Urine color

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Diagnosis

Your health care provider will likely ask you about your health and do a physical exam. You also may need tests, including:

  • Urinalysis. This test checks the urine for possible signs of kidney or urinary tract problems. A sample of urine also is likely to be checked for bacteria that cause illness.
  • Blood tests. Some blood tests measure the level of waste products that build up in the bloodstream when the kidneys are not working properly. Your provider also might check your blood for signs of liver problems and other health conditions such as diabetes.

More Information

Treatment

Treatment, if needed, will depend on the health problem that causes the change in urine color.

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Lifestyle and home remedies

When you're dehydrated, your urine becomes darker in color. If this happens, it might mean you need more fluids. Make sure you drink enough fluids daily to stay hydrated and keep yourself healthy.

Preparing for your appointment

You'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. In some cases, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary tract disorders, called a urologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do to prepare. Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms and when they began.
  • Key medical information, including any other health problems you have and whether bladder or kidney diseases run in your family.
  • All medicines, vitamins and other supplements you take, including the doses. A dose is how much you take.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

For urine color, questions to ask include:

  • What might be causing my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Will I need treatment?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • What color is your urine? Is it always this color, or only sometimes?
  • Do you see blood or blood clots in your urine?
  • Does your urine have an unusual smell?
  • How often do you pee? And does it hurt to pee?
  • Has your appetite or thirst changed?
  • Have you had any urinary problems before?
  • Do you have allergies?
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Request an appointment
Symptoms & causes
Jan. 10, 2023
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  10. Symptoms and causes of kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes. Accessed Nov. 17, 2022.
  11. Sacks C. Green urine. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2020; doi:10.1056/NEJMicm2017137.
  12. Rhabdomyolysis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/rhabdo/symptoms.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022.
  13. The meaning behind the color of urine. The Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/care-blog/2018/the-meaning-behind-the-color-of-urine. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022.
  14. Ferri FF. B — Differential diagnosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022.

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