Purple Period Blood: What It Means & Is It Normal?

March 02, 2021By GR0

We like normalcy, and when we see different period blood colors that's not typically red, it’s normal to wonder what’s going on with our bodies and ask, “Why is my period blood purple?”.

Purple period blood can look strange, even close to black. Some people even describe it as blueberry in color. Relax. Most of the time, seeing different shades of menstrual blood doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It’s just your body’s way of changing, adjusting, and dispelling what it doesn’t need.

Purple Period Blood Symptoms

If you think you have purple period blood, you can look for signs. Most of the time, you’ll notice your flow is a deep plum color that borders on black. This type of period blood is often thicker in consistency than the bright red flow you are typically used to.

A purple period blood color may also come with blood clots, which can seem scary if you’ve never experienced them. Some clotting during your period is expected, so you don’t need to worry. Blood clots happen when tissue from your uterus sheds less blood than normal. This can be a normal part of every menstrual cycle, so it’s natural if you see clotting when you have your period.

You may see purple period blood color when you first wake up. Blood that has pooled in your uterus overnight has had more time to oxygenate and may be darker than normal when it comes out.

You may see purple period blood during your entire period. This can send you into a panic, but may just be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance (which we will talk about later).

What Does Purple Period Blood Mean?

Of all the colors of period blood, you can experience purple period blood that looks almost blue can be frightening. It’s one of the only colors of period blood; however, that is tied to an imbalance in your hormones.

If you are experiencing purple period blood more than just a few hours during your period, it may mean you have too much estrogen in your system.

Other symptoms of too much estrogen can be:

Irregular periods
Increased PMS
Bloating
Swelling or tenderness in your breasts
Fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Foggy memory and issues concentrating
Sleep issues

You may have some or all of these symptoms along with purple period blood. When in doubt, schedule a check-up with your OB/GYN.

What Color is Unhealthy Period Blood?

While variations in menstrual blood color aren't uncommon, certain colors can signal health issues.

Bright red blood is normal
Orange period blood could suggest infections
Grey period could be a sign of bacterial infections or miscarriage, especially if accompanied by a foul odor.
Pink discharge can sometimes be a result of lighter bleeding or spotting, which could be influenced by hormonal birth control or an underlying health condition

It’s crucial to monitor how your period differs from one menstrual cycle to another and consult a healthcare provider if you notice unusual changes.

Is Purple Period Blood Normal?

It can be. If you have purple period blood, it doesn’t necessarily mean your body is making too much estrogen. Most people who experience dark purple or blue period blood only see it for a few hours during their entire period or may find traces of it on a pad.

Seeing a Doctor

If you are consistently experiencing a dark purple or bluish flow, speak to your doctor about whether your estrogen level is too high. There may be hormonal solutions for you to decrease your estrogen levels.

Contact your doctor and schedule an appointment if you experience purple period blood with other symptoms like pain, irritation, or foul odor. You could have an infection that needs treatment.

What To Do About Purple Period Blood

Most of the time, you won’t need to do anything to combat purple period blood. If you’re only seeing it from time to time, trust that your body will regulate itself without you needing to change habits or do anything different.

If you see it consistently, consider increasing your fiber intake. Studies show that increasing your fiber intake can decrease your overall estrogen levels, which may improve the way your body produces estrogen.

Additionally, make sure you have all the period products you need to keep yourself comfortable and handle your flow. If purple period blood makes you nervous about leaks, make sure you’re using natural, holistic products like the ones available from Rael.

We have everything you need to prepare for your period, no matter what it brings your way.

Get Rael

Your period can be surprising, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Trust the team at Rael to provide everything you need for the days when your flow seems normal and when your flow seems a little strange.

With Rael, you can feel empowered by your period and trust that the products you’re using work with your body to help keep you safe, comfortable, and protected.