Brown discharge before a period can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, it can be implantation bleeding, which indicates pregnancy, or it may be due to perimenopause. In some cases, discharge may be brown due to an underlying health condition.
Brown discharge before a period is typically vaginal discharge that contains blood. Brown discharge that occurs when a period is not due may cause worry. However, brown discharge before a period is not typically a cause for concern.
This article explores the various causes of brown discharge before a period. It discusses what this may mean if a person is pregnant, not pregnant, or approaching menopause.
The article also looks at other more serious causes of brown discharge and when to see a doctor.
Vaginal discharge often occurs on an almost daily basis. Typically, vaginal discharge is thin and clear or white. Sometimes, it may be other colors.
When vaginal discharge is brown, it likely contains small amounts of old blood. Old blood that has taken longer to come out of the uterus may be brown.
Brown discharge can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
When not pregnant
When there is no pregnancy, brown discharge may be caused by:
- old blood leaving the uterus a few days after the end of a period
- a period just beginning to start, where the flow is very light
- ovulation spotting, which may be pinkish-brown
- a reaction to a Pap smear or vaginal exam
- a reaction to having vaginal sex, especially if vigorous
During pregnancy
Pink or brown discharge or spotting before a period may be an early sign of pregnancy. Not every pregnant person will experience this symptom, but some do.
This discharge is caused by implantation bleeding that can happen when the fertilized egg burrows into the uterus lining. Implantation bleeding can occur 1 to 2 weeks after the egg has been fertilized.
Anyone who experiences implantation bleeding following sex should take a pregnancy test.
Anyone who is pregnant and experiences dark brown discharge should speak with a doctor. However, brown discharge during pregnancy is not usually a cause for concern. In rare cases, it may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Approaching menopause
For people in their
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause when periods stop. Other symptoms may include:
- mood changes
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- trouble sleeping
- vaginal dryness
There are some other more serious causes of brown discharge. These may occur at any age regardless of whether there is a pregnancy, and they are likely to be accompanied by other symptoms.
More serious causes include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the cervix and uterus that can cause brown discharge. Other symptoms may include:
- pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
- pain during penetrative sex
- fever
- smelly vaginal discharge
- burning sensation when urinating
Anyone who thinks they might have PID should speak with a doctor. If a doctor diagnoses PID, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Changes in discharge
Other symptoms may include:
- burning sensation when urinating
- smelly discharge
- pain during penetrative sex
Not all people with STIs experience symptoms, so it is essential for all sexually active people to be tested regularly for STIs.
Most STIs are easy to treat, although some are more serious and require more involved treatment. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics.
Retained foreign body
Brown discharge with an odor can occur if a foreign object gets left in the vagina accidentally. Objects that can cause this might include:
- condoms
- internal contraceptives, including cervical caps, diaphragms, sponges, and rings
- menstrual cups, discs, or tampons
Anyone who notices a brown discharge with an odor should consult a doctor, as they may have a retained object or vaginal infection.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance. It may cause a brown discharge from irregular, light bleeding. Other symptoms can include:
- irregular periods
- no longer having periods
- very heavy periods
- excess hair on the face or body
- acne or oily skin
- pelvic pain
- difficulty getting pregnant
- patches of dark, discolored skin
PMOS affects
Those who suspect that they may have PMOS should speak with a doctor. There is a range of treatments available.
To determine the most suitable treatment, the doctor may ask a person about:
- their symptoms
- other health problems
- whether they want to get pregnant
Some treatments for PMOS may make it harder to get pregnant. A doctor can advise on the most suitable treatment for those who do want to get pregnant.
Cervical cancer
Changes in vaginal discharge
In the unlikely event that the cause of brown discharge is cervical cancer, other symptoms may include:
- pain during penetrative sex
- bleeding after penetrative sex
- heavier or longer periods
- bleeding in between periods
Anyone who suspects having cervical cancer should speak with a doctor.
The first test a doctor will carry out for cervical cancer is a Pap smear. This can detect abnormal cells in the cervix.
If a doctor detects atypical cells, they might examine the cervix using a magnifying instrument. They may then take a tissue sample for testing in a laboratory.
For those with cervical cancer, a doctor will carry out some imaging tests to determine its stage. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
Brown discharge is unlikely to be a cause for concern and usually does not require a trip to the doctor.
However, a person should speak with a doctor if they have brown discharge that:
- continues for several weeks
- frequently happens after sexual activity
- smells bad
- is accompanied by pain or cramping
- is accompanied by vaginal itching
Sometimes, brown discharge may indicate a more serious condition. If this is the case, it may be accompanied by other symptoms, as explored above. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor.