Dealing with your period isn’t the most pleasant task on earth, so whether you’re a pad, tampon, menstrual cup or period underwear user, it can be tempting to rush through the process of changing and disposing of your chosen method as quickly as possible.

But taking a moment to look at your period blood might be more beneficial than you think. Our periods are full of clues about the state of our health, so if they’re delayed, hurt more than usual or look slightly different, it’s worth paying attention. 

The colour of your period can be a useful diagnostic tool, which is why it’s worth knowing what the different colours mean. As Dr Samantha Wild, clinical lead for women’s health at Bupa Health Clinics, explains, the colour of your period alone normally isn’t a cause for concern, but when paired with other symptoms, it could be a sign that something is amiss. 

To give you the tools you need to identify potential issues, we asked Dr Wild to talk us through all the different period blood colours, what they mean and when it might be a sign of a wider issue that needs addressing. 

What does bright red period blood mean? 

Bright red period blood – like the blood that comes from your arm after you get a cut – is generally normal and is rarely a cause for concern, especially at the start of your period.

However, if it’s accompanied by symptoms such as pain, it could be a sign to take note. “If your period is this colour alongside being very heavy and painful, it could be a sign of a health concern such as fibroids, polyps or ovarian cysts,” Dr Wild says. 

What does light pink period blood mean?

Getting light pink period blood or discharge right before your period begins is a sign that your period is on the way; it’s only abnormal when it’s between periods.

“Pink discharge between periods may be a cause for concern, especially if it’s watery,” Dr Wild says. “This could be a sign of cervical cancer and is worth getting checked out.”

What does dark red period blood mean?

Again, during your period, dark red period blood is totally normal – it’s blood that’s been in your vagina for longer and has oxidized as a result. But you should pay attention if you start to see dark red period blood appearing in between periods.

“If you’re between periods and pass blood of any colour, including dark red blood or brown discharge, speak to a health professional,” Dr Wild says. 

While it can be a sign that you’re ovulating, it’s best to get it checked if you’re not used to having spotting. “Along with ovulating, it could also signal hormone imbalances, infections, bleeding problems and cancers,” Dr Wild explains.

“If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, bleeding may also signal miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, so it’s best to speak to a GP to get it checked out.”

What does orange period blood mean?

Like pink period blood or discharge, orange period blood can also occur just before your period as a sign that your period is on its way.

“If it’s experienced with itching, discomfort or unusual smells from your vaginal region, it could mean that you’ve got an infection,” Dr Wild says. “A GP can confirm whether or not you need treatment, so it’s a good idea to book an appointment.”

What does grey period blood mean?

No matter what stage of your cycle you’re at, passing grey period blood is always classed as unusual, so make sure you book an appointment with a health professional.

“If you’re pregnant, grey period blood can be a sign of miscarriage,” Dr Wild says. “It could also be a sign of an infection, like bacterial vaginosis.” 

Even if period blood is a ‘normal’ colour, there are times when you should seek help from a health professional. Symptoms to ask about include:

• Passing blood clots the size of (or bigger than) a 10p coin
• Bleeding for longer than a week
• Experiencing severe mood swings in the lead-up to or when you’re on your period
• Debilitating cramps, bloating or headaches
• Bleeding between periods
• Irregular periods
• Especially heavy periods, eg when you need to use more than one product or a time or bleed through your clothing
• Vaginal itching
• An unusual smell from your vaginal area

Images: Getty