The most common color of your period blood is bright red. Even though you’re probably used to this color flow, you might not know what it means.
Your body’s monthly cycle helps you know that your organs are working properly. The color of your monthly flow can tell you a lot about your overall health.
Here’s what bright, red period blood can tell you about what’s going on inside your body.
Bright Red Period Blood Symptoms
Most women will experience bright, red period blood at some point during the five to seven days they menstruate. Bright, red period blood is usually seen at the beginning of your period. The color is the same as you’d see from a paper cut on your finger.
You may have a bright, red flow for the first few days of your period only and then see your flow change to dark red or brown as your flow begins to decrease. Alternatively, you may have a flow of bright, red period flow consistently throughout your entire period.
When you have bright, red period blood, the consistency of your flow is typically thinner than it is at the end of your period. While you might experience clotting during your period, you usually won’t have it when your flow is bright, red.
What Does Bright Red Period Blood Mean?
When you see bright, red period blood, it means your flow is healthy. Usually, bright, red blood indicates a heavier flow, so you’ll see this on heavier days.
You’ll experience bright, red period blood if:
- During the first part of your menstrual cycle, when your flow is heaviest. Bright red blood hasn’t been exposed to oxygen long enough to turn dark red or brown. This means your flow is consistent and strong.
- If you get pregnant. You might experience bright red blood if you get pregnant. Implantation bleeding can be normal and range in color from bright red to dark red.
Bright, red blood is healthy, and you’ll almost always see it during some part of your period.
Is Bright Red Period Blood Normal?
Yes. Bright, red period blood is a normal, healthy part of your period. Even though it may seem like you’re losing a lot of blood, you aren’t. Normally, you only lose between six to eight teaspoons of blood per period.
When To See a Doc
Even though bright, red period blood is normal, if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it may warrant a trip to your doctor.
You should see your doctor:
- If you’re pregnant. If you’re currently pregnant and experiencing bright, red blood you should call your doctor. Although some bleeding and spotting can be normal during pregnancy, it could be a sign of an issue with the placenta or a possible miscarriage.
- If you have unusually heavy bleeding during your period or between your periods. If you notice your period is heavier than normal, it could mean you have developed a polyp or fibroid inside your uterus. These are benign but can also cause you to experience bleeding between your periods that are bright red.
- If you have pain, odor, or irritation (like itching or burning). These symptoms may indicate you have an infection. Some infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause heavier than normal bleeding during your period and between periods.
What To Do About Bright Red Period Blood
You don’t need to give any special attention to bright, red period blood. Honor your body, and your monthly cycle, by using gentle, chemical-free period care products that protect you and keep you comfortable.
Rael’s organic cotton tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton from tip to string. Our plant-based applicators are gentle on your body and the environment. Available in sizes that protect you and give you peace of mind every day of your cycle.
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Your period is a sign your body is working as it should. Bright, red period blood means you’re healthy and experiencing a steady flow. You can feel empowered by your period when you use products that keep you comfortable and confident.
Rael is your go-to for holistic, natural period care products that help you honor your body every day of your cycle.
Sources:
Signs of Early Miscarriage | Obstetrics & Gynecology|Health.US Davis.edu