Urine Color Changes: What They Can Mean
What different urine colors can signal, and when a change is worth checking.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Urine color changes with hydration, diet and medicines. Very dark, tea-colored or reddish urine can be worth checking, especially with other symptoms.
When to get checked
Blood in the urine, persistent dark color, or a change that lasts more than a day or two deserves a urine test.
Frequently asked questions
Does dark urine mean kidney disease?
Not necessarily — dehydration is the most common cause. Persistent dark urine should be checked.