Your period can offer you a lot of information about your reproductive and general health. Things like the duration of your period, the heaviness of the flow, and the symptoms that you experience throughout your cycle can indicate that all is well — or that you might need to seek medical advice.

The color of menstrual blood can vary depending on a number of factors, including hormonal activity, the age of the blood, and infections. Pink blood can be a sign of low estrogen levels, bright red blood can indicate a rapid shedding of the uterus lining, dark red blood is a result of blood remaining in the body for longer, and brown or black blood can be caused by the process of oxidation as the blood is exposed to air. In some cases, certain color changes in menstrual blood may indicate an underlying health issue and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Menstruation can come in various colors and consistencies, and certain colors can indicate certain things. Pink period blood can be a sign of low estrogen levels, bright red blood can be a sign of heavy flow or in some cases a warning sign for a serious condition, dark red blood is normal as it indicates the blood is older and has been in the body for longer, and brown or black blood is also normal as it indicates the blood is older and has been in contact with air for longer. Orange discharge can indicate an infection, gray or off-white discharge can indicate an infection or a miscarriage, and clots in menstrual blood can be normal if they are not bigger than a quarter, but excessive clotting can indicate a concern and should be checked by a doctor.