What Your Period Colour Can Tell You About Your Health

Let’s be honest — most of us only really pay attention to our periods when they show up unexpectedly, ruin our favourite underwear, or arrive with cramps that feel personally offensive.

But your period can actually tell you a lot about what’s going on inside your body… and one of the easiest clues? The colour.

From bright red to brown, pink, orange, and even grey, period blood can change throughout your cycle — and while most of it is completely normal, some colours can be your body’s way of waving a little flag and saying, “Hey… can we talk?”

So let’s decode it.

Dark Red or Burgundy Blood This one can look dramatic. Like "crime scene in your underwear" dramatic. But don’t panic. Dark red or burgundy blood usually just means the blood took its sweet time leaving the body and had time to oxidise (which makes it darker). It’s especially common at the start or end of your period. Annoying? Maybe. Concerning? Usually not.

Brown Period Blood Brown blood is old blood. Not old-old… just blood that’s been hanging around a bit longer. It often shows up at the beginning or end of your period and can look like spotting. According to the NHS, brown period blood is often simply older blood that has taken longer to leave the body. Read more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/ Think of it as your uterus doing a little clean-up crew sweep. Completely normal in most cases. Not glamorous, but normal.

Pink Period Blood

Pink blood usually happens when menstrual blood mixes with cervical fluid, often during lighter flow days.

It can be harmless.

But if your period is consistently very pale pink or unusually light, it can sometimes point to lower estrogen levels, stress, weight loss, over-exercising, or hormonal imbalances.

Basically: your body might be asking for a little extra support.

Worth paying attention to.

Orange-Tinted Blood

Orange blood can happen when blood mixes with cervical fluid too.

Sometimes? Totally harmless.

Other times? It can signal an infection — especially if it comes with unusual discharge, itching, discomfort, or a smell that makes you go, “Hmm… that’s not right.”

The Cleveland Clinic notes that unusual discharge or colour changes can sometimes indicate infection.

Read more here:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms

Trust your gut here.

Your vagina has a vibe. You know when it’s off.

Grey Blood

Grey blood is the one we don’t ignore.

This can sometimes indicate an infection and should be checked out, especially if it comes with pain, fever, discomfort, or unusual discharge.

If your period is serving grey…

That’s your cue to call your doctor.

No Googling yourself into a spiral.

So… When Should You Actually Be Concerned?

Most colour changes are normal.

Your cycle shifts. Your hormones shift. Your body shifts.

That’s life.

But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends checking in with a healthcare professional if you experience major changes in your cycle or unusual symptoms.

Read more here:
https://www.acog.org/womens-health

It’s worth getting advice if you notice:

• Sudden major changes in your cycle

• Extremely heavy bleeding

• Severe pain

• Persistent unusual discharge

• Grey blood

• Strong odour

• Periods that suddenly disappear

Your body knows how to communicate.

We just need to learn the language.

Your Period Is Basically a Monthly Health Report

Your period is more than just something to “get through.”

It can give you real insight into your hormones, stress levels, overall health, and what your body may need from you.

And the more you understand what’s normal for your body, the easier it becomes to notice when something feels off.

Because knowledge is power.

And honestly?

Your uterus deserves at least a little curiosity after all the drama it puts you through every month.

At Flo Angel, we believe understanding your cycle is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health, confidence, and wellbeing.