Why may brown discharge appear after menstruation?

Menstruation is the main indicator of the health of the female reproductive system. The cyclicity, color, volume and consistency of discharge can tell the gynecologist a lot about the problems that are bothering the girl. Based on statistical data, we can conclude that at least once every representative of the fair half of humanity diagnosed herself with brown discharge after menstruation.

The stories that abound in thematic forums are replete with questions about whether such smearing clots of different color pigmentation are a physiological norm. Do such symptoms refer to a sign of pathology in the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system? Let's figure this out together.

Why do I have brown discharge after my period? Gynecologists identify several factors that provoke the appearance of such discharge. Conventionally, a symptom can be attributed both to a manifestation of a physiological norm and to evidence of a pathology that has arisen in the functioning of the reproductive organs. Based on the comments of specialists, it is problematic to independently identify the cause of spotting. Let's look at the most common causes of brown discharge at the end of menstruation.

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Bleeding before and between periods

If blood appears between menstrual cycles, a visit to the doctor is also necessary. Especially if bleeding occurs after sexual intercourse or after menopause.

Bleeding after intercourse is often caused by soreness or inflammation of the cervix. The most common causes of this condition are infections, such as chlamydia, and hormonal changes. Bleeding between cycles can also be caused by other infections, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and cancer of the reproductive organs. Polyps are small nodules that may appear on or inside the cervix.

Sometimes bleeding may also occur in the first months after starting birth control pills.

The interval between individual menstrual cycles in women can vary. Irregular periods may indicate that a woman is not ovulating every month or that her hormonal balance is imbalanced. At a young age, irregular periods require consultation with a gynecologist. This situation is also quite common in women approaching menopause.

About normal discharge

Normally, a woman's vagina should release fluid. But not all discharge is normal. “Good” discharge includes clear, not abundant (from 50 mg per day), odorless mucus. Normal discharge does not cause discomfort, it does not cause itching, burning or irritation of the vagina. If you take a smear for microflora, it should reveal a normal number of leukocytes with a predominance of lactobacilli. Mucus discharge gradually increases in quantity until the day of ovulation (approximately 14 days after menstruation). During this period, the mucus changes its properties. The feeling of moisture in the external genital area at this time is absolutely normal.

But you need to be very careful about brown discharge! A brown, brownish tint to the liquid clearly indicates bloody or bloody additions to the mucus. And this, in turn, may indicate disorders of the female genital area. Further on such violations and their causes.

Light postmenstrual discharge

Diving into the consideration of cause-and-effect relationships in the context of rejection of brown mucous substances by the vagina, it is impossible not to mention the light brown discharge in women after menstruation, which worries many women. A similar secretion, burdened with additional symptoms, can be released in the diseases listed below.

Salpingitis

This disease is characterized by a strong inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes. Educational materials on gynecology state that in addition to the active secretion of a light secretion, the disease is characterized by a pungent odor. Also in the patient's anamnesis there are mentions of cutting pain in the groin area, weakness and high fever.

Vulvovaginitis

A disease that can equally be caused by both a lack and an excess of hygiene procedures. One of the most effective means of preventing and treating this disease is to avoid personal hygiene products containing artificial fragrances and to daily wash the intimate area with herbal infusions.

Cervical erosion

A pathological condition characterized by damage to the epithelial lining of the vagina. “Visually” erosion manifests itself in the appearance of deep red formations on the outer surface of the cervix. It is impossible to independently identify such a deviation, because diagnosis and subsequent confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out using special gynecological speculums used during the examination. Based on the symptoms, cervical erosion belongs to a number of diseases of the “latent” type, occurring without disturbing manifestations. Many women learn about the presence of this disease during a routine examination by a specialist. Despite the absence of pronounced symptoms, it is worth remembering that bloody discharge that bothers you after the end of your period may indicate the occurrence of neoplasms characteristic of this pathological process.

Briefly about the main thing

Rejection of mucus-like clots that have both brown and white pigmentation can relate equally to both the physiological norm and the symptoms of pathological processes. It is not possible to independently identify the root cause of this. It is possible to create a complete picture reflecting the processes occurring in a woman solely on the basis of test results, ultrasound data and gynecological examination.

A patient who notices brown discharge after menstruation, accompanied by pain or a sharp, unpleasant odor, should immediately consult a specialist. It is possible that in this situation we are talking about an acute inflammatory process or a sexually transmitted infection. The presence of such deviations requires the immediate initiation of a course of antibiotics in conjunction with supportive and strengthening therapy.

Endometritis

Brown discharge may be a sign of chronic endometritis - inflammation of the endometrium, the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. Brown discharge with endometritis appears before and after menstruation and often has an unpleasant odor. Sometimes brown mucus appears in the middle of the cycle and is combined with aching pain in the lower abdomen. Chronic endometritis is dangerous during pregnancy; it can lead to miscarriages at different stages. This pathology is due to the fact that the process of attachment of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity and its further development are disrupted.

Chronic endometritis can result from:

• acute postpartum or post-abortion endometritis that has not been completely cured;
• intrauterine interventions;
• imbalance between the body's hormonal and immune systems;
• hidden infections.

Brown discharge

The color of the discharge can indicate the cause and appearance. Bacterial infections may appear as a light brown discharge - pay attention to the smell and whether it is itchy. Dark brown discharge indicates the presence of coagulated blood in it, which appears due to damage to the uterus and appendages, erosion, and endometriosis.

When is brown discharge normal?

Brown discharge does not always indicate a disease. Mucusy brown discharge can cause:

• conception and first days of pregnancy
• sexual intercourse
• taking medications
• ovulation
• postpartum period
• starting to take birth control pills
• menopause
• preparing the pelvic organs for menstruation
• endometrial release after menstruation

Normally, this discharge does not cause discomfort, is odorless, low-intensity, and spotting in nature. During the postpartum period, such discharge may be copious.

Brown discharge mid-cycle

During this period, brown discharge may be normal. Mucous leucorrhoea from the vagina may acquire a brown tint due to the ingress of coagulated blood from a ruptured follicle. In this case, the discharge does not have an unpleasant odor, is not accompanied by pain, lasts no more than a couple of days and is spotty in nature. If the discharge is heavy, does not stop between periods, or your health worsens, consult a doctor immediately.

Brown secretion before menstruation

Normally, one or two days before your period, you may experience brown mucus discharge. Their volume is small. This secretion indicates the initial processes of menstruation. If the discharge continues during the week before your period, it is probably caused by the following reasons:

• psycho-emotional stress
• poor nutrition
• excess weight
• bad habits
• lack of sleep
• excessive physical activity
• hormone deficiency

And, nevertheless, if you encounter such a phenomenon, we recommend that you consult a gynecologist. It is important to exclude the possibility of developing pathology.

Discharge after menstruation

Spotting brown discharge after menstruation in the absence of other complaints may be normal. They are due to the fact that the endometrium, which is shed during menstruation, comes out gradually and thus its remains are released. This kind of daub lasts no more than 2-3 days. Longer discharge can indicate the presence of infection, hormone deficiency, inflammation and other pathologies. In any case, it would be a good idea to contact a specialist.

Discharge at conception

When a fertilized egg enters the uterus, a small part of the blood vessels may be damaged. This is what causes scanty brown or pink discharge about a week after ovulation. They can last several hours or several days. However, brown discharge does not always indicate pregnancy. In order to be sure of your health and the causes of discharge, consult a gynecologist.

When brown discharge is a sign of pathology

Typically, in the presence of pathologies, women are concerned about the following symptoms:

• Brown discharge is abundant, thick or, on the contrary, watery
• blood impurities appear in mucus regularly
• pain during intercourse
• elevated body temperature
• unpleasant odor in the intimate area
• discomfort in the perineum
• cycle failure

Even if it seems to you that there are objective reasons for brown discharge (stress, diet, etc.), you should consult a gynecologist to rule out pathologies.

Brown discharge instead of menstruation

Sometimes, instead of the usual menstruation, a woman observes scanty brown spotting. In this case, the discharge is accompanied by pain, nausea, weakness, etc. Among the pathologies that caused this phenomenon:

• hormonal imbalance
• malfunction of the pituitary gland
• endometrial damage
• inflammation
• disruption of the endocrine system
• oncology

Diseases that cause brown discharge

• pelvic inflammation
• genitourinary system infections
• ectopic pregnancy
• endometritis
• endometriosis
• cystitis
• benign formations
• polyps
• oncological diseases

All pathological processes are generally accompanied by not one, but a group of symptoms. Listen to your body. But often diseases remain asymptomatic for a long time. Therefore, we advise you to undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist at least once a year.

At the medical clinic in Moscow, all conditions have been created for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases. Make an appointment with any of our specialists.

Endometriosis

Brown or bloody discharge are also the main symptoms of endometriosis of the cervix or uterine body. This does not necessarily cause pain. Endometriosis of the cervix is ​​nodular, small cystic formations or growths in the form of red or purplish-blue stripes. Dark bloody and brown discharge may appear from individual lesions. Endometriosis of the uterine body is the growth of endometrial cells in the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterus). Pathological discharge decreases in size after menstruation, and its color becomes lighter.

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Strange scanty and heavy menstruation - is it dangerous?

The regularity and abundance of bleeding is an important factor in women's health. It is difficult to accurately determine blood loss during one menstrual cycle. Menstruation is considered heavy if a woman has to use double protection, blood gets on her bed linen, clots appear in the blood, or if her usual lifestyle has to be changed due to her period.

If your periods change and become more abundant than before, you definitely need to see a gynecologist. There are many reasons for heavy menstrual periods. However, in most women, the uterus is functioning properly and hormone levels are normal. Appropriate treatment can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometrial hyperplasia

Spotting, bloody, brown discharge at the end of the cycle before menstruation or for a long time after menstruation may indicate endometrial hyperplasia. The causes of hyperplasia can be of different nature. Most often, this pathology develops due to hormonal imbalances, as well as carbohydrate, lipid and other types of metabolism. An important role may be played by hereditary predisposition, the presence of uterine fibroids, cancer of the genital organs and breast, hypertension and other diseases, manifestations of damaging effects during the prenatal period of development, diseases during puberty and the disorders of menstrual and subsequently reproductive function caused by them. The appearance of hyperplasia in adulthood is often preceded by previous gynecological diseases, abortions, and genital surgeries.

Brown blood during periods - is there a problem?

Dark blood can sometimes also be confused with discharge.

Brown menstrual bleeding may be a consequence of starting hormonal therapy, including taking birth control pills. Then menstruation does not appear, but so-called withdrawal bleeding occurs. If the discharge is brown and contains mucus, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, and the bleeding itself appears outside the time of the expected menstruation, you need to contact a gynecologist to be examined for infections.

Clots in the discharge are also a cause of great concern among women. If there are many of them, it can lead to anemia. As a rule, this symptom implies massive and regular exfoliation of the uterine epithelium. But in some cases, this may indicate uterine fibroids or endometrial polyps. It is especially dangerous when the blood is very red, dark, and the menstruation itself is extremely heavy.

Dark discharge and large clots are also characteristic of endometriosis.

Menstruation can also be confused with discharge during pregnancy - implantation bleeding. This bleeding usually lasts a few hours, although it can last up to three days. Typically, pregnant women have scanty discharge, the blood is brown and looks more like dirt than blood.

Signs of normality

The secret of a light shade appears as a result of changes in the ratio of sex hormones. When your period ends, vaginal mucus becomes thick and stringy. It allows you to protect the genitals from infection by pathogens. A thick mucus plug also interferes with the normal movement of sperm to the egg.

At the end of the critical days, the appearance of thick, white or beige secretion is allowed. The mucus acquires a yellowish tint due to the content of particles of the endometrium of the uterus and leukocytes. Normally, the secretion has a faint sour odor. Before ovulation, the discharge thins out and becomes more transparent.

During the release of the egg from the follicle, the vaginal environment acquires a slightly alkaline pH. All these conditions create an optimal environment for the movement of sperm to the egg. If conception of a child does not occur, then a few days after ovulation the secretion again acquires a thick consistency.

Symptoms of normal vaginal discharge after menstruation:

• appears in small quantities – 1–4 ml per day;
• light shades - from transparent to yellowish;
• the smell is faint, almost imperceptible.

In each specific case, the color and consistency of the leucorrhoea changes depending on the physiological characteristics of the woman: the level of blood clotting, the composition of the biological fluid, the state of health, and metabolism.

In different women, vaginal discharge may differ not only in color and structure, but also in abundance.

Causes of dark discharge

If the woman is completely healthy, then after two days the dark discharge turns into full menstruation. You should think about why there is dark discharge for a whole week before menstruation. There are a number of reasons why dark discharge appears in the middle of the cycle:

1. Surgical intervention.
2. Diseases of the female reproductive system.
3. Incorrect use of oral contraceptives.
4. Changes in hormonal levels.
5. Inflammatory processes occurring in the genitourinary system.
6. Taking medications that contain estrogen.

When using an intrauterine device, some women experience slight dark discharge between periods. This method of preventing an unwanted pregnancy provokes changes not only in the cycle, but also in the color of the mucus.

Such periods a week before the expected start of menstruation are influenced by the emotional state of the young lady. If a girl has constantly experienced exciting situations and stress for a month, this means that the discharge may change color.

In some cases, the process may mean that the woman is experiencing an inflammatory process. The following points are highlighted, why scanty periods of a dark shade can appear quite often:

1. Sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea) - additional symptoms of non-standard dark periods are itching, burning sensation and pain when urinating.
2. Endometritis – provokes weakness throughout the body, loss of ability to work, unpleasant odor from the vagina, frequent dizziness. If these signs are detected, one can suspect the presence of an inflammatory process on the uterine mucosa, provoked by an infection.
3. Neoplasms of various types are the most dangerous changes in the structure of the female genital organs. In addition to the dark shade of the discharge, cramping-type pain, menstrual irregularities, and the occurrence of spotting at any time between menstruation are recorded.

To identify the causes and prescribe treatment, if required, it is recommended to first undergo a full examination by your attending physician and take the necessary tests. After this, effective therapy is prescribed to eliminate the abnormal process.

Climax

Balzac age in women is characterized by the manifestation of non-standard mucus clots. They should not be considered dangerous; they rather symbolize an insignificant disorder. This condition can be quickly cured with medications.

If systemic, dark clots may be cause for concern. It is recommended to be alert and fully examined. After the onset of menopause, menstruation no longer occurs, the walls of the vagina become much thinner, which periodically leads to discharge that slightly changes its color.

The appearance of dark discharge in older, mature women can indicate various reasons. If a representative of the fairer sex had violent sex or intense physical activity, then the manifestation of this is not a pathology.

If the discharge increases significantly, acquiring a significant volume, then during menopause and menopause, menstrual discharge takes on a dark color and indicates a dangerous disease of the woman’s genitals. You should urgently seek advice and treatment from a qualified, trusted specialist.

Pathological causes of spotting

The situation when your period has already ended, but continues to smear brown is a clear sign of pathological changes in the body. The development of the problem is influenced by both exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal) factors. The first category of reasons includes:

1. Injuries. Abnormal secretion appears as a result of strong mechanical impact on the lower abdomen. Bleeding after menstruation often occurs due to inaccurate sexual intercourse. Another cause of the symptom is the use of vaginal tablets or suppositories.
2. Stressful situations. Bloody stains on women's underwear are observed after emotional shocks. Physical overstrain associated with a rigid work rhythm or participation in men's sports (weightlifting, arm wrestling, etc.).
3. Problems with the cycle are associated with a woman’s constant overwork as a result of an overly active lifestyle or insufficient rest. In this case, eliminating external negative factors will allow you to get rid of the problem. If your period has passed, and after 3 days you start to smear, then this signals internal problems in the body. Among them are:
4. Short duration of menstruation. The condition is caused by hereditary factors. If the girl’s closest relatives experienced short menstruation, then most likely she will also experience proyomenorrhea. In such cases, the time interval between bleeding decreases from 28–36 days (normal) to 2–3 weeks. The condition is caused by insufficient production of female sex hormones.
5. Endometriosis is another common reason for bleeding after menstruation. As a result of abnormal processes, the menstrual cycle lengthens. If a lady has been bleeding for 4-5 days, then due to the disease they will last at least another 3 days. With the disease, menstruation occurs with mucus.
6. Venereal diseases. If, after contact with a carrier of the infection, a woman notices spotting on her underwear, this means that she has become infected. Sexually transmitted diseases are characterized by a hidden nature of their course, so leucorrhoea is usually applied not immediately after menstruation, but on the 7th–8th day of the cycle. Discharge with an unpleasant odor after menstruation indicates the development of pathogenic microflora in the vagina.
7. Endometrial hyperplasia is a disease in which spotting secretion is observed after regulation. Hyperplasia is characterized by slight and heavy discharge, depending on the severity of the pathology. In the latter case, the mucus collects in clots. The situation requires immediate medical attention.
8. Myoma, fibroma, sarcoma. My period has ended, but I continue to smear blood due to the growth of the tumor. In oncology, the symptom is additionally accompanied by acute pain, an unpleasant odor of secretion (due to the decomposition of healthy cells), and a general deterioration in well-being (nausea, weakness, constant fatigue). Large tumors compress the blood vessels of the affected organ (or neighboring systems), which leads to the appearance of bloody leucorrhoea from the vagina.
9. Ovulation is a natural reason why spotting occurs after the menstrual cycle. Usually the symptom appears on the 10th–22nd day of the cycle. The condition cannot be called pathological, since it occurs as a result of rupture of the membranes of the follicle in which the egg is located. Bleeding lasts 1–2 days and ends on its own after ovulation.