Brown discharge before your period may be caused by normal hormonal changes at the start of your period, ovulation or perimenopause, implantation, or after gynecological exams.
In addition, brown discharge can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease or cervical cancer, and be accompanied by symptoms such as pelvic pain, bleeding or pain during intimate contact or general discomfort. , for example.
Read too: 7 types of discharge: colors, causes (and what to do)
It is important to consult a gynecologist whenever brown discharge appears before menstruation, especially if it is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, to identify the cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Main causes
The main causes of brown discharge before menstruation are:
1. Ovulation
Some women may experience a small amount of bleeding during the ovulatory period, which happens about 14 days after the end of menstruation.
Ovulation bleeding typically lasts 2 days and is characterized by a small amount of brown, pink, or red bleeding that may stain your underwear or be noticed on toilet paper.
What to do: In most cases, it is not necessary to undergo treatment, as it is a situation that occurs due to hormonal changes typical of the menstrual period. However, if this bleeding lasts more than 2 days, is more intense or is accompanied by pain, it is important that the gynecologist investigate the cause. Discover the main causes of ovulation pain.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
2. Start of menstruation
Some women may experience a light brown discharge, which may be present at the beginning of their period.
Furthermore, brown discharge may also be present at the end of menstruation due to the exit of old blood from the uterus.
What to do: brown discharge at the beginning or end of menstruation is considered normal and does not require medical treatment. However, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist if the woman presents other symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge or cramps, for example.
3. Nesting
Nidation corresponds to the implantation of the egg fertilized by sperm into the wall of the uterus, starting pregnancy, which can cause a small brown or red bleed in some women that can last up to 3 days.
What to do: If the brown discharge is accompanied by weak cramping and a feeling of heaviness in the belly and has occurred approximately 7 to 10 days after sexual intercourse without a condom, it is recommended that a pregnancy test be carried out. Understand more about nesting.
Read too: Brown discharge during pregnancy: what it could be (and what to do)
4. Presence of objects
The presence of some objects in the vagina for a long time can also lead to the appearance of brown discharge, such as tampons, female condoms, absorbent sponges and some contraceptives, such as diaphragms and vaginal rings, for example.
Furthermore, the prolonged presence of some of these objects can also increase the risk of infection and inflammation of the vagina.
What to do: It is important that the tampon and absorbent sponge are changed regularly, as this can prevent the chances of inflammation and infection in the genital region. Furthermore, it is recommended that the female condom be removed immediately after sexual intercourse. In the case of brown discharge caused by contraceptive methods, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted to evaluate the possibility of changing the method.
5. After gynecological examination
Some women may experience a slight brown discharge after undergoing gynecological exams, especially after a Pap smear or colposcopy.
What to do: As this is a normal situation, no treatment is necessary. However, in cases where the discharge lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.
6. Vigorous intimate contact
Brown discharge before menstruation can also appear due to vigorous intimate contact, which can cause trauma or irritation to the cervix, and, consequently, the release of brown discharge.
What to do: Normally, no specific treatment is necessary, and it is recommended to avoid intimate contact until the discharge has disappeared. If the discharge does not improve or is accompanied by bright red or intense bleeding, or hemorrhage, it is recommended to go to the hospital immediately, as the sac of Douglas may rupture. Understand what Douglas sac and rupture symptoms are.
7. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the period of transition to menopause when menstruation stops, causing brown discharge before menstruation.
At this stage, which can begin up to 10 years before menopause, women may also experience other symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats or changes in mood. Check out the main stages of menopause.
What to do: It is important to consult a gynecologist to evaluate symptoms and identify perimenopause, which can be done with tests that measure hormonal levels, such as estradiol (E2), FSH, LH and prolactin. Menopause is only confirmed when a woman stops menstruating for 12 consecutive months. Understand better what menopause is and how to confirm it.
8. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis which can lead to thick, odorless brown discharge before menstruation.
Other symptoms of chlamydia are pain or burning when urinating and bleeding during intimate contact. Know how to identify all the symptoms of chlamydia.
What to do: The treatment recommended by the gynecologist must be carried out, which includes the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, and it is important to avoid intimate contact during treatment. In addition, the partner must also be treated, even if they do not present symptoms of the infection.
9. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another sexually transmitted infection (STI) that leads to brown, yellow or green discharge before menstruation, similar to pus and which can sometimes have a bad smell.
Other symptoms of gonorrhea are pain or burning sensation when urinating, urinary incontinence, itching in the intimate area or bleeding, for example.
What to do: Gonorrhea treatment should be started as soon as possible, with the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin, prescribed by the gynecologist, in order to avoid complications from the infection. Furthermore, it is important to avoid intimate contact during treatment and the partner should also consult a doctor to start treatment. Learn more about the treatment of gonorrhea.
Read too: Greenish discharge: what it can be (and how to treat it)
10. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, not treated properly, which can cause brown discharge before menstruation, which may have a bad smell.
Furthermore, other symptoms of PID are pain during intimate contact, pain in the abdomen and fever, for example.
What to do: It is essential that the gynecologist is consulted to initiate the most appropriate treatment, which is generally done with the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin, levofloxacin or clindamycin, for example, which varies according to the type of STI. During treatment, intimate contact should also be avoided to facilitate recovery. See the main treatments for pelvic inflammatory disease.
11. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that typically causes missed or irregular periods, but can also lead to light brown discharge before menstruation.
Furthermore, other symptoms are acne, weight gain, hair loss and difficulty getting pregnant, for example. Check out other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
What to do: The treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome is carried out by a gynecologist and involves the use of contraceptive pills, spironolactone, clomiphene, letrozole or gonadotropins, for example, according to the symptoms presented. See all treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome.
12. Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, or cervical cancer, can cause brown discharge before menstruation that may have a bad smell in some cases.
In addition, cervical cancer can also cause other symptoms, such as bleeding outside of the menstrual period, pain during intimate contact, bleeding after sexual intercourse or heavier or longer periods. Check out other symptoms that may indicate uterine cancer.
What to do: you should consult a gynecologist for tests, such as a pap smear and colposcopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment, which can be done with uterine conization surgery, hysterectomy and/or chemotherapy and radiotherapy, for example. Understand how cervical cancer is treated.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to consult a gynecologist when:
- Bad-smelling, thick or frothy discharge;
- Pain, redness, itching or irritation in the genital region;
- Pain when urinating or during intimate contact;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period or after intimate contact;
- Dor abdominal;
- Fever.
Therefore, the gynecologist must perform a gynecological examination to diagnose the cause of brown discharge before menstruation and indicate the most appropriate treatment. See the main signs that you should go to the gynecologist.
