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 menarche. Menstrual flow also can look different over the course of the same period. Blood may start out bright red and turn darker red or brown toward the end of the period. Or blood may start out brown and turn red. 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 7 days or soaks through more than one pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Irregular Periods Wondering whether it's normal to have irregular periods? Get the facts about this common problem. Read More Is It Normal for My Period to Stop at Night? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More I'm 19. Is it Normal to Still Have Irregular Periods? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Is It Normal for Period Blood to Come Out in Clumps? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Female Reproductive System Why do girls get periods? What goes on when a woman gets pregnant? What can go wrong with the female reproductive system? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article for teens. Read More PMS, Cramps, and Irregular Periods Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on. Read More All About Periods Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.