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Why is my pee yellow?

This coloring is primarily caused by the pigment urochrome, also known as urobilin. Whether your urine is diluted by water or in a more concentrated form determines the appearance of the pigment. The more water you drink, and the more hydrated you become, the lighter the pigment in your urine.

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Overview Urine color generally ranges from a pale-yellow color to deep amber. This coloring is primarily caused by the pigment urochrome, also known as urobilin. Whether your urine is diluted by water or in a more concentrated form determines the appearance of the pigment. The more water you drink, and the more hydrated you become, the lighter the pigment in your urine. The pigments and chemical compounds in the foods you eat and the medications you take also alter the color of your urine. These changes are fairly standard and typically don’t last for long. Certain changes in color may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. What color is “normal” urine? Everyone has a different “normal” when it comes to the color of urine, but it should fall on the yellow spectrum. The amount of water you drink influences whether the color is a pale yellow or a dark amber. People who drink more water and stay hydrated typically produce more diluted, pale urine compared to those who are dehydrated or consume less water. If the color of your urine falls outside of this yellow spectrum — like urine that’s cloudy or brown — you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your urine is red, blue, or green. What are the risk factors for abnormal urine color? Your age and your sex may raise your risk for conditions that can affect the color of your urine. For example, tumors in the kidney or bladder are common in older adults. Urinary tract bleeding is commonly associated with problems of the kidney or bladder. More serious conditions such as cancer can also cause bleeding and pink or red urine. Tell your doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine so that they can determine the cause. Up to 60 percent of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lives. This infection may be accompanied by urinary tract bleeding, which can change the color of urine. Men may also experience urinary blood as a result of an enlarged prostate gland Urinary tract bleeding is much less common in children, though certain rare disorders may cause blood in the urine. These disorders include Henoch-Schonlein purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and Wilms’ tumor As with adults, any urinary tract bleeding in children is considered abnormal and should prompt immediate medical attention.

How is abnormal urine color diagnosed? If you notice any abnormalities in your urine color, you should see your doctor. After scheduling your appointment, jot down any details that can help your doctor determine whether there’s a problem. Consider the following: When did you first start to notice the change?

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What has your diet consisted of lately?

What medications or supplements have you taken?

Have you engaged in any strenuous physical activity?

Have there been any changes to your sleep patterns?

Have your bowel movements been normal?

Do you have a rash anywhere on your body?

Have you had any headaches lately?

Have you had any problems with your vision?

Have you had any unexplained weight loss?

Do you have a history of smoking?

Has there been any change in your urinary habits? When you meet with your doctor, they’ll discuss your health history and perform a physical exam. Depending on their assessment, your doctor may request a urinalysis or blood test. A urinalysis can check for red blood cells, assess your urine protein levels, and determine what excreted materials are present. Your urine may also be checked for infection-causing bacteria. If there are signs of infection, a urine culture may be ordered. A blood test can measure kidney function and the level of liver enzymes. These results may give a clue as to the cause of the color changes in your urine. How is abnormal urine color treated? Treatment options can vary, depending upon what your doctor discovers from your tests. If your doctor discovers that your dark-yellow urine color is due to dehydration, they will recommend that you add more fluids to your diet. The color of your urine should return to its normal yellow color within days. If an underlying medical condition is found, your doctor will pursue treatment for that condition.

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