Dark urine in women: what it can mean and what to do

Urine can look darker after sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, or simply drinking less. Tea-coloured or brown urine deserves more attention than pale yellow urine. A urinary infection may cause cloudy or strong-smelling urine, burning, or frequent urination. Blood can make urine pink, red, or cola-coloured; vaginal bleeding can also be mistaken for blood in urine. Dark urine with yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, nausea, or itching can occur when bile is not being processed normally. Dark urine is not a diagnosis, and the colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice when the change began, how the urine looks, and whether you have pain, fever, discharge, a period, or a new medicine or supplement. Drink fluids regularly if you have no fluid restriction, and see whether the colour returns towards normal. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. A clinician may test a urine sample and arrange blood tests that examine kidney function, liver function, or signs of infection. If pregnancy is possible, mention it before medicines or tests are chosen.

Arrange prompt medical advice if dark urine continues, returns repeatedly, or comes with burning, pelvic or back pain, fever, swelling, or visible blood. Seek urgent care for severe pain, confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or yellow skin or eyes. These warning signs can indicate dehydration, infection, bleeding, or a problem needing same-day assessment.

Could this be dehydration, blood, infection, or a liver-related change? Which urine and blood tests are appropriate? Could a medicine, supplement, period, or pregnancy affect the result? How much should I drink if I have another health condition?