The appearance of a discharge before menstruation is a relatively common situation, as long as the discharge is whitish, odorless and has a slightly elastic and slippery consistency. This is a discharge that usually appears due to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle and is common after the egg is released.
However, if the discharge has a different color or if it has other strange characteristics such as a bad smell, thicker consistency, change in color or other associated symptoms such as pain, burning or itching, it may be a sign of infection, for example, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist to perform the necessary exams and start the appropriate treatment.
One of the most easily observable changes in discharge is the change in color. For this reason, we explain the most common causes for each color of discharge before menstruation:
white discharge
White discharge is the most common type of discharge before menstruation and is completely normal, especially when it is not accompanied by a bad odor and is not too thick.
If the white discharge has a bad smell, is thick and is accompanied by itchiness, pain or irritation in the vaginal region, it may be a type of infection and should be evaluated by a gynecologist. Check the causes of white discharge before menstruation and what to do.
pinkish discharge
A pinkish discharge can also appear before menstruation, especially in women with an irregular menstrual cycle or who are going through a phase of greater hormonal imbalance.
This is because, in these cases, menstruation can end up coming sooner than the woman was expecting, causing the bleeding to mix with the whitish discharge that is common before menstruation, thus causing a more pinkish discharge.
Some situations that can cause hormonal imbalance are:
- Starting or changing contraceptives;
- Presence of cysts in the ovaries.
- Pre-menopause.
If the pink discharge is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain during intercourse, bleeding or pelvic pain, it may be a sign of infection. In these cases, it is recommended to consult the gynecologist to identify the cause and initiate the appropriate treatment. See more of the main causes for pinkish discharge throughout the cycle.
brown discharge
A brown discharge is more common after menstruation due to the release of some blood clots, but it can also happen before menstruation, especially after intimate contact or when changing the contraceptive.
However, if the brown discharge appears with blood or appears associated with pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse or burning when urinating, it may be indicative of a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea, which must be properly treated with the use of antibiotics prescribed by the gynecologist . See what may indicate brown discharge before menstruation.
yellow discharge
A yellow discharge is not an immediate sign of a problem, and usually appears within 10 days of menstruation due to ovulation.
However, the woman must always be aware of any change in the smell or the appearance of other symptoms such as pain when urinating or itching in the intimate region, as the yellow discharge can also be indicative of an infection in the genital region, and it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. Understand more what causes yellow discharge and treatment in case of infection.
greenish discharge
A greenish discharge before menstruation is not common and is usually accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching and burning in the vaginal region, pointing to a possible infection caused by some fungus or bacteria.
In these cases, it is recommended that the woman see a gynecologist to identify the infection and initiate treatment. Know the causes of a greenish discharge and what to do when it appears.
when to go to the doctor
It is important to consult the gynecologist when:
- The discharge has an unpleasant smell;
- Other symptoms appear such as pain or irritation in the genital region, when urinating, or during sexual intercourse;
- Periods are delayed for 2 months or more.
In addition to these situations, it is also recommended to consult the gynecologist regularly, at least once a year, to perform preventive diagnostic tests, such as the Pap smear. Here are the 5 signs that you should go to the gynecologist.
