Reasons for brown discharge during periods

Most women who have brown discharge during periods panic because they believe that they are suffering from a major problem. They think about worst conditions and problems and usually visit their doctor to check if they are suffering from a major ailment. Even though visiting your doctor is not a bad idea, it is important that you analyse the condition of your body and lifestyle before you get professional help. Analysing your condition will help you in determining when the condition is safe and when you should visit your doctor.

Under Normal Circumstances

In most cases, women have brown discharge because their periods are late. When the periods are delayed, the old uterine lining is expelled by the body. In normal circumstances, women may experience brown discharge for up to 3 days and then they have their normal periods. If the brown discharge does not stop in 3 days, it is best to consult your doctor.

So why do you have brown discharge under normal circumstances?

Women must understand that vaginal canal is self-cleaning system that automatically expels dead cells from the body. At times, dead cells and lining are not completely eliminated from the body and they can reside in the uterus for about 30 days. Since the dead cells are not eliminated from the body, they are eliminated from the body as brown discharge before the next periods.

Some other common causes for brown discharge

There are a few other common causes for brown discharge. Some of the other causes are:

Menopause

Most women experience brown discharge several years before menopause. During this stage which is known as peri-menopause, the reproductive system of women slows down and they start producing less estrogen. Some of the symptoms of peri-menopause include night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disruptions, hot flashes and mood swings.

Hormonal Imbalance

In about one-third of cases, hormonal imbalance is considered as one of the causes for brown discharge instead of normal periods. You can experience hormonal imbalance during Hyperprolactinemia, Polycystic Ovarian Diseases and Ovarian Premature Failure.

Implantation Haemorrhaging

When the egg is fertilized, the fertilized zygote and ovum travel to the womb via the Fallopian tubes. The fertilized zygote becomes a large embryo during this period and burrows into the uterus coating. This could lead to brown discharge instead of periods.

Birth Control Pills

Millions of women all over the world use contraceptive pills. These pills are artificial form of progesterone which prevents women from becoming pregnant. These pills work by preventing the body from releasing the egg thereby eliminating the possibility of women becoming pregnant. These pills are also responsible for making changes in cervical mucus and lining which can lead to brown discharge.

Severe Health Problem

Some extreme health conditions that can lead to brown discharge include:

• Syphilis
• Cervical Pain
• Gonorrhea
• Pelvic Inflammatory condition
• Chlamydia

Since the symptoms of each of these problems are different, it is best that you consult your doctor to find out the cause of the problem. Some of the signs of serious problem include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Distress during sex
• Vaginal dry skin

What can you do to prevent brown discharge?

If the brown discharge is due to normal changes in the body, you cannot do anything. However, if the discharge is triggered by an infection, you can prevent the condition by keeping the area clean, having safe sexual life and consulting your physician.

However, if you are experiencing itching, burning sensation, vaginal dryness and cramps, you must consult your doctor immediately.

Category: Health Problems, Problems during Periods