Why your period blood might be brown as truth behind ‘healthy’ colours is revealed

Periods. Around half of the world's population has them.

Regardless of your symptoms, regularity, flow, or even how young or old you were when you first started, it appears that many of us have, at one point, been puzzled after taking a look down there, only to find brown blood instead of the expected red hue.

But why might your period blood be brown in the first place, and what, according to a health professional, is the truth behind what shade of blood you release on your cycle, which colours are 'healthy', and what are the actual causes for concern?

Well, Dr Adiele Hoffman, GP and Medical Advisor at Flo Health, spoke to Cosmopolitan to deliver a rundown of everything you need to know about brown period blood.

Is brown period blood normal?

Period blood comes in all different shades and colours (Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman / Getty Images)

Panic over, peeps, as brown period blood is completely normal. In fact, it's actually super common among those who menstruate.

Why is period blood brown sometimes?

Dr Hoffman explains that brown blood is actually 'old blood'. It basically becomes darker the longer it stays outside of the blood vessels in a process called 'oxidation'.

This occurs when blood comes into contact with air - a process that can turn it brown or very dark, even black-looking.

But do not fear if this sounds familiar, as people who menstruate will often see brown blood appear at the very beginning or end of their period.

"This can happen when there’s very little bleeding, which means the blood has the time to change colour before leaving your body," Dr Hoffman explains. "It’s not too dissimilar to old bloodstains turning brown."

Likewise, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, adds: "Brown menstrual blood is usually nothing to be alarmed about. It often indicates older blood that has taken longer to leave the uterus and has oxidised, which changes its colour from bright red to a darker brown shade.

"This is most common at the start or end of a period, when the flow is lighter and slower. It can also appear at other points in the cycle, such as around ovulation or after a light bleed, and may occasionally occur in early pregnancy as implantation bleeding."

Makes sense, that.

What is a 'healthy 'period blood colour?

It's totally normal to have brown period blood! (Getty Stock Images)

The main thing to take away from this is that period blood comes in a whole bunch of different shades and colours, and it's completely normal to experience some variation.

Dr Hoffman assures there's not one particular shade that’s associated with healthy periods.

Usually, a heavy and quick period flow will be either dark or bright red. This is because the quicker it is, the less time it has to 'oxidise', which is why on your lighter days, you’re more likely to spot the brown blood appear.

"In a healthy cycle," Dr Wylie reiterates, "The colour of menstrual blood can vary. Bright red blood is fresh and typically seen during the heavier days of menstruation.

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"Dark red blood may appear as the flow slows. Brown blood is common at the beginning or end of a period, and light pink blood can appear when menstrual blood mixes with cervical mucus or during very light bleeding."

So, in light of this, please, please, please don't freak out if you notice your period blood one day being watery and thin, to all of a sudden, becoming bright red with a darker, thicker consistency as the variety is totally normal!

What period blood colours should be a cause for concern?

Usually, a heavy and quick period flow will be either a dark or bright red (Arman Zhenikeyev / Getty Images)

Dr Wylie tells Tyla that certain colours or changes may be a cause for concern, as she explains: "Orange, grey, or green discharge or bleeding may indicate an infection, particularly if accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching, or discomfort.

"Persistent brown spotting outside of your normal pattern, especially if associated with pain or other symptoms, could be linked to conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, hormonal imbalances, or the perimenopause."

According to the expert, any bleeding during pregnancy, regardless of colour, should be assessed promptly.

"Post-partum bleeding, known as lochia, often changes from bright red to brown as healing progresses, which is normal. However, very heavy bleeding, large clots, bleeding between periods, or a noticeable change from your usual pattern should be discussed with your GP," Dr Wylie adds.

Regularity over colour

According to Dr Hoffman, instead of keeping a close eye on the colour of your period blood, it’s much more important to track the regularity of your cycle, such as any changes to it and how long your bleeding lasts.

Dr Wylie concludes: "In summary, brown period blood is usually a harmless sign of older blood leaving the body, but any unusual colour, pattern, or associated symptoms should be checked to rule out an underlying problem."

You can find out more about periods and when to consult your GP on the official NHS website here.