How to Tell if Period Blood Is Healthy
Date Created: 6th of August 2025
Read Time: 3 minutes
Your period is more than just a monthly inconvenience - it’s actually a powerful signal from your body about what’s going on inside. The colour, texture, and volume of your menstrual blood can offer important clues about your overall reproductive and hormonal health.
So, what should period blood look like? And how can you tell if something’s not quite right?
Colour: What Each Shade Might Mean
- Bright red: Usually a fresh, active flow - a sign of a healthy period. Most common during your heaviest days.
- Brown or dark red: Old blood that’s taken longer to exit the uterus. Common at the beginning or end of your period.
- Black: Very old, oxidised blood. Often harmless but should be checked if there’s an odour or discomfort.
- Pink: Could indicate spotting or low oestrogen. More concerning if persistent or irregular.
- Grey: May signal a bacterial imbalance or infection - see a doctor if it’s accompanied by a strong smell.
- Green: Uncommon but can indicate infection - always worth checking with a GP.
Texture: Clots, Slime or Watery?
- Clots: Small clots are normal, especially on heavy days. Frequent or large clots may signal fibroids or hormonal imbalance.
- Watery: Could mean low hormone levels or high stress. Light periods might also be tied to exercise or nutrition.
- Mucus-like: Normal near ovulation, but monitor if mixed with blood or odour outside your cycle.
Volume and Duration
A healthy period usually lasts between 3–7 days and results in about 30–80ml of blood loss (around 2 to 5 tablespoons).
If your flow is very heavy, lasts more than 8 days, or requires a change of menstrual products every hour or two, it could be a sign of menorrhagia.
Light or irregular periods - especially if they stop completely (and you’re not pregnant or menopausal) - may signal a hormonal issue.
What’s Normal for You?
“Normal” looks different for everyone. That’s why tracking your cycle is one of the best ways to understand your unique pattern and notice when something changes.
At my mimi, we believe period care should help you stay in tune with your body. Our reusable menstrual discs are designed for total comfort and visibility - so you can get to know your flow better each cycle.
Health Notice: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns, consult a qualified health professional.
