What Type of Period Blood Is Not Normal?
Understanding the Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your period blood can tell you a lot about your health — from your hormones to possible underlying conditions. While every person’s cycle is unique, there are certain types of period blood that may signal something abnormal.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
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What’s considered normal
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What isn’t
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What the color and texture of your period blood might mean
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When to see a doctor
Plus, we’ve added relevant Wikipedia links so you can explore each topic more deeply.
🩸 What’s Considered “Normal” Period Blood?
Healthy period blood typically:
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Is bright red or dark red (especially mid-flow)
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Can start off brown (oxidized blood from the previous cycle)
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Has a smooth, liquid texture with occasional small clots
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Flows steadily for 3–7 days, depending on your cycle
Learn more:
🔗 Menstrual cycle – Wikipedia
🔗 Menstruation – Wikipedia
🚨 Unhealthy Period Blood Types (And What They Could Mean)
1. Gray or Off-White Blood
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Possible Cause: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or infection
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What to Look For: Foul smell, itching, gray discharge between periods
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Action: See a doctor immediately
🔗 Bacterial vaginosis – Wikipedia
2. Very Watery or Thin Blood
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Possible Cause: Nutrient deficiency, anemia, or hormonal imbalance
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What to Look For: Unusually light period with pale, diluted flow
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Action: Consider a blood test for iron or hormone levels
🔗 Iron deficiency anemia – Wikipedia
🔗 Hormonal imbalance – Wikipedia
3. Thick, Jelly-Like Clots (Larger Than a Quarter)
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Possible Cause: Heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, or endometriosis
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What to Look For: Needing to change pads every hour, painful cramps
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Action: Track symptoms and consult a gynecologist
🔗 Uterine fibroid – Wikipedia
🔗 Endometriosis – Wikipedia
4. Bright Red Blood That Lasts More Than 7 Days
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Possible Cause: Hormonal disorders, IUD side effects, or polyps
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What to Look For: Extended bleeding, fatigue, dizziness
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Action: Rule out abnormal uterine bleeding
🔗 Dysfunctional uterine bleeding – Wikipedia
5. Black or Tar-Like Blood
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Possible Cause: Very old blood trapped in the uterus, cervical blockage
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What to Look For: Persistent black flow, strong odor
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Action: Seek evaluation if persistent
🔗 Cervical stenosis – Wikipedia
6. Pink Period Blood
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Possible Cause: Low estrogen levels, spotting, or early pregnancy
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What to Look For: Light flow, short period, or irregular spotting
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Action: Consider hormone testing if frequent
🔗 Estrogen – Wikipedia
🔗 Implantation bleeding – Wikipedia
🧪 Color Guide: What Your Period Blood Might Mean
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bright Red | Fresh blood, typical mid-period |
| Dark Red | Normal, especially in the morning or at rest |
| Brown | Old blood or start/end of period |
| Black | Old, trapped blood (seek advice if persistent) |
| Pink | Low estrogen, spotting, or post-sex bleeding |
| Gray | Infection – seek immediate care |
⚠️ When to See a Doctor
See your doctor if you notice:
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Blood that’s gray, black, or smells foul
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Very heavy bleeding (changing pad every hour)
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Large clots (larger than a coin)
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Bleeding between periods often
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Periods longer than 8 days
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Missed periods followed by unusual discharge
You might be dealing with something more than a hormonal blip. And you’re not alone — many people discover conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or thyroid issues through menstrual changes first.
💬 Final Thoughts
Periods can vary — but your blood shouldn't look or feel “off” for long. If something doesn’t seem right with the color, flow, or duration of your period, don’t ignore it. Your cycle is your body’s report card.
Stay informed, track your cycle, and trust your gut. If you’re worried — get checked. Your health is worth it.