What Day Is Heaviest on Your Period? And How to Know If Blood Color Is Normal
Periods can look and feel different for everyone, but many people wonder: When is my flow the heaviest? and What do the different blood colors mean? Understanding these patterns can help you feel more in control and recognize what’s normal for your body.
🌸 When Is Your Period the Heaviest?
For most people, the heaviest flow happens on Day 1 and Day 2 of the period.
You may notice more frequent pad/tampon changes during this time.
It’s common to pass small clots (about the size of a coin).
Cramps and fatigue also tend to be stronger on these days.
By Day 3 or 4, flow usually starts to lighten, and by Day 5 to 7, most bleeding has tapered off.
👉 If you’re soaking through a pad/tampon every hour or passing very large clots, that could be a sign of abnormally heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) and should be discussed with a doctor.
🌺 What Blood Colors Are Normal?
Your period blood can change color throughout your cycle. Here’s what’s considered normal:
Bright Red:
Fresh blood, usually during the heaviest days (Day 1–2). Healthy and normal.
Dark Red or Brown:
Older blood that’s been in the uterus longer—common at the beginning or end of your period.
Light Pink:
Often happens at the very start or end of your period, or if your flow is lighter. Can also be linked to lower estrogen.
Rusty or Orange Tint:
Sometimes normal if mixed with cervical fluid. But if accompanied by a strong odor, it may indicate infection.
Clots:
Small clots (smaller than a quarter/2.5 cm) are common during heavy days. Larger or frequent clots may signal a problem.
🚩 When to Be Concerned
Flow lasts longer than 7 days regularly.
You soak a pad/tampon every hour for several hours in a row.
Clots are consistently large or frequent.
Blood is gray, very watery, or foul-smelling (could mean infection or other condition).
✨ Final Thought
Your heaviest days are usually at the start of your period, and changes in blood color are often a normal part of the cycle. By paying attention to your flow and color patterns, you’ll understand your body better—and spot when something isn’t quite right.
If you ever feel uncertain, or if bleeding feels excessive or unusual, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional. Your period is a monthly signal from your body—listening to it is a form of self-care. 🌷
🩸 Period Blood Color Guide
| Color | What It Means | Normal or Not? |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Bright Red | Fresh blood, usually heavy flow days (Day 1–2). | ✅ Normal |
| 🍷 Dark Red / Brown | Older blood leaving the uterus, often at start/end. | ✅ Normal |
| 🌸 Light Pink | Lighter flow, start/end of period, sometimes low estrogen. | ✅ Normal (check if very frequent) |
| 🧡 Orange / Rusty | Blood mixed with cervical fluid. | ⚠️ Sometimes normal, but if foul odor → possible infection |
| 🩶 Gray or Watery | Possible infection (especially with odor). | ❌ Not normal – see a doctor |
| 🧊 Large Clots (>2.5 cm) | Excessive bleeding or hormone imbalance. | ❌ Not normal – seek medical advice |
✅ Quick Tip: Track your flow in a period app or journal. Patterns help you know what’s normal for you and spot changes early.