Is period blood always red?
– Caroline*

No, not always. It's normal for period blood to be brown as well as red.

Our periods are as individual as we are. Blood flow isn't exactly the same every time we have a period, especially for the first couple of years following .

Menstrual flow also can look different over the course of the same period. Blood usually starts out bright red and turns darker red or brown toward the end of the period. And differences in texture, like blood clots and tissue, can happen as the uterus sheds its extra lining.

Lots of girls worry about whether their periods are normal. Although differences in menstrual flow are usually nothing to be concerned about, a doctor or nurse can always answer any questions you have. In fact, if your period lasts longer than a week or soaks through more than one pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

For more information, check out these articles:
All About Menstruation
Coping With Common Period Problems
Female Reproductive System

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.