Health

What Your Period Blood Color Says About Your Health

Learn how your period blood color can provide insights into your health and wellness. Discover abnormal period blood hues and why they occur.

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Graphics: Abby Maker for Well+Good
Updated Oct 16, 2023

Written by 

Zoe WeinerDory Zayas

Can we all agree that there’s no such thing as a “normal period”? No two flows are identical. Your sister’s period blood color may be a dark brown while yours is a light pink. Even the way your own menstrual blood looks can change from month to month, and at different times during your cycle. “In the beginning, menstrual blood color tends to be bright red, and as it comes to an end, can appear brown or black,” says OB/GYN Sherry Ross, MD.

Experts in This Article

Erica Montes

board-certified gynecologist

Rachel Jones

nurse practitioner and vice president of clinical client strategy at WINFertility

Sheryl Ross

board-certified OB/GYN and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period

The truth is, there’s a veritable Pantone of period blood colors. And certain hues can tell you a lot about your body and your overall health. “The color of period blood depends on the length of time the blood stays in the uterus,” explains gynecologist and pH-D Feminine Health advisor Erica Montes, MD. “The longer it sits, the darker it gets because of a process called oxidation.”

Although most hues are nothing to worry about, there are a few tints that could be warning signs that something might be off in your system medically. Should any of them appear down there, track the occurrence just like you track your period—and make an appointment with your doc ASAP.

Period blood colors to keep an eye out for

There are many things you simply don’t need to worry about when it comes to your period. Yes, you can safely swim in the ocean during your period. Yes, it’s totally normal to need to pee more during a period. No, sex will not start your period sooner. No, nausea during your period doesn’t necessarily mean you have serious health problems.

And yes, there are many period blood variations. But while most are totally normal, some can be associated with menstrual health signals that you might want to alert your health-care provider about.

fruit punch-like period blood color

If it looks like fruit punch

Bright red period blood and health go hand in hand. But what if the hue has the watered-down look of a party drink whose ice cubes have melted? “[It] could represent a vaginal discharge, which could come from a sexually transmitted infection (STI), cervical cancer, or a normal pregnancy,” says Dr. Ross.

light pink period blood color

If it’s millennial pink

This color might be cute, but it doesn’t belong your menstrual blood, according to Dr. Ross. “Light bleeding can be a sign of low estrogen levels caused by the birth control pill, anemia, significant weight loss, or a poor diet,” she says. In fact, breakthrough bleeding on the pill is a common side effect when you first start out, causing light pink blood.

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Another possibility? “If your period stays fairly pink throughout your bleeding for the month, that could be an indicator of low iron levels, as iron gives the blood its red color,” says nurse practitioner Rachel Jones, APRN, FNP, vice president of clinical client strategy at WINFertility. Low iron levels can also cause extreme fatigue before your period, weakness, and other PMS-related symptoms. Eating a varied diet of chicken, red meat, beans, and dark leafy greens can help keep your iron levels normal.

bright strawberry period blood color

If it’s the consistency of strawberry jam

Period blood clots or a jelly-like clump can look and feel alarming, but it’s not necessarily something to worry about. “Essentially there are globs of coagulated blood and tissue from the lining of your uterus,” says Jones. Chunks the size of raisins or smaller during a heavy blood flow are totally normal, Dr. Ross adds. But if they’re thick and larger than a quarter, they can be indicative of a hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, or an abnormal pregnancy.

muddy period blood color

If it looks like muddy rain drops

In most cases, spotting mid-cycle is NBD—often, it’s just a sign of ovulation. But if you’re seeing brown droplets between periods for more than two to three months, it could be because of hormonal fluctuations caused by puberty, pre-menopause, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or birth control side effects. Consulting a doc can help you figure out the source.

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What does your period color say about your fertility?

Your period blood color isn’t going to give you much info about your chances of conceiving. “Your menstrual cycle length is more likely to tell you something about your fertility. If you have short menstrual cycles (less than 24 days) or longer cycles (more than 35 days) then that could be an indicator of problems with ovulation,” says Jones. But other times, things like being sick can delay your period (i.e., a nasty flu or cold), or even being under chronic stress.

You can use an app or a journal to track the days of your cycle and mark down any noticeable changes. Some people sync their period on a full moon calendar, which may have some spiritual significance.

What is the healthiest period blood color?

There are many health indicators in period blood. “Pink to red to dark brown can all be normal, depending on your flow,” says Dr. Montes. “I don’t necessarily think one is healthier than another as long as your cycle length is between 21 and 35 days, and your flow is not more than one pad per hour [or] with persistent blood clots.”

She adds that your menstrual blood color may be darker if you are using a hormonal birth control because there is less uterine lining to shed and it also sits longer in the uterus, making it darker.

Two colors of period blood that can be concerning? “If you have blood mixed with yellow or green discharge, that could be a sign of an infection, and that should be evaluated,” says Dr. Montes.

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Bottom line: Most likely, changes in your period blood color are nothing to worry about. But if you think something’s off, get it checked by your doc.

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Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad For Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Photo: Getty Images / Milan Markovic
Published Feb 20, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Wireless headphones go everywhere with us—on commutes, at the gym, and even in bed. We know they're undeniably convenient. But wireless headphones are radiation-emitting devices. So, having them close to your brain does raise some valid concerns.

Experts in This Article

Janna Andrews

chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital

Jonathan Rasouli

a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

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Some experts suggest that high exposure to long-term radiofrequency (RF) radiation could have health effects, while others say there’s nothing to worry about. So, what’s actually the truth? Before you ditch your AirPods, let’s break down the science, separate fact from fear, and see if your favorite tech accessory comes with any real risks.

First, what is radiofrequency (RF) radiation?

Not all radiation is created equal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radiation to high-energy radiation. At the low end of the spectrum is radiofrequency (RF) radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s considered a non-ionizing type of radiation—meaning, it lacks enough energy to remove electrons from an atom.

Wireless headphones use low-power, non-ionizing RF radiation—the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, says Jonathan Rasouli, MD, a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. While high-energy, ionizing radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) is proven to cause cellular damage, low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation has long been considered safer, according to Janna Andrews, MD, chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital. However, some emerging studies suggest it may not be entirely risk-free.

What are the potential risks of RF radiation?

In 2015, a group of international scientists signed a petition raising "serious concern" about radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless devices, including Bluetooth headphones, due to potential links to cancer and other health effects. Here's what the research says so far about the potential health risks of long-term RFR exposure.

Cancer

The jury’s still out, but some research suggests a possible link between wireless devices and cancer risk. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF radiation as a Class 2B Possible Human Carcinogen, meaning it might contribute to cancer, according to the Environmental Health Trust. A May 2014 meta-analysis published in PLOS One found a potential association between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a type of brain tumor.1 However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this connection.

Fertility and reproductive health

It sounds farfetched, but wireless devices may affect male fertility. A December 2018 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can harm sperm quality, disrupt cellular metabolism, and cause oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to infertility for people with testes.2

Hearing problems

Long-term exposure to RF radiation might also take a toll on your ears. Several studies suggest a potential link between wireless devices and hearing loss. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery found that high-frequency hearing loss was significantly more common in the dominant ear of cell phone users—the one that you use more often when you're making a call.3

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Additionally, a 2016 literature review in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that RF radiation from cell phone use may trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears.4

Oxidative stress and cellular damage

Some research suggests RF radiation might stress out your cells—literally. This stress can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that damage DNA, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2015 review in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine concluded that long-term exposure to low-intensity RF radiation could contribute to oxidative stress, which is known to be a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases.5

So, what's the verdict?

While some studies suggest prolonged RF radiation exposure may increase health risks, there’s no strong evidence that Bluetooth headphones in particular are dangerous, says Dr. Rasouli.

Animal studies have hinted at a link between RF radiation and tumors, but results have been inconsistent and inconclusive—and more importantly, haven't been replicated in human studies. Even studies of workers exposed to higher RF levels—such as radar technicians and radio operators—have not found a clear increase in cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, large-scale studies on cell phone use haven’t definitively linked RF radiation to brain tumors or cancer, Dr. Rasouli says. And cell phones emit far more RF radiation than wireless Bluetooth headphones. In the U.S., cell phones operate between 1.8 to 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), while Bluetooth devices emit only 0.25 to 10 percent of that—well below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits, adds Dr. Andrews. The FCC regulates exposure levels to ensure they remain within safe thresholds, she explains.

So far, there’s no solid data that wireless headphones pose significant health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF waves don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. However, moderation is key—as with any technology, Dr. Rasouli explains. By following smart listening habits and staying informed, you can use wireless headphones with confidence, he adds.

How to keep your brain (and ears) safe

Want to play it safe? Here are simple ways to reduce any potential risks, according to Drs. Rasouli and Andrews:

  • Limit long-term use: Listening to your wireless headphones at a high volume can cause hearing loss
  • Lower the volume: Keep it below 85 decibels (dB) for no more than eight hours per day
  • Avoid sleeping with headphones on: Doing so can help reduce your odds of bacterial infections, wax buildup, and potential hearing loss
  • Consider wired headphones: This eliminates the RF radiation concern altogether
  • Keep them clean: Wipe with alcohol pads to prevent bacteria buildup and ear infections
  1. Yang, Ming et al. “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 12,5 e0175136. 4 May. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175136 ↩︎
  2. Kesari, Kavindra Kumar et al. “Radiations and male fertility.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 16,1 118. 9 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1 ↩︎
  3. Velayutham, P et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India vol. 66,Suppl 1 (2014): 169-72. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4 ↩︎
  4. Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento, and Tanit Ganz Sanchez. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.” Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology vol. 82,1 (2016): 97-104. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013 ↩︎
  5. Yakymenko, Igor et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 35,2 (2016): 186-202. doi:10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557 ↩︎

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Food

Food Trends Come and Go, But Kombucha Is Forever—Here’s Why, According to an RD

Here's what an RD has to say about the kombucha trend, why it's held such staying power, and what to look for when you're stocking up.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Feb 3, 2025

In Partnership With 

GT's Living Foods

Written by 

Well+Good Editors

There was the low-fat craze of the 1990s and 2000s. The ‘10s rolled in with celery juice, Impossible burgers, and truffle oil on everything—followed by whipped coffee, feta pasta, and the gazillion other viral #foodtok moments of the current decade. Try to keep up with the latest food trends, and you’re in for a quite a ride.

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There’s nothing wrong with opting into the (literal) flavor of the month—but when it comes to nutrition, it’s worth paying special attention to the foods and drinks that have lasted longer than a season. For registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, kombucha is high on that list of long-standing staples.

According to Google Trends, the kombucha trend entered the wellness mainstream around 2017—but Manaker notes that its history stretches back thousands of years, originating as a traditional fermented drink in East Asia. “What has given kombucha such remarkable staying power, compared to other fleeting food and beverage trends, lies in its unique combination of health benefits, historical significance, and overall appeal,” she says.

Back to the ’90s for a minute: That sacred, historical significance of kombucha is what inspired a California teenager named GT Dave to eschew the food trends of the day in favor of a—at the time—less popular way of supporting his and his family’s health. In 1995, Dave was gifted an heirloom Himalayan SCOBY (or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the living culture used to ferment kombucha). He was intrigued by the healing effects he’d seen firsthand when his mother was sick, so he began crafting his own homemade kombucha. His at-home hobby turned into SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha, and a suite of other probiotic-rich, living foods.

This year, GT’s Living Foods celebrates 30 years of crafting kombucha the real way: traditionally fermented with heirloom cultures for billions of living probiotics. While other health trends have come and gone, it’s clear Dave was ahead of the curve all those years ago.

Here’s what Manaker has to say about why the kombucha trend is so much more than just a passing fad, the health benefits of the drink, and why it’s worthy of a forever spot in your daily wellness routine.

The health benefits of kombucha

The secret to foods that outlast all the fads? They strike the balance of nutritious, tasty, and generally low-effort. Done, done, and done: According to Manaker, the health benefits of kombucha are wide-ranging—and its delicious, tangy taste is the cherry (or guava, or pomelo, or strawberry) on top.

First and foremost, studies suggest that drinking kombucha may help boost your gut health, which has a major effect on your overall well-being. “Kombucha is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support gut health by balancing the gut microbiome,” Manaker says. “A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune health, and nutrient absorption.”

Some kombucha contains polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which Manaker says may help manage inflammation in the body, as well as antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals. “Data highlights that the consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages like kombucha can support overall cellular health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” she says.

To reap its full benefits, Manaker recommends sipping kombucha daily. “Consistent consumption helps colonize the gut with the beneficial probiotics found in this fermented beverage, supporting a balanced and healthy microbiome over time,” she says—with the caveat that not all kombucha is created equal. Choose one that contains live probiotics and diverse strains (like SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha), she says, because these ingredients contribute more actively to gut health.

Why the kombucha trend has such staying power

From Manaker’s POV, the “kombucha trend” has withstood decades (correction, centuries) of changing food-and-beverage tides because it’s equal parts nutritious and delicious. “A growing awareness of gut health and its importance to overall well-being has kept kombucha in the spotlight,” she says. “Its natural probiotics and enzymes support a balanced microbiome, which in turn promotes digestion, immunity, and even potentially mental health.”

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And beyond its health benefits? “Kombucha’s distinct, tangy, and slightly effervescent flavor profile has helped it gain a loyal following as a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or artificial drinks,” Manaker says.

What to look for in a quality kombucha

“When choosing a kombucha brand, it’s essential to prioritize quality, ingredients, and sourcing,” Manaker says. She looks for options that are raw, organic, unpasteurized (to help preserve the live probiotics and enzymes, she says), and grown by the traditional fermentation process. “Transparency about the ingredients and brewing process is another key factor,” she adds. “Opt for brands that list exactly what they use without hidden sugars or synthetic flavorings.”

GT’s SYNERGY checks every one of her kombucha boxes. She loves the small-batch brewing and weeks-long fermentation process, which separates GT’s from most other kombuchas on the market *and* boosts its nutritional value. “It’s clear [GT’s Living Foods] never cuts corners—each bottle is raw, unpasteurized, and free from artificial flavors, which only enhances the natural and refreshing experience. And since it is made with real tea, it naturally contains antioxidants to support my brain health.”

Manaker’s go-to for a little well-being boost is Pomelo Pink Lemonade, but you can’t go wrong with any of SYNERGY’s 23 fizzy flavors. Try them all and find your favorite—and then make kombucha a forever thing in your life.

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