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Period colors: what do they mean?

Depending on the cycle, and sometimes even within the same cycle, the color of your period can vary. This can be a little confusing, and if it happens to you, you may wonder why. This phenomenon is not in itself cause for concern, but it's useful to know and understand why menstrual colors can change.

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Period colors: why are there multiple colors?

The first thing to remember is that it's perfectly normal for periods to change color. During the cycle, the menstrual flow is not constant, and women do not lose the same amount of blood throughout their period. At the beginning and at the end, less blood flows out, and it can take longer to evacuate. It will then stagnate in the vagina and oxidize as it comes into contact with air. On the other hand, you need to know in more detail what each color of menstruation means. We'll explain.

What is the significance of each color of menstrual period?

Menstruation can change color over the course of a cycle. Let's see what each shade means.

Bright or dark red blood: the usual color of menstruation

This is the classic color of menstruation. If your period is bright or dark red, there's nothing to worry about. The flow is abundant and the discharge doesn't stagnate in the body, so it doesn't have time to oxidize and change color.

Pink periods

If your menstrual period is pink in color, this can mean several things:

  • The beginning of a pregnancy: in the first few days after the fertilized egg has implanted itself on the mucous membrane, small amounts of bleeding may be observed. They are light in color and not cause for concern;
  • The onset of menstruation: blood mixes with vaginal discharge, tinting it slightly;
  • Infection or cancer of the cervix: if this pink bleeding occurs completely outside the cycle, and is not linked to the onset of pregnancy, it may be a sign of a problem. They are therefore worth monitoring.

Black or brown periods

At the beginning or end of a period, the flow is generally thin. Blood flows more slowly and oxidizes. It's the iron present in the discharge that changes color and stains it. As a result, you may experience brown or even black periods. This phenomenon is not at all worrying, although it may come as a surprise. At the start of pregnancy, women may experience " anniversary periods ". Here too, the bleeding is very light and oxidizes quickly.

Grey periods

In some cases, menstruation is slightly grey. This is not a normal color for menstruation and deserves your full attention. It may indicate the start of an infection, so it's very important to identify whether it's accompanied by other symptoms. In particular, look for the appearance of discharge. Gray periods can also indicate a miscarriage. If you ever experience them, you should seek advice from your doctor or gynaecologist as soon as possible.

Sometimes, periods can be orange. This may indicate the start of an infection. Don't wait to consult your doctor, especially if you find that your discharge smells different from usual.

Is it normal for the color of my period to change?

As you can see, the color of your period often changes. As long as your period is brown, red or black, it's nothing to worry about. If you notice pink or grey periods, don't hesitate to consult your gynaecologist for advice. Whatever the color of your period, you can use our Elia panties to absorb the discharge while maintaining maximum comfort.

What symptoms should I look out for if my period changes color?

While a change in the color of your discharge may seem normal, such as a black period, it can be worrying if accompanied by other symptoms. These include

  • intense and unusualpain;
  • changes in the consistency of the discharge, which may be thicker or slimier;
  • the duration is also different, with longer periods in particular;
  • foul-smelling discharge.

In such cases, it is strongly recommended to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible for advice.

Like the flow, the color of your period may vary from one cycle to the next, or even within the same cycle. If you don't notice any other symptoms, there's no need to worry. If in doubt, make an appointment to see your gynecologist.

FAQs on menstrual color

What do red periods mean?

Red-coloured periods are normal. They generally take on this color around the middle of the cycle, when discharge is abundant and has no time to oxidize. They are the most common.

What do pink periods mean?

Pink periods can occur at the very beginning of the menstrual cycle, if blood is mixed with vaginal discharge. They can also occur in early pregnancy. However, if they occur outside the cycle, they may indicate a cancer or other problem. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

What do light-coloured periods mean?

At the start of the period, blood can mix with vaginal discharge and become lighter in color. It becomes redder as the flow intensifies.

What do dark-coloured periods mean?

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