Vaginal Discharge – What does brown, yellow, white and green mean?

Brown leucorrhoea before menstruation: normal or pathological

The appearance of brown discharge a few days before menstruation is observed in many women. Gradually the leucorrhoea intensifies and turns into menstruation. This is a normal condition that does not require special treatment.

A doctor can determine the nature and exact cause of brown vaginal discharge before menstruation after a gynecological examination and a series of laboratory and instrumental studies.

If brown vaginal discharge occurs a week before menstruation, this may be a manifestation of inflammation of the genitourinary organs. Also, pathological discharge can be triggered by hormonal disorders, taking oral contraceptives, using an intrauterine device or ring, frequent stress, and sudden changes in weight.

A qualified doctor can determine the cause and nature of vaginal discharge, as well as select an appropriate treatment regimen (if necessary), after a series of clinical studies.

Diagnostics

When consulting a doctor about such discharge, a detailed examination is necessary:

• detailed questioning and examination of the woman,
• gynecological examination on a chair,
• examination in mirrors, colposcopy,
• taking a smear for flora, a smear from the cervix for atypical cells,
• carrying out blood and urine tests for general analysis,
• blood and smear for antibodies to infections,
• Ultrasound of the genital organs,
• blood for hormones.

If it is necessary to exclude serious diseases of the genital area, hysteroscopy and hysterography, biopsy and diagnostic curettage of the endometrium, and, if necessary, MRI and laparoscopy are indicated.

Light brown discharge before menstruation with endometriosis

The appearance of brown leucorrhoea on the eve of menstruation may be a manifestation of uterine endometriosis. In this case, vaginal discharge is accompanied by the following pathological symptoms:

• Aching pain in the lower abdomen. Their intensity and severity depend on the severity of the disease.
• Pain in the pelvic area. Before the onset of menstruation, they intensify, and after completion they weaken. In the interval between menstruation, pain in the pelvis is not pronounced.
• Changing the shade of the discharge. With endometriosis, they can be black, light or brown.

Endometriosis can be triggered by the consequences of abortion, trauma, and surgical interventions on the uterus.

Hormonal disorders

Failure occurs due to certain factors:

1. Progesterone deficiency prevented the endometrium from forming to the required extent, which is why the latter could not prepare for rejection or there was simply not enough of it for this.
2. An excess of the hormone mentioned above did not allow the reproductive system to begin full menstruation.
3. The lack of estrogen influenced the fact that the mechanism of endometrial rejection did not start completely, but was indicated only by brown spotting during menstruation.

Such disruptions occur due to stress, which leads to complications of diseases of other systems, endocrinological disorders, poor nutrition and lifestyle, excessive use of drugs containing hormones, and increased stress.

Leucorrhoea brown in infectious pathologies

Infectious inflammation of the uterine cavity (endometritis) can cause the appearance of dark brown premenstrual whiteness. Pathology develops after abortion or complicated labor.

With endometritis, brown leucorrhoea is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Unpleasant odor of menstrual bleeding;
• Constant pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the sacrum or lower back;
• Increased sweating;
• Compaction and enlargement of the uterus, which is determined during a gynecological examination;
• Apathetic mood;
• Loss of strength (especially at the beginning of menstruation).

Another reason for spotting brown discharge is genital infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, etc.) and inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs.

Causes

Bloody discharge may appear at different periods of the menstrual cycle. This is normal in some situations. If the change in the shade of vaginal secretion continues for more than a day and is accompanied by pain, itching, fever or other symptoms, this is a sign of the development of the disease.

Mid cycle

Brown bloody discharge during ovulation is normal. Occurs from 13 to 16 days of the cycle. When a mature egg leaves the follicle, small vessels are injured, which provokes the appearance of blood. There may be a feeling of tension in the ovarian area.

Diseases that can cause symptoms:

• endometriosis;
• fibroma;
• erosion and oncology of the cervix;
• neoplasms of the appendages;
• sarcoma.

The above pathologies pose a serious danger.

The periodic appearance of brown secretion after sex can be a symptom of oncology or erosion, and pain is a sign of inflammation. Discharge is often caused by hormonal contraceptives, especially in the first few weeks of use.

Other reasons for brown discharge:

1. Medicines that affect the cycle.
2. Intrauterine device.
3. Use of emergency contraception.
4. Disorders of the functioning of the thyroid gland, provoked by a decrease in the level of its hormones.
5. Hormonal imbalance, for example, hyperprolactinemia, progesterone deficiency.
6. Inflammatory process against the background of sexually transmitted infections, STDs.
7. Injuries to the genitals.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
9. Selected gynecological procedures.
10. Stress, strong emotional shock.
11. Acclimatization period.

If a woman does not use condoms when she frequently changes sexual partners, brown mucus may occur due to an STD. The symptom is accompanied by itching, pain in the lower abdomen and burning sensation when urinating.

If the disorder is accompanied by very severe pain, pregnancy outside the reproductive organ or spontaneous abortion can be suspected.

Before your period

Two to three days before the start of menstruation, spotting brown discharge may be observed. This is normal for a healthy woman.

Factors that provoke the appearance of nonspecific vaginal secretion before menstruation:

• strong emotional shock;
• alcohol abuse, smoking;
• sleep disorders;
• excessive physical activity;
• strict diet;
• hormonal imbalance.

Discharge that appears a week before menstruation should cause concern. Often this is a symptom of pathologies of the reproductive organ.

Other reasons for the appearance of brown vaginal secretion:

1. Hormonal imbalance in the body caused by improper use of birth control pills.
2. Nonspecific discharge can be observed due to erosion or the presence of polyps on the cervix. Pathology can only be confirmed based on the results of a diagnosis by a gynecologist.
3. They may occur after aggressive sexual intercourse or douching, as a result of injury to the mucous membrane.

The most natural reason is the first days of pregnancy, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine uterus. Happens one time. The phenomenon is called implantation bleeding.

After menstruation

At the end of menstruation, brown mucus may be observed on the underwear, which is considered normal. The remains of the endometrium with blood coagulate gradually, as a result acquiring this shade. The discharge normally does not cause discomfort, has no odor and disappears after two days.

If they are accompanied by pain and an increase in volume, then you need to consult a specialist who will conduct an examination and find the cause of the disorder. Often, slight vaginal discharge at the end of menstruation occurs after childbirth. The walls of the uterus have not yet returned to their original position, which is the cause of the symptoms.

Instead of menstruation

What does brown discharge in girls mean instead of menstruation?

Until the cycle is established, scanty discharge of blood instead of menstruation, which occurs once, is the norm. However, if the phenomenon is permanent, you should consult a specialist.

From the age of 35, brown secretion is a sign of the onset of menopause. This is caused by hormonal changes and the natural decline of ovarian function. A single appearance of spotting is not dangerous. If such a phenomenon is observed regularly, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible to establish the cause of their development at the initial stage and begin treatment.

When is brown discharge considered normal?

Only a gynecologist can determine whether this kind of discharge is normal or a symptom of a disease. He will conduct a survey and examination, and prescribe additional diagnostic methods.

The appearance of brown mucus is considered normal in the following situations:

1. Injury to the vagina during aggressive sexual intercourse.
2. Taking birth control pills.
3. A couple of days before the start of your period. Occurs as a result of endometrial rejection.
4. Defloration.
5. A short-term, one-time appearance of brown spots on underwear approximately on the 10th day of delay, when the fertilized egg is implanted into the cavity of the reproductive organ.
6. Blood clots at the final stage of menstruation coagulate more slowly, so in the last days there is scanty spotting. Normally, they are odorless and last no longer than two to three days.

If concomitant symptoms appear that are alarming, it is strongly recommended to consult a gynecologist - you can make an appointment online.

Heavy discharge after menstruation can occur due to natural hormonal changes, if a woman has just started taking birth control pills, or after the installation of an intrauterine device. It is necessary to consult with a specialist who will select a different type of contraception.

What indicates pathology?

The appearance of dark secretion is often a symptom of a serious illness. If you have the following symptoms, you must make an appointment with a gynecologist:

1. Menstruation has ended, but after sex there is bleeding.
2. The secretion is accompanied by other symptoms and has an unpleasant odor.
3. Dark mucus appeared a week after menstruation, but there were no prerequisites for this.
4. Menstruation lasts longer than usual and is accompanied by intense pain.
5. The brown secretion appeared during menopause, a year later after the last menstruation.

When women aged 45 to 50 years old consistently experience brown secretions instead of menstruation, this is a sign of fading hormonal and functional activity of the reproductive system, the onset of menopause.

In patients of reproductive age, dark discharge may be a symptom of the following disorders:

1. Pathology of the thyroid gland. Hormonal imbalance in polycystic ovary syndrome due to lack of ovulation.
2. A sharp change in climate zone due to frequent flights or a change in region of residence.
3. Rapid weight loss in a short period of time.
4. Neoplasms or infections.

A slight discharge of light brown mucus with an unpleasant odor, combined with a feeling of discomfort during sex or urination, is a symptom of inflammation of the vaginal tissue caused by hormonal imbalance.

Prolonged release of brown secretion occurs with erosion or dysplasia of the cervix, tumors of various natures. For any deviations from the norm, it is recommended to undergo an examination. Dark discharge often occurs precisely against the background of pathology. It is important to undergo a preventive examination with a gynecologist at least twice a year. If you have any of the above symptoms, do not put off visiting a doctor.

Diseases that cause brown discharge

Pathological processes are a common cause of uncharacteristic discharge. Most diseases occur without symptoms, and the only sign is the appearance of a brown secretion. Similar symptoms are observed in pathologies of the reproductive organ. It can appear at any period of the cycle.

If brown mucus begins to smear, this may indicate the following diseases:

1. Erosion. It often occurs without symptoms and the only sign is the appearance of scanty bloody discharge after sex. As the lesion increases, the mucus has a strong pus-like odor.
2. Injury. If the doctor's recommendations are not followed during the rehabilitation period after gynecological manipulations, complications may arise in the form of brown secretion from the vagina.
3. Endometriosis. This disease is characterized by excessive growth of the inner layer of the reproductive organ. As a result, the blood does not come out and accumulates in the uterine cavity.
4. Polyps. Copious dark brown discharge, which appears after a certain time after the end of menstruation, is considered a symptom of the development of pathology. They can be caused by polyps. As the growth grows, other symptoms appear: pain and pus in the discharged secretion. Without timely treatment, polyps can develop into cancer, so they are immediately removed through hysteroscopy.
5. Neoplasms. The growth of tumors of any nature causes the appearance of brown mucus.
6. Nodular and cystic formations. They are of benign nature. Formations in the uterine cavity require special attention, since there is a high probability of developing into oncology.
7. Hormonal imbalance. It is noted for disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, ovaries and brain pathologies. Not only a woman’s health suffers, but also her appearance. Menstruation disappears, ovulation does not occur, dark spotting can appear on any day of the cycle. The condition requires diagnosis and long-term therapy.

It is important to diagnose pathologies at the beginning of development, which will greatly facilitate treatment and prevent the development of serious complications.

Brown mucus is the main symptom of pregnancy developing outside the uterus. This is a woman’s life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and intervention by specialists. In such cases, surgical treatment or laparoscopy is indicated.

Discharge during pregnancy

Why is there brown discharge during pregnancy? The phenomenon may be caused by natural causes, or it may be an alarming signal indicating disturbances in the reproductive system.

In what cases is this the norm, and when is it a sign of the development of diseases:

1. Bloody mucus during the period when a fertilized egg is implanted into the reproductive organ is considered normal.
2. Prolonged discharge requires the intervention of a qualified specialist, as this may indicate the development of an ectopic pregnancy.
3. Nonspecific mucus may appear in the first months of pregnancy. This is caused by hormonal changes associated with bearing a child.
4. In a pregnant woman, dark, copious discharge may be a harbinger of spontaneous abortion.
5. In the last months of bearing a child, this is a sign of disease or inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system. Often this is a symptom of placental abruption, cervical cancer, fibroids, and premature birth.
6. Brown mucus against the background of delayed menstruation can be a harbinger of miscarriage or detachment of the fertilized egg. This condition requires immediate intervention by a gynecologist.
7. A gynecological examination can provoke the appearance of discharge in the last weeks before childbirth.

Brown leucorrhoea before menstruation due to tumor neoplasms

Premenstrual brown discharge may occur due to endometrial hyperplasia. This pathology develops after a serious psycho-emotional shock, heavy physical exertion and as a result of hormonal disorders.

Brown discharge with hyperplasia is accompanied by irregular menstrual function, the appearance of spotting in the middle of the cycle and cramping pain in the pelvis.

Another tumor pathology that manifests itself as premenstrual brown discharge is uterine fibroids. Malignant neoplasms of the reproductive organs lead to the appearance of black and dark brown vaginal discharge.

Postpartum period

After childbirth, the body experiences a lot of stress. A sharp and intense hormonal change begins, the reproductive system tends to gradually return to its previous mode of functioning.

When a woman breastfeeds her baby, the menstrual cycle does not return to its usual rhythm for a long time or there is simply no bleeding under the influence of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for the contraction of the uterus and the flow of milk.

With the end of lactation, menstruation returns quite quickly, and in the first months it may begin with a brown spot.

Other factors causing premenstrual brown discharge

The most common cause of brown leucorrhoea is the use of hormonal contraception, which leads to hormonal changes. The appearance of brown discharge is a consequence of the body’s adaptation to new changes. Leucorrhoea caused by hormonal drugs usually goes away after 3 months. In another case, you need to consult a doctor who will select a safer contraceptive drug.

In addition to hormonal contraceptives, the intrauterine device can lead to the appearance of brown leucorrhoea. The hormones in its composition affect the regularity of the cycle and the shade of the discharge. Also, spotting before menstruation can be observed during the initial stages of menopause or perimenopause.

Can brown discharge before period be a sign of pregnancy?

Immediately after fertilization, vaginal discharge changes color and consistency. The leucorrhoea begins to take on a brown tint.

Brown discharge is a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs on the 12th day after conception, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. The activity of the embryo provokes an increase in the volume of mucus; it becomes creamy and may have a yellowish or light brown tint.

Implantation bleeding occurs on the days of expected menstruation, so many women confuse them. However, the difference between them is significant. When the embryo is implanted into the uterus, light-colored discharge is observed if fertilization has occurred. And when vaginal discharge resembles menstrual bleeding, you need to see a doctor. The appearance of such leucorrhoea may be a sign of a threatened miscarriage, improper attachment of the embryo, frozen or ectopic pregnancy, and other pathologies of pregnancy.

Reasons to consult a gynecologist

Teenagers and girls who have entered puberty need to monitor the nature of vaginal secretions. If we are talking about little girls, then this responsibility falls on their mothers. The following signs indicate disorders and problems with the reproductive system:

• the presence of an unpleasant odor of sour milk, cottage cheese, fish;
• color change - instead of whitish, light transparent discharge, it becomes bright yellow, with a greenish or gray tint;
• change in texture - the secretion began to foam, curdle, and acquired a too liquid consistency;
• the presence of itching, pain or burning, swelling, as well as changes in the color of the skin and mucous membranes in the intimate area;
• for girls 11-12 years old - presence of traces of blood.

What to do if premenstrual discharge appears

If brown leucorrhoea occurs a few days before menstruation and turns into full-blown bleeding, this phenomenon does not require special treatment. If the discharge has an unpleasant odor or is accompanied by painful sensations, consult a gynecologist.

Before selecting treatment, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination, which will determine the cause and nature of vaginal discharge. Having studied the results obtained, the gynecologist will develop therapeutic tactics. For the treatment of infectious pathologies, antimicrobial drugs (douching solutions, vaginal ointments, suppositories) are prescribed. Inflammation of the genitourinary organs is treated with anti-inflammatory tablets and suppositories. To restore reproductive function, hormonal drugs are prescribed.

Inaction in such cases is dangerous for the development of infertility, the formation of tumors and subsequent removal of the affected organs. Early diagnosis will make it possible to detect the disease at preclinical stages and take appropriate measures.

Attention!

This article is posted for informational purposes only and under no circumstances constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a professional physician.
For diagnostics, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors! Number of reads: 42546 Date of publication: 10/02/2017
Gynecologists - search service and appointment with gynecologists in Moscow

Treatment methods

The treatment regimen depends on the cause of the brown secretion and accompanying symptoms. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after receiving diagnostic results.

Treatment methods depending on the pathological process:

• in case of bacterial infection and inflammation arising from it, antibacterial drugs are prescribed orally and locally in the form of ointments, creams, suppositories;
• Fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs. It is worth noting that thrush is a local symptom of extensive damage to the body by a fungus. Her therapy is not limited to the use of creams and suppositories. The main amount of fungus is in the intestines, so treatment includes taking antifungal drugs orally;
• therapy for viral infections includes the use of antiviral drugs, as well as immunostimulants, since increasing immunity is of great importance in the fight against viruses;
• When diagnosing neoplasms, conservative therapy or surgery is used. The choice of method depends on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, as well as its size;
• If there is a threat of miscarriage during pregnancy, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting. During the examination, the condition of the placenta, reproductive organ, and fetus is assessed;
• ectopic pregnancy requires immediate surgery to remove the fertilized egg from the fallopian tube;
• in case of hormonal imbalance during menopause, hormonal drugs are prescribed;
• endometrosis, erosion, polyps and neoplasms are eliminated using surgical treatment or laparoscopy;
• during the rehabilitation period after surgery, she carries out drug therapy in order to restore the functioning of the woman’s reproductive system.

When unhealthy discharge appears, you need to be especially careful about hygiene, as it irritates the skin of the genitals, causing itching. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. This can lead to infertility and the development of complications that will require serious, long-term therapy. Only after receiving the diagnostic results, the doctor will determine treatment tactics, taking into account the diagnosis.