Why Should Your Menstrual Blood’s Colour Matter to You?

Not many Singaporean women seek medical help when something’s amiss with their menstrual cycles. Some of us don’t even pay much attention to the colour of the blood on our pads or tampons. However, you might want to think twice during your next period. The colour can be a telltale sign that warrants a visit to your women’s health clinic in Singapore. 

Let’s learn more about why period blood colour is important and when to see your gynae about it. 

How Does Menstrual Blood Indicate A Woman’s Health?

In a nutshell, the shade and even texture of your period blood can give doctors insights into any hormonal imbalances, infections, and other underlying reproductive health issues.

Other factors can also influence the blood’s appearance, such as:

• Age - Teenagers who have just recently started menstruating and women approaching menopause can have irregular blood colour and flow. 

• Duration of Your Period - The amount of time the menstrual blood stays in the uterus affects its hue when it comes out. This change happens when the blood oxidises for longer. 

• Lifestyle and Nutrition - Being sedentary, eating a poor diet, and not hydrating enough can also alter the blood’s consistency — not to mention your cycle’s regularity. 

You can also approach a recommended women's clinic in Singapore so they can help determine the root cause of the changes in your menstrual blood. 

What Period Blood Colour Is Considered Normal?

Generally speaking, regular menstrual blood generally comes in shades ranging from pink and bright red to dark or brownish red. 

• Pink blood typically appears at right the start or end of your period. It looks that way because it’s been diluted with cervical fluid. However, if you consistently have pink blood throughout your period, it can be a sign of low oestrogen levels. 

• Bright red blood is fresh, which means your uterine lining is actively shedding. This is a healthy colour that occurs in the early days of your cycle. 

• On the latter days of your period, you’ll start releasing dark red blood because your flow is slowing down. It then becomes brown at the end of your period — meaning it has been exposed to oxygen for a long time in your uterus. 

Related Infographic: Your Guide to Women's Health Services

Colours That Are A Cause of Concern

Let’s have a look at several blood colours that often mean there’s something wrong with your reproductive health. For instance: 

• Grey-coloured blood is usually associated with bacterial vaginosis, which is an imbalance in your vagina’s microbiome.

• Orange blood can signal infections like trichomoniasis, especially if it also itches or has a foul odour. 

• Black often means old oxidised blood but can also indicate blockages in your uterus, such as those caused by tampons. 

• Dark blue or purple menstrual blood hints at abnormally high oestrogen levels. You may have issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PCOS. 

Your Gynae Should Know About Your Period Changes

Don’t feel shy about visiting a doctor if you notice any unusual colours on your menstrual pad or tampons. After all, they could be a sign of a much more serious underlying problem, so early detection is a must. The gynae at your women’s clinic in Singapore can then recommend suitable treatment plans depending on their diagnosis. 

You should also see your Gynae if you also notice the following during your menstrual cycle: 

• Extremely heavy bleeding that makes you change pads or tampons every 1-2 hours

• Periods lasting over a week

• Foul-smelling discharge

• Severe cramping

• Unusually large clots 

Let’s Be More Aware of Our Periods

Awareness is just one step towards being a healthier woman. So if you ever notice any changes in the colour of your period blood or other aspects of your menstrual cycle, don’t hesitate to get checked at a women’s health clinic in Singapore. They can help uncover the reasons behind your unusual bleeding so you can deal with it sooner than later. 

By being proactive with your menstrual health, you can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

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