Did you know that the color of your period blood, similar to the smell of your pee , has different meanings and can indicate potential health problems?

You might have noticed that period blood changes color over the course of your period from a bright to dark red and thats normal, according to Dr. Jessica Shepherd , an OB-GYN and medical adviser at O Positiv . However, your period blood may also change color when theres something going on down there.

Below youll find the colors of your period blood that arent a cause for concern, and those that gynecologists say might warrant a trip to the doctors office.

Bright Red

For those with a period, a bright-red color is probably the most recognizable. Whether you noticed a bright-red bloodstain on your bedsheets or through your underwear, its typically this color. This is normal and nothing to worry about in most cases during a regular monthly cycle.

Bright-red period blood is associated with fresh blood that has not been in the uterus or vagina for a long time, said Dr. Luis Murrain , a physician and co-founder of Dreams Fertility .

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynecologist, medical expert for LELO and co-author of The Complete A to Z for your V, added that a bright-red flow is typical during the active, heavier days of the cycle. If you experience red period blood between cycles, that is something youll want to take up with your doctor because it may indicate other internal issues.

Bleeding in between cycles (various shades of red) might signify pre-cancer or cancer, uterine anomalies such as a polyp, vaginal growth or pregnancy, Dweck said.

Dark Red, Brown Or Black

If its been a while since youve last changed your pad or tampon, then you might notice the blood is darker and this is normal.

Dark brown or black typically suggests older blood, Dweck said. The process of oxidation occurs over time and turns blood a darker color, a common finding at the tail end of the cycle.

The general rule of thumb is the older the blood, the darker the color.

While black period blood is likely a sign of older blood, it could also be an indicator of a vaginal blockage. These types of blockages are usually accompanied by a fever, smelly discharge and swelling around the vagina.

Light Pink

For period blood that is light pink, you might want to take a trip to the doctor to run some labs.

Very light pink, with a watery texture could signify anemia or low blood count or iron, Dweck said. This typically occurs with chronic and excessive flow or in those with iron-poor diets.

Light-pink color could also be the result of period blood mixed with cervical fluid, along with significant weight loss.

Gray Or Green

Unlike shades of red, gray or green period blood may be a red flag. Gray or greenish hues might signify infection; this color might be accompanied by an odor, itch or irritation, Dweck said.

Gray period blood might indicate bacterial vaginosis , for which youll want to visit your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.