the darker it gets.
Source: Livi
If it’s Bright Red…
What it looks like: Think cranberry red.
What it means: This is fresh blood that’s moving out of your body quickly. You’ll probably see this on the heaviest days of your period when your flow is steady.
The verdict: Totally normal and a sign of a healthy, active flow.
If it’s Dark Red, Brown, or Black…
What it looks like: The color of wine, coffee grounds, or dark chocolate.
What it means: This is older blood. It’s been sitting in your uterus for a little longer and has had time to react with oxygen, which makes it turn darker. You’ll often see this at the very beginning or very end of your period when your flow is slower.
The verdict: Super normal. Don’t panic if you see brown or black blood on your pad or in the toilet.
If it’s Pink…
What it looks like: A very light, rosy shade.
What it means: Pink period blood is usually just blood that’s mixed with your normal cervical fluid, which can dilute its color. You might see this on your lightest flow days. Sometimes, it can also be a sign of low estrogen levels, but for the most part, it’s nothing to worry about.
The verdict: Usually normal, especially if it’s just light spotting.
If it’s Orange…
What it looks like: A rusty, orangey tint.
What it means: Like pink blood, this can also be blood mixed with cervical fluid. However, if it’s accompanied by a bad smell or itching, it could be a sign of an infection, like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis.
The verdict: Keep an eye on it. If it’s just the color, you’re likely fine. If you have other symptoms, it’s time to call a doctor.
If it’s Gray…
What it looks like: A grayish, dull color.
What it means: Gray discharge is definitely a sign to call your doctor. It’s almost always a symptom of an infection like bacterial vaginosis. [1]
The verdict: Not normal. Make an appointment to get it checked out.
What’s the Deal with Blood Clots?
Seeing a jelly-like blob in your period blood can be alarming, but small clots are a totally normal part of your period.
Your body produces natural anticoagulants (things that stop blood from clotting) to help your uterine lining flow out smoothly. But when your flow is heavy, sometimes those anticoagulants can’t keep up, and small clots form.
When are clots normal? If they are small, around the size of a dime, and only show up on your heaviest days.
When should I be concerned? If you are consistently passing clots that are larger than a quarter. This could be a sign of a very heavy flow (menorrhagia) or another condition like uterine fibroids, and it’s worth discussing with your doctor. [2]
Your Body, Your “Normal”
The most important thing is to get to know what’s normal for you. Your period is like your body’s monthly report card, and tracking it is the best way to read it.
When you use an app like CrampCare to log the color and consistency of your flow, you’re creating a personal health record. You’ll start to notice your own patterns—like how your period always starts with a day of brown blood, or that you only get small clots on day two.
This information is powerful. It helps you stop worrying about normal changes and gives you clear evidence if something is truly off. Having that data on your phone makes it so much easier to talk to a doctor and show them exactly what’s been going on.
Ready to become an expert on your own body? Download CrampCare and start tracking your flow today!
References
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Vaginal Discharge. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2022). Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829