What does the color of a period mean?

Okay so period blood can literally be all sorts of colors and it's almost always totally normal. It just changes based on how fast the blood leaves your body and how old it is.

What different colors mean

• Bright red: This usually means the blood is fresh and flowing pretty fast. It's super common on your heaviest days.
• Dark red or brown: This is older blood, like from the end of your period or if your flow is a little slower. It might have been hanging out in your uterus for a bit before coming out. Totally normal.
• Pink: Sometimes when your period is just starting or super light, it can look pink because it's mixed with other fluids. Or if you've been working out a lot, it can look pink-ish too.
• Orange: If you see orange, it's probably just blood mixing with other stuff, kinda like pink. It's usually fine.
• Black: Okay, this can look a little weird, but it's just really, really old blood. It's been in there the longest and oxidized, so it looks super dark. Nothing to worry about usually.

Basically, the color can change from day to day even in the same period, and it's all part of your amazing body doing its thing. If you're ever worried or if your period blood suddenly looks really different and comes with other symptoms like a weird smell or itching, it's always good to chat with a grown-up or a doctor. But most of the time, the color of your period is just another cool thing your body does!