48 years old....seem to be bleeding from a different area at the end of my period

Hello, Anon!

Thank you for your message.

We can't diagnose anything, but I can give you some general information.  By a lighter shade do mean more pink than red?  Blood may appear pink in color at the beginning or end of your period, especially during spotting.  The lighter shade likely indicates that the blood has mixed with your cervical fluid, diluting the color.    Sometimes pale red or pink menstrual blood may indicate low estrogen levels. Estrogen helps to stabilize the uterine lining.  Some causes of low estrogen include being on hormonal birth control that doesn’t contain estrogen or perimenopause.

You mention thinking the blood is coming from a different area.  With some forms of urinary tract infections, blood may be seen after urinating which can cause some pink staining when wiping after urination.  Talk to your doctor if you still have concerns.

best,
Helena