PMS symptoms such as cramps and bloating are often associated with the days leading up to a menstrual period. Changes in hormone levels can also affect vaginal discharge for people with vaginas. It is usual for discharge to increase or decrease from time to time. Infection or pregnancy can sometimes cause discharge before a period. This article explains what causes discharge before a period to help determine when to see a doctor. Afterwards, I will discuss when this discharge might be problematic. I will also explain how vaginal discharge changes during pregnancy and menstruation.
There is nothing abnormal about vaginal discharge. This discharge is a mixture of old cells, water, and bacteria that the uterus, cervix, and vagina eliminate to keep them free of infection. It is typical for the volume, appearance, and texture of discharge to change during the menstrual cycle. The hormones that trigger ovulation are usually responsible for this process.
Several factors can cause discharge before your period, including:
A mucus barrier to protect the developing embryo and seal off the uterus. There may also be brown or pink discharge during early pregnancy. Sometimes, you may not even know you are pregnant because you have a very light period. If you notice an abnormal increase in discharge without a strong odour around the time your period is due, take a pregnancy test or see your healthcare provider.
Maintaining healthy sexual organs requires discharge. Normal hormonal shifts or ageing are usually responsible for changes.
You should see a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms with vaginal discharge:
Normal discharges can range widely. Paying attention to your typical symptoms during your menstrual cycle can determine if your discharge is normal. You can then describe any abnormal changes to your healthcare provider.
A woman's vaginal discharge tends to fluctuate with her hormone levels throughout her menstrual cycle, though each person is different.
There is a possibility that you will experience an increase in discharge if you become pregnant, even before you miss a period. Some confuse this discharge with a period because it may be brown or pink. It is normal for women to discharge throughout pregnancy. An infection, however, can also cause discharge. Tell your healthcare provider about any discharge changes because STIs can cause pregnancy complications, and yeast infections are more prevalent during pregnancy.
It is NEVER normal for pregnancy discharge to be green, grey, yellow, or foul-smelling.
See a medical professional if discharge increases or the smell or consistency changes.
A medical professional can determine whether your discharge is normal by assessing your other symptoms and performing an examination or testing.
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The discharge before a period varies from person to person. People have white, pink, red, or brown discharge before their periods, while others have no discharge. A doctor should be consulted if you experience frequent discharge or if the discharge smells, looks, or feels different.
Menstrual discharge is a normal part of the cycle. This may occur before your period, but the cycle's first 1-2 days are usually the driest. Yeast infections or other issues can cause white discharge. See your healthcare provider if you notice abnormal white discharge before a period with a foul-smelling odour or a cottage cheese appearance.
Unless you're pregnant, the 1-2 days before your period may be the driest part of your cycle. Around the time that a period would be due, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. It may have a clear, white, brown, or pink appearance. Consider taking a home pregnancy test and consulting your healthcare provider if you are pregnant.
The cycle is at its driest in the days leading up to menstruation. Some women with vaginal discharge may experience light spotting or discharge before their periods begin. Discharge may be less frequent for others. Discharge is not a reliable indicator of period onset.