It might not be the most fun topic to talk about.

 However, because it is something we all deal with on a daily basis, it is of paramount importance that we talk about it. 

As women, staying in tune with our bodies is key to maintaining good health.

 Believe it or not, your pee can reveal quite a bit about what is going on inside you. 

Whether you are just curious or trying to keep a closer eye on your wellness, paying attention to the colour of your urine can give you some valuable clues.

I am sure we have all been told that we need to at least drink eight litres a day. 

Well, this does come in handy most of the time. 

If you go to the bathroom and your urine is clear or very light yellow, that usually means you are well-hydrated – which is a good thing. 

It might even tell you are slightly overhydrated, especially if it looks almost like water. 

Drinking lots of fluids is healthy, but too much of it can sometimes flush out essential minerals your body needs. That is why it is important to always aim for a balance. 

On the other hand, if your urine is a pale yellow, similar to the colour of lemonade, that is perfect. 

This is generally considered the ideal urine colour – a sign that your body is well-hydrated and functioning as it should.

Now, if your pee looks bright yellow or even neon, do not panic.

 Multivitamins, especially those containing B-complex, often cause this. 

What is happening is your body is simply getting rid of the excess it does not need, so it is completely normal and nothing to stress about.

However, when your urine appears dark-yellow or amber, it is usually a clear sign that you need to drink more water. 

This is a common colour to watch out for, especially during hotter days when the heat and dry air can sneakily dehydrate you. 

So, if you notice this, grab that Stanley Cup, add your cucumbers and lemons, and stay ahead of the game.

Orange-coloured urine can be a bit more complicated. 

It may also point to dehydration – but in some cases, it could result from certain medications, such as treatments for urinary tract infections or laxatives. 

In this case, you can simply increase your water intake if you are not on any meds. 

If it does not return to normal soon, consider checking in with your doctor.

Things get a bit more serious when your urine is pink or red. While this can sometimes be linked to something you ate – like beets, blackberries or foods with red colouring – it could also mean there is blood in your urine. 

For women, this might be due to your menstrual cycle, but it could also be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney problems or something more serious. 

It is best not to ignore it. 

If the colour lingers and it is not period-related, get it checked out by a health professional.

Brown urine should raise red flags, especially if it looks like cola or dark tea. 

This could mean severe dehydration, or a potential liver issue. Either way, brown urine should not be taken lightly. 

If you see this, it is always better to act early and visit a clinic or hospital.

Your body has subtle ways of speaking to you, and your urine colour is one of the easiest signs to notice. 

It is a quick, no-cost health check you can do daily – no appointments needed. 

So, the next time you visit the toilet, take a glance before you flush. 

If something does not look or feel right, do not ignore it. 

Trust your instincts, and get it looked at.

Stay hydrated, take care of yourself and remember: your health always comes first.

–etuholefrieda@ gmail.com

*Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in the New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading and content creation.