Discharge Before Period

A small amount of vaginal discharge or secretion is quite normal. Almost all women have little discharge during their cycle. This discharge is nothing but the fluid produced by the cervix and the glands present inside the vagina. This fluid serves a very important purpose. Whenever the fluid flows out of vagina as discharge, it brings with itself the old cells lining the vaginal wall. In this way, the fluid helps to keep the inside of the vagina clean and healthy. The normal vaginal discharge is usually transparent or milky white in color and is stretchy or slightly thick. Normal vaginal discharge is odorless and it is also not accompanied by itching or burning sensation. However, the color and the thickness of normal discharge may undergo some changes during the menstrual cycle. In fact, many women experienced an increase in discharge before their period.

Causes of Discharge Before Menstruation

As has been mentioned already, the color of normal vaginal discharge can be white or it could be colorless or transparent. For some women, the discharge during ovulation (when one of the ovaries releases an egg) can be a bit thicker. But generally, women can observe an increase in clear and stretchy discharge, with occasional specks of white during this period. During ovulation, the level of estrogen increases in the body, which in turn stimulates the glands of the cervix to secrete clear and watery fluid. Thick and white discharge at the end of the cycle as well as in the beginning of the cycle is also quite normal.

However, if white discharge is accompanied itching, then it can be an indicator of yeast infection. On the other hand, brown discharge can be a sign of several conditions. Most often, brown color of the discharge is due to the presence of old blood cells. Brown discharge before your menses usually indicate that your monthly cycle is going to start. Brown discharge could mean several other things as well. As for example, brown discharge can be due to polyps. A polyp is a group of cells on the internal lining of the cervix or vagina. Bleeding of these polyps can cause the discharge to become brown in color. Though they are like tumors, 90% of the polyps are benign or non cancerous.

At times, brownish discharge at this time can be caused by implantation bleeding, i.e. the bleeding that occurs when the fetus gets implanted in the endometrium lining. If you get such brown discharge or spotting at the time when your period normally begins, then it could be a sign of early pregnancy. One should also keep in mind that, implantation bleeding can also cause brown discharge one week before period. Women using contraceptive pills can also get brown discharge before menstruation. Many women can also observe a small amount of brown discharge after period, which is quite normal. But, if you get green or yellow discharge, then it can be an indicator of infection, especially if the discharge is thick or clumpy and has a foul odor.

Treatment for Discharge Before Menstruation

By now, you must have been able to understand the difference between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge. So, if you are getting normal discharge before your menstrual cycle, then there is no reason to worry. But, if you observe any change in the amount of discharge, and its color and odor, then please visit your gynecologist as soon as possible. Treatment for such abnormal discharge depends on the underlying causes. Therefore, your gynecologist would perform a number of tests and examinations, before prescribing a particular treatment plan.

An abnormal increase in the amount of discharge, as well as discharge accompanied by itching, irritation and burning sensation are the signs that the vaginal discharge is not normal. Along with itching and irritation, abnormal vaginal discharge is also accompanied by a foul odor. On the other hand, green or yellow discharge before or any time during your menstrual cycle can indicate an infection. Such changes in discharge may be associated with some problems of the reproductive organs. The best way to find out what exactly is causing such abnormal discharge is to get the condition properly evaluated with your gynecologist. This would help you to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.