Health

Is Watery Menstrual Blood Normal?

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illustration of a faucet with water and period droplet coming out

Have you ever looked down during your period and thought that your period blood looks thinner or more watery than usual? It's natural to feel a bit concerned. Whether it’s a sudden change in period flow or a shift in color or consistency, periods can be unpredictable and sometimes leave you with more questions than answers. 

Don’t worry, understanding what’s happening with your body is the first step to feeling more in control. Let's find out what watery period blood means and when it’s time to pay closer attention. 

what does watery period blood mean? 

Watery period blood can catch you off guard, especially if you’re used to seeing dark red blood. But guess what? It's usually a normal thing. One of the most common causes of watery period blood is a lighter flow, which may look like pink discharge at the beginning of your cycle, or brown discharge when it's about to end.  

It's not uncommon to notice period blood and mucus mixed together, especially during the lighter stages of your menstrual cycle when your flow is thinner and may contain more cervical fluid. This watery discharge may appear clear, cloudy, or sometimes feel stretchy, with a consistency that's similar to raw egg whites at times.  

But that’s not the only reason why watery period blood can show up. It may also happen because of: 

  • hormonal fluctuations - Changes in estrogen levels can affect the thickness of your uterine lining, which also influences the consistency of your menstrual blood. Lighter periods due to hormonal shifts usually result in thinner, more watery blood. 

  • hormonal birth control If you're on birth control, like the pill or an IUD, you may experience lighter periods or spotting with watery blood. Birth control can thin out your uterine lining, leading to lighter, less dense bleeding. 

other potential causes of watery menstrual blood 

Okay, so we’ve established that watery period blood can be pretty normal, but sometimes, it can be linked to other things going on with your body. Here are a few potential causes: 

  • spotting between periods - If you notice watery blood outside your regular period, it could be light bleeding or spotting between periods, which can happen due to hormonal fluctuations, implantation bleeding in early pregnancy, or even stress. It’s typically a lighter pink discharge and thinner than your typical period. 

  • nutritional deficiencies - A lack of certain nutrients, like iron, can also affect your menstrual blood. When your iron levels are low, your body produces fewer red blood cells, which causes a lighter, more watery period as there’s less blood volume to shed. 

  • conditions like fibroids or endometriosis - While these conditions are typically linked to heavy menstrual bleeding, they can also influence the consistency of your menstrual blood. Fibroids, for example, can also lead to irregular periods, spotting, or changes in flow, which might result in lighter or more watery bleeding at times. Similarly, endometriosis can cause irregular periods, with some days being heavier and others lighter, sometimes resulting in watery period blood. 

Of course, these are just a few of the potential reasons you might see watery period blood. It’s always good to keep an eye on how your body is behaving, how much blood you lose on your period, or if you notice any unusual symptoms. 

when to be concerned about watery period blood 

Most of the time, watery period blood is nothing to worry about, but there are moments when it’s worth paying close attention to. If your watery period blood is also accompanied by other symptoms, like pain, irregular periods, or prolonged bleeding, then it might be time to consult a healthcare provider. Conditions like anemia or infections can sometimes make your period look different, and watery period blood could be a sign that your body needs a little extra help. 

Here are some signs that are worth a closer look: 

  • anemia symptoms - If you consistently see light or watery blood and also experience extreme fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, or other symptoms of low iron, it could be worth checking for anemia. Low iron can affect the volume and consistency of your menstrual blood. 

  • infections - In some cases, infections like bacterial vaginosis can alter the look and consistency of vaginal bleeding. If you notice unusual vaginal discharge, smells, or discomfort along with watery blood, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. 

  • irregular cycles - If your periods have become inconsistent or you’re spotting watery blood in between cycles, it’s important to investigate what’s going on. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting could point to underlying hormonal issues, polyps, or other concerns. 

When in doubt, it’s always smart to listen to your body. If you’re seeing any changes in your menstrual cycle, experiencing abnormal bleeding, or passing huge clumps of blood during menstruation, don’t hesitate to check in with your healthcare provider. 

managing menstrual flow with period underwear 

So, how do you manage all these fluctuations in your period flow — especially when your blood changes from thick and heavy to light and watery in the span of a week? 

This is where Thinx period underwear comes in to provide comfort and reliable protection. Thinx offers up to 12 hours of leakproof protection that adapts to the various stages of your period, helping you stay comfortable and secure even when your flow changes its consistency. It’s especially helpful for those days when you’re not sure if your flow is light or just playing tricks on you because periods can be unpredictable. 

With Thinx, you can manage your period and worry less, helping you go through your day with confidence, comfort, and ease. You've got this! 

sources 

Very Well Health. Period blood color: Brown, pink, Bright red, and more 

Healthline. What can different period blood colors mean?

Healthline. Is stringy period blood a cause for concern? 

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