Brown Discharge Instead of Period: What it Means

It is pretty common for your period to go haywire at least once in your lifetime. Sometimes, it may get delayed by a few weeks, other times it may arrive a bit too early. Variations in the intensity of bleeding are also pretty common. In most cases, there is no plausible explanation for these variations, except for hormonal imbalance. Brown discharge instead of period is one such condition which alarms women. As there is very little information about it, most women are blissfully ignorant about it. Although, this may not be always a reason to worry, you should at least know what could be a reason for dark brown discharge instead of period.

Causes of Brown Discharge Instead of Period

The symptom 'brown discharge' does not say anything by its own. You need to take into account several other factors that may point to a specific cause. These factors include finding if it is brown discharge after period or before it, whether it continues for 3 to 5 days (like normal period) or occurs only for a day or two. Similarly, the intensity of discharge also plays a role in identifying the cause of brown discharge instead of period.

Late Period
In more than half cases of brown discharge between periods, the reason is late period! Female vagina is a self cleaning system. Every month it clears the thickened endometrium lining if there has been no fertilization of egg (the thick endometrium is body's preparation for possible pregnancy). The body expels this lining as menstrual flow. If the entire lining is not expelled during menstruation, it resides inside the uterus until the next month. When you get your period the next month this old lining is expelled along with other blood cells. The old blood is particularly responsible for brown discharge. You may only get it for a couple of days after which you may have your normal period. Sometimes, you may get this discharge for a day or two, then nothing, followed by your normal period.

Implantation Bleeding
If you experience brown discharge before period, chances are high that you might have implantation bleeding. After the fertilization occurs the fertilized egg or zygote travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Cell division takes place during this journey and the zygote develops into an embryo. The embryo burrows into the uterine lining or endometrium, which results in pinkish brown discharge. You can easily tell implantation bleeding from a normal period, as it is far lighter than a normal period and does not last for more than a couple of days. Implantation bleeding occurs 6 to 12 days after fertilization. If you have been tracking your ovulation time, implantation bleeding should occur a week before your impending period. Thus, brown spotting instead of period could be an early sign of pregnancy.

Diseases
In rare cases, brown discharge instead of period may be an indication of a serious underlying disease. Cervical cancer, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), syphilis, chlamydia and some other sexually transmitted diseases may also contribute to this condition. However, in that case, you may also look out for some other symptoms that may point to any of these diseases. If you have had intercourse with multiple/unknown partner(s), then your changes of contracting these diseases is pretty high. In such case, you will have a thick brown discharge with heavy bleeding and severe pain. Also watch out for unusual/foul odors. Other symptoms to watch for include vaginal dryness, itching, burning, painful intercourse, urinary tract infections, etc. Polyps or uterine fibroid and endometriosis may also lead to heavy brown discharge.

The exact diagnosis for brown discharge can only be made after analyzing other symptoms (if any). Given below is a list of common symptoms accompanying brown discharge and possible diagnosis for the same.

Other Symptoms	Possible Diagnosis
Loss of appetite Weight loss Discharge from anus Fertility problems	Chlamydia
Pain Mouth lesions Vaginal area feels hot Yellow vaginal discharge	Gonorrhea
Pain in urethra Yellow vaginal discharge Vaginal dryness	Menopause/ Vulvovaginitis
Pain during intercourse Vaginal discharge Vaginal pain	Cervical Cancer
Loss of appetite Infertility Abdominal pain	Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Vaginal lump/ mass Vaginal itching Rash on genitals	Genital Warts

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is intended for information purpose only. We do not encourage its usage for self-diagnosis/ treatment. Please consult your gynecologist for proper advice regarding your symptoms.

If you experience two or more incidences of brown discharge instead of period or there is severe cramping, pain along with bleeding, then you need to talk to your gynecologist regarding the matter. Do not wait for too long, because some of these conditions may need immediate medical intervention.