What does menstrual blood say about your health?

Menstrual blood is more than just a monthly discharge—it’s a window into your body’s health. Its color, flow, consistency, and clotting can reveal information about hormonal balance, reproductive health, and potential medical conditions. Paying attention to these characteristics helps you detect changes early and maintain overall well-being.

1. Color of Menstrual Blood

  • Bright red: Fresh, healthy blood, typically normal

  • Dark red or brown: Older blood from the beginning or end of your period, usually normal

  • Gray or greenish: May indicate infection and should be evaluated by a doctor

  • Very bright red with clots: Can occur in heavy flow or hormonal imbalance

2. Flow and Volume

  • Normal: 30–40 ml per cycle over 3–7 days

  • Heavy flow (menorrhagia): Soaking pads/tampons every 1–2 hours or passing large clots; may indicate fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or clotting disorders

  • Light flow: Scant bleeding may suggest low estrogen, stress, or thyroid issues

3. Consistency

  • Watery: Normal in some cycles, but excessive thinness may signal hormonal changes

  • Thick or sticky: Normal during ovulation or early/late periods

  • Mucus with clotting: Small clots are common; very large clots may require medical attention

4. Odor

  • Mild or neutral odor: Normal

  • Foul or strong odor: Could indicate bacterial or yeast infection

5. Changes Over Time

  • Abrupt changes in flow, color, or consistency may signal hormonal imbalances, uterine conditions, or infections

  • Tracking patterns helps differentiate between normal variation and warning signs

6. When to Seek Medical Advice

  • Very heavy bleeding or prolonged periods

  • Severe cramps that interfere with daily life

  • Unusual colors, odor, or discharge

  • Sudden changes in cycle regularity

Final Thoughts

Your menstrual blood provides valuable clues about your overall health, hormone levels, and reproductive system. Observing its characteristics and tracking your cycle helps you recognize potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and better self-care.

Remember: Menstrual blood is not just a waste product—it’s a vital signal of your body’s balance and well-being.

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