ᐉ Brown periods with clots, dark brown discharge before menstruation: causes

Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor is no longer normal, but a sign of pathology. A healthy woman may have some bloody discharge, but it does not have a strong odor.

The color of vaginal secretion is one of the characteristic symptoms in women, which is used to guide the assessment of the patient’s reproductive function. A change in the color of mucus to a brown state is not always an indicator of the presence of pathological processes. The characteristics of the body affect the hormonal balance, the production of vaginal secretions, and the composition of the blood.

Causes of brown discharge with odor

A change in the color of mucus does not always indicate any disease. The secretion is affected by hormonal balance, blood composition, and medications taken. The mucus turns brown because it contains particles of thickened blood.

Hormonal imbalance

An imbalance of female sex hormones affects the nature of the mucus in the vagina. A deficiency of estrogen and progesterone affects the functioning of the entire reproductive system. As a result of the disorder, a small amount of blood enters the vaginal mucous secretion, causing dysbiosis in the vagina, which is manifested by brown discharge with a strong unpleasant odor.

Reasons for changes in hormonal balance in women:

adolescence;
the onset of pregnancy;
menopause;
hormone therapy;
diseases of the endocrine system – diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, etc.

Taking oral contraceptives

Birth control pills contain microdoses of hormones. Their contraceptive effect is based on this. During the first three months, the body may react to the influx of hormones from the outside, resulting in light brown vaginal discharge with an odor.

If after 3 months of using contraceptives the symptoms have not gone away, you should contact the clinic and choose another regimen, medications or other methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Sexual infections

Diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner cause a number of characteristic symptoms:

severe itching in the vagina;
burning and irritation;
pain, swelling, hyperemia of the mucous membrane;
secretion with a foul odor;
urinary disorders.

The acute form of sexually transmitted diseases provokes an inflammatory process, as a result of which the mucous tissues bleed and blood enters the vaginal secretion. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in it causes an unpleasant odor; women say that the discharge stinks.

Inflammatory processes

The nature of vaginal secretion is affected by inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system. They occur when various pathogens enter the genitals.

Dark bloody discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor causes the following pathologies:

Endometritis. It is an inflammation in the uterine cavity, damage to the endometrium occurs. It is characterized by the release of purulent brown mucus from the vagina. Other symptoms are pain in the lower abdomen, increased general body temperature, weakness and poor health.
Adnexitis or salpingoophoritis. Inflammation that affects the fallopian tubes. Along with pathological secretions, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, cramps occur in the lower abdomen - on the right or left, and a possible increase in temperature.
Colpitis. Inflammatory process in the vagina. The affected mucous membrane may bleed, and the presence of coagulated blood in the vaginal secretion causes an unpleasant odor. Accompanied by pain and irritation in the vagina, burning, itching.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a disease caused by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. Characteristic manifestations are vaginal itching, burning, and constant white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and often has a sour smell.

In the acute form of thrush, severe irritation of the mucous membrane begins, it becomes hyperemic and loose, and with severe damage it can bleed. The result is brown vaginal discharge with a sour odor.

Cervical erosion

With this pathology, there are often no symptoms. Sometimes, due to inflammation and damage to ulcerated tissues and injury to small blood vessels, a small amount of blood is released. When released, it mixes with vaginal secretions and has an unpleasant odor. May increase after sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis

This is a pathological growth of the endometrium - tissue located in the uterine cavity, its migration to other organs of the pelvis and abdominal cavity. An increase in the size of the endometrium gives rise to heavy periods of a brown color with clots, and in the period between them brown, spotting, smelly discharge appears, which can be black due to the large amount of coagulated blood.

Polyps

These are benign formations on the lining of the uterus or in the cervical canal. They arise as a result of hormonal imbalance, against the background of chronic inflammation. Often appear when menopause begins.

Polypous formations cause dark discharge and menstrual irregularities.

Ovarian cyst

This is a benign growth on one or both ovaries. Characteristic symptoms are pain in the abdomen, on the left or right, depending on the location of the cyst, cycle failure, spotting bloody mucus.

Ectopic pregnancy

After conception, the embryo does not reach the uterine cavity and attaches outside it. Tubal ectopic pregnancy is the most common. There is a danger of pipe rupture closer to 8 weeks. Accompanied by acute pain, bloody brown discharge as during menstruation in their last days.

Diagnostic methods for making a diagnosis

Particularly dangerous to health:

Why is there discharge during pregnancy?

After conception, the embryo attaches to the endometrium in the uterine cavity. This causes microtrauma to the mucous membrane, and it begins to bleed. There is implantation bleeding, which women mistake for pathological discharge.

At later stages, sudden bloody dark discharge is a sign of a threatened miscarriage. This is how the detachment of the fertilized egg begins.

Brown discharge with a bad odor after childbirth

Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor may occur after childbirth. Normally, after delivery, lochia occurs for 2-3 days, this is blood from the vagina. Gradually they become more scarce, but can bleed for up to 2 months.

If there is constant heavy bleeding for more than 3 days and a strong odor, you should inform your doctor about this, since such signs indicate the addition of a bacterial infection and the onset of an inflammatory process.

Yellow discharge

Yellow discharge, as a rule, indicates quite serious diseases, which should not be treated without a gynecologist . Home therapy can distort the symptoms and nature of the manifestation of the pathology, as a result of which the attending physician may make an incorrect diagnosis. The reasons for such allocations are:

adnexitis - an inflammatory process in the uterine appendages;
colpitis – inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
allergic reactions;
salpingitis - inflammation in the fallopian tubes;
erosive lesions of the cervix;
trichomoniasis is an infectious process in the genitourinary system caused by Trichomonas;
chlamydia is an infection that affects the reproductive system, the causative agent is chlamydia;
Gonorrhea is an infection of the genitourinary system with gonococcus.

Manifestation on different days of the cycle

Dark mucus can appear in women during different phases of the menstrual cycle:

Before menstruation. Brown spotting before menstruation is often the reason for the start of the natural process of rejection of endometrioid tissue. Pinkish-brown discharge before menstruation is also the result of stress, physical activity, unhealthy lifestyle, bad habits, and poor diet.
In the middle of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation begins - the maturation of the egg. When it comes out, the follicle ruptures, damage to small vessels occurs, so a little bloody or brownish secretion may be released from the vagina.
After menstruation. A spot with a brown tint immediately after a woman's menstrual days is the residual elements of the endometrium and blood that did not have time to come out.

If, with such a clinical picture, a woman does not have pain or other unpleasant sensations, there is no need to worry. If you experience pain, a strong odor, or an increase in the volume of dark discharge, you should be examined by a gynecologist and listen to his comments.

What to do

If you notice a brown, smelly discharge, you should get examined. The gynecologist prescribes:

smear, blood and urine tests;
hormone analysis;
Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.

Based on the results obtained, treatment will be selected. The treatment regimen depends on the cause of the pathology. Can be assigned:

Hormonal drugs for hormonal imbalance.
Antibacterial therapy for infectious processes and inflammation.
Antifungal agents for candidiasis.
Surgery for the appearance of tumors, cysts, formations.

Complex therapy includes vitamin complexes to enhance immunity. After completion of the course of treatment, probiotics are prescribed to restore normal vaginal microflora.

Brown discharge accompanied by a pungent odor is a reason to consult a doctor. This symptom can be either a manifestation of natural changes in the female body or a consequence of diseases. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, as it is dangerous for the development of complications and ultimately infertility. When undergoing a course of therapy, it is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

Vaginal brown discharge with an odor most often indicates a disorder in the genitals. This article will tell you what types of pathologies cause this symptom.

Characteristics of the symptom

The basis of such secretions is the mucous secretion produced by the glands of the genital organs and the fluid of the cervical canal. The brownish tint of mucus comes from blood, which for various reasons gets into the secretion and oxidizes.

Such vaginal fluid in women has different characteristics: abundant and scanty, watery and thick, having a light and dark shade, a homogeneous, cheesy and streaky consistency, accompanied by discomfort in the form of itching, pain in the lower abdomen, the smell of iron, pus, rotten fish.

The consistency depends on the provocateur of this symptom. These include:

Hormonal imbalance.
Experienced emotional stress.
Endocrinological disorders.
Inflammation.
Infection.
Threat of miscarriage.
Pathologies of the uterus and other female organs.

Treatment tactics

Treatment for thick black and brown menstruation with clots is aimed at eliminating the problem that caused such symptoms. Consultations with narrow specialists are indicated: gynecologist, nutritionist, hematologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, psychotherapist. If it turns out that the cause of the pathology is a metabolic disorder, correction of the daily routine and nutrition is carried out. When the cause lies in stress, sedatives are indicated.

In case of hormonal imbalance, metabolic correction and treatment with hormonal drugs will be required. For endometrial polyps, diagnostic curettage and drug therapy based on histology results are indicated. If significant growth of fibroids is noticed, surgical intervention will be required. Otherwise, hormonal treatment is selected and a wait-and-see approach is used.

Sign of normality

Sometimes the appearance of brown discharge with an iron smell is not a violation. The norm includes secretion that is associated with the course of the menstrual cycle and appears a day or two before menstruation, and is indicated for several days after its completion or during the ovulatory period.

An acceptable characteristic is only a slight smell of iron (that’s what blood smells like), as well as the absence of accompanying uncomfortable symptoms.

Otherwise, the described symptom is indicated as a result of pathologies that tend to make themselves felt most clearly before and after menstruation. Find out what dark discharge before menstruation indicates in the article at the link.

In children and adolescents

For the first time, brown discharge may appear in newborn girls on the 4th-5th day of life. This is a physiological condition called sexual crisis.

It occurs under the influence of a sharp drop in estrogen levels after birth. Sexual crisis is observed in 70% of newborns and indicates the child’s normal adaptation. It lasts no longer than 2 days and does not require special treatment. Typically, the volume of blood released does not exceed 2 ml.

If a mother notices brown discharge on a preschool girl’s underwear, then she needs to think about the child’s personal hygiene. Neglect of water procedures, uncomfortable underwear, and enterobiasis lead to the development of vulvitis and vulvovaginitis.

They are characterized by an increase in the amount of discharge, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness of the vulva area, and intense itching. The child involuntarily adjusts his panties and fidgets. Daytime and night sleep is disturbed, he becomes restless, anxious with frequent waking up.

If the itching is severe, the girl will scratch the problem areas. Sometimes this results in small drops of blood appearing on your underwear.

Before puberty, the reasons for the appearance of bloody discharge may be the following:

inflammatory diseases (vulvitis and vulvovaginitis);
foreign bodies in the vagina;
trauma and violence;
very rarely - tumors.

In rare cases, bleeding may occur due to the entry of large amounts of estrogen into the body. These can be tablet medications taken without asking the mother, as well as vaginal creams with estrogen (for example, in the treatment of synechiae).

During the period of formation of the menstrual cycle in the first year after menarche, the appearance of spotting may be a variant of the norm.

But subsequently, bloody, gradually increasing discharge in the middle of the cycle in girls characterizes juvenile uterine bleeding. Their reasons may be:

A disorder of folliculogenesis, which leads to a lack of ovulation and long-term persistence of follicles.
Long-term dysregulation of cyclic changes in the endometrium and activation of fibrinolysis.

As symptoms increase and blood loss increases, these conditions require treatment. Curettage is not used in adolescents. To stop bleeding, as a rule, they resort to hormonal drugs.

Hormonal imbalance

Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor quite often appears due to hormone-dependent changes. This secretion can be released during sexual intercourse, before and after menstruation.

Hormonal imbalance can occur for various reasons:

endocrinological disruptions;
use of hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraception;
menopause.

The lack of estrogen and progesterone affects the organs of the reproductive system and their tissues, which secrete a small amount of blood. The biocenosis of the vagina (disturbance of the microflora) also joins in, as a result of which the mucous secretion changes its composition and begins to emit a pungent odor.

Preventive measures

Most gynecological diseases come from improper handling of one's own body and an irrational lifestyle. The occurrence of brown blood during menstruation and painful conditions can be avoided if you make it a rule to do simple things that will not be difficult to do regularly:

visit a gynecologist’s office twice a year to get tested for possible infections and cancer cells;
monitor genital hygiene every day, if necessary, wash yourself twice a day (at least once);
during critical days, change hygiene products (pad or tampon) at least 3-4 times, wash before each change;
use contraceptives even with a regular sexual partner, if your plans do not include pregnancy;
adhere to a healthy lifestyle, since alcohol and tobacco smoking have a serious impact on a woman’s reproductive abilities;
try not to wear thongs, as this is the most unhygienic option of all possible underwear.

This year alone, not a single women’s forum has more than a hundred representatives of the fair sex who shared their personal situation with strange dark-colored discharge. And how many are still left alone with their problem? The issue of the functioning of the reproductive system is very serious and requires immediate resolution as soon as any difficulties arise. But you won’t be able to find answers to all your questions on the forum, so a visit to the gynecologist’s office cannot be avoided. And the sooner this happens, the easier it will be to cure the disease.

Inflammatory processes

Inflammation of the genital organs is a common problem among the fair half of humanity. They develop due to the entry of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteroides, enterococci, chlamydia, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas) into the genital tract when favorable conditions exist for their vital activity. Such conditions are created through:

microflora disorders;
weakened immunity;
poor hygiene;
improper lifestyle;
hormonal imbalance.

Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor due to illness

Endometritis is inflammation of the basal layer of the endometrium. As the process develops, the body temperature rises, the uterus begins to secrete bloody, purulent brown mucus, and pain is felt in the lower abdomen. Symptoms appear regardless of the menstrual cycle.
Adnexitis, also known as salpingoophoritis, is an inflammatory process affecting the appendages (fallopian tubes). The disease is characterized by:
menstrual irregularities;
heavy menstruation or acyclic brown discharge (often purulent with
strong unpleasant odor);
increased body temperature;
spasms and pain in the lower abdomen, moving to the lower back.
Colpitis is a lesion of the vaginal mucosa, which indicates an infection. Indicated by brown purulent discharge in women, which can be associated with the appearance of a bad odor. Symptoms overlap with vaginal itching, burning, and pain. Symptoms often appear after sexual intercourse.
Common female diseases include bacterial vaginosis, the main symptom of which is dirty white, gray, brownish vaginal discharge, discharge that smells like rotten fish, and vaginal itching.
The symptom also characterizes many sexually transmitted diseases in an acute form, due to which blood is released into a pathological secretion that has acquired a brown tint and a foul odor.
Endometriosis can become a prerequisite for the appearance of dark discharge with an unpleasant odor after and before menstruation.
Cervical erosion is mostly asymptomatic, but there are often cases when it is indicated by a few drops of blood, which coagulates and comes out in the form of light brown mucus with an unpleasant odor. Read about what kind of discharge occurs during cervical erosion in the article at the link.
Discharge with a brown tint and a putrid odor, accompanied by bursting pain, indicates an ectopic pregnancy or fetal death. This case should be reported to your doctor immediately.
This sign also manifests itself in neoplasms of different etymologies.

Remember, this symptom in most cases indicates a disorder in the woman’s reproductive system. You must definitely tell your gynecologist about it and have the discharge material submitted for analysis to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. Never self-medicate, watch the nature of your sexual secretion and be healthy!

The secretion released from the vagina creates a barrier to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and the development of a number of other problems, but its appearance cannot always be considered a normal variant. Often mucus signals the development of pathology. An alarming signal is discharge with an odor. When they appear, medical advice is needed.

Diagnostics

The causes of brown vaginal discharge can be very diverse. It is important to remember that their appearance during a period of time not associated with menstruation requires consultation with a doctor. In addition to questioning and examination in a gynecological chair, the following can be performed:

1Smear on flora and GN.
2PAP test.
3 Colposcopy and hysteroscopy.
4Separate curettage and histological examination of the material.
5 Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
6According to indications: hysterography and MRI, blood test for tumor markers, general blood test, studies of sex hormone levels.

Discharge from a healthy woman

Mucus is considered a natural defense reaction of the body. It is produced by special glands of the reproductive system. Depending on the period of the cycle, the intensity of secretion varies significantly.

In the absence of health problems, the smell of the discharge is barely perceptible. They are in most cases colorless and have a slimy consistency . With the onset of the second phase of the cycle, an increase in volume is noted.

The following characteristics are considered signs that white discharge with an odor without itching is normal:

a spot appearing on a panty liner with a diameter of no more than 5 cm;
the consistency is thick, but not excessively;
barely noticeable sour aroma;
the presence of lumps up to 4 mm in size is acceptable;
no discomfort or pain.

Such symptoms are caused by physiological reasons. If there are no associated clinical manifestations, then there is no cause for concern.

Physiological causes of odor

There are a number of factors that cause discharge to smell. Among them are the following:

discharge during intimacy. The sebaceous glands, localized in the area of the labia minora, begin active activity and produce substances with a specific aroma;
failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. The genitals need to be washed twice a day using special products. If such actions are not performed, then vaginal secretion accumulates and pathogenic microflora begins to form. As a result, there is an unpleasant odor of female discharge;
frequent douching. Such manipulations lead to disruption of the microflora and the appearance of similar symptoms;
immunosuppression. Respiratory diseases and improper diet management can provoke such changes;
drug therapy using potent drugs;
hormonal imbalance. Symptoms are observed against the background of menopause, pregnancy, and abortion procedures;
exposure to stress.

To prevent vaginal fluid with an unpleasant aroma from appearing again, it is enough to eliminate the reason why it arose.

Pathological causes

Often women experience white, yellow, green or brown discharge with an unpleasant odor. They may smell like vinegar, iron, sour milk, or smell like fish. Such changes indicate the onset of a pathological process. Concomitant symptoms are of no small importance when making a diagnosis.

Candidiasis

The causes of discharge in women with a pungent odor often lie in the development of candidiasis. In case of thrush, their aroma is sour, the color is white, and the consistency is curdled. Associated symptoms with this pathology are itching and burning in the intimate area.

The disease is provoked by candida fungi, which are always present in the vaginal microflora and actively multiply when favorable conditions are created. With an excessive increase in their quantity, an unpleasant odor of discharge in women is observed. The following factors contribute to the onset of the pathological process:

suppression of the activity of the body's protective functions;
hormonal changes;
stressful situations;
hypothermia;
improper organization of diet.

If proper treatment is not carried out, the disease progresses, and as a result, the intestines and bladder are affected.

Thrush is not considered a dangerous disease, but it can cause a lot of discomfort and provoke the development of complications. For this reason, she needs immediate treatment.

Treatment after diagnosis of the disease

If a secretion with an uncharacteristic aroma appears, treatment should be started without delay. Such changes indicate the development of pathology. After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes certain groups of medications. Depending on the identified disease, the following are used:

Antibacterial agents. Suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and help eliminate them. They are prescribed in the form of tablets or suppositories. When using topical medications, it is possible to speed up the therapy process. Systemic drugs can disrupt the normal intestinal microflora, so prebiotics are prescribed in combination with them.
Lactic acid. Needed to restore vaginal microflora and eliminate secretions secreted with a metallic or other specific aroma.
Hormonal medications. Prescribed when it is necessary to correct hormonal levels.
Medicines containing ascorbic acid. This substance inhibits bacterial activity.

In addition to taking medications, diet adjustments are made. In the fight against secretions with a specific aroma, a properly selected menu provides significant assistance. It is necessary to include a large amount of fermented milk products, preferably home-made, and not store-bought options. It would also be useful to consume garlic, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

An equally important point is the drinking regime. A plentiful amount of liquid helps to quickly wash away pathogenic microflora, as well as remove waste, toxins and sugar from the body.

Drug therapy is carried out under strict medical supervision. A woman must follow all instructions. It is strictly prohibited to interrupt the course of treatment and replace the drug without the approval of these actions by the gynecologist. As a result, serious complications can develop.

Brown periods from medications

In the problem of why periods are brown and stand out little, a separate issue is taking contraceptive medications. Tablets or suppositories affect a woman’s hormonal levels, providing protection against pregnancy and, as a result, changing the menstrual cycle. In the meantime, the body adapts to the new functioning of the processes of the reproductive system, the girl can observe scant discharge of dark daub on the pad. Within 2-3 months this is accepted as normal, but if strange discharge is observed longer, it means that contraceptives are not suitable and should be stopped immediately. The use of incorrectly selected contraceptives can result in infertility, so to select the correct sexual protection you need to consult a doctor.

Traditional methods

When combating secretion with a rotten, uncharacteristic odor, traditional methods can be used in combination with medications:

Immortelle. A tablespoon of pre-dried and crushed inflorescences is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and brought to a boil, after which it is left for another half hour. The drug is filtered and only a teaspoon is drunk before each meal.
Conifer needles. A glass of collected pine needles should be filled with 3 liters of water and boiled for at least half an hour. After the decoction has cooled, it should be filtered and poured into a basin of water to take a sitz bath. The duration of the manipulations is at least 20 minutes.
Garlic. It needs to be cleaned, pour boiling water over it and bring to a boil. Let the liquid sit on the stove for about five minutes, then cool and add a teaspoon of vinegar. Use the resulting liquid to irrigate the vagina daily. Therapy in this way lasts 10 days.
St. John's wort. To prepare the infusion, you need to add only 100 grams of plants to 2 liters of water and boil for 30 minutes. The resulting medicine should be filtered and used for douching.

When using folk remedies, you need to remember that they can cause allergies. Before you start using them, you should definitely consult a gynecologist. Self-medication can significantly aggravate the situation, and as a result, the disease becomes chronic. Dealing with it will be much more difficult.

Vaginal secretion normally has only a subtle aroma. The presence of a pungent odor in the vast majority of cases indicates that a pathological process has begun in the body. Such symptoms should not be ignored. When it appears, urgent medical consultation is needed.