Menstrual blood can come in a variety of colors, including bright red, dark red, brown, black, pink, orange, gray, and green
Bright red period blood typically means it passed through the vagina fairly soon after entering the uterus
Dark red, brown, and black period blood is usually older blood from the deeper parts of the uterine lining that is being shed later
Pink period blood is a sign of low estrogen levels and can also show up if a person is on birth control
Orange, gray, or green tinges to period blood can be a sign of infection, such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection
Jelly-like blood clots are usually normal collections of blood cells and tissue, but if they are bigger than the size of a grape, it is best to check with a doctor
If a person experiences missed periods, irregular periods, unexpected bleeding, heavy bleeding, or severe pain during their period, they should speak to their healthcare provider
Understanding the potential insights that can be gained from observing menstrual blood can serve as an important tool for monitoring and maintaining overall health