Ever look down and think, "Wait, is that supposed to be that color?" Your period can show up in basically every shade, ranging from brown to dark red to even pink. While seeing all the different colors may feel overwhelming, most of them are totally normal.

Here's the thing: your period is actually considered a vital sign, similar to your blood pressure or heart rate. The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that everything from how long your cycle is to the color and texture of your flow can tell you important things about your health. So let's break down what those colors actually mean.

Decoding Your Period Colors

🩷 Pink Blood

This is usually just blood mixed with your vaginal discharge—totally normal and super common at the start of your period when your flow is lighter.

❤️ Bright Red Blood

This is fresh blood that's flowing right now. You'll usually see this when you're spotting or right at the beginning of your period when things are getting started.

♥️ Dark Red Blood

This is blood that's had a little more time to oxidize (basically, react with oxygen). It typically shows up a few days into your period. You might also notice it's a bit thicker or has some small clots, which is normal too.

🤎 Brown Blood

Brown blood is just older blood that's been hanging out a bit longer and has oxidized even more. This usually happens toward the end of your period as things are wrapping up.

The bottom line? Most period colors are just your body doing its thing. The color is less about something being wrong and more about timing and flow.

When to Actually Check In With Your Doctor

While most colors are nothing to stress about, there are some signs that it's worth talking to your doctor:

• Blood clots that are quarter-sized or bigger
• Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour
• Having fewer than 8 periods in a year
• Periods lasting longer than usual for you (typically more than 7 days)
• Cramping that's really severe or getting worse
• Brown discharge showing up throughout your whole cycle (not just at the end of your period)

Remember, you know your body best. If something feels off or different from what's normal for you, it's always okay to reach out to a healthcare provider. That's what they're there for; no question is TMI!