What Does Brown Discharge but No Periods Mean?

You may be used to seeing red vaginal discharge during your period. But have you spotted a different discharge colour than what you are used to? Well, you are not alone. A study published in Oxford Academic found that 14.5% women experience abnormal vaginal discharge. Yet, most women had difficulty differentiating normal vaginal discharge from abnormal vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is your body’s natural way to protect your vagina from infections and keep it clean. Discharge can vary in amount and colour, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. While brown discharge looks alarming, it is not always a reason to worry. But how do you know if brown discharge is an early pregnancy sign? When could it be a cause for concern? Keep on scrolling to find out!

Is Brown Discharge Normal?

Yes, brown discharge is usually normal, especially if you notice it at the time of your menstrual cycle. Brown discharge often happens when old blood leaves your body, just before or after your period, when the blood flow is slower. Fresh blood, which is red in colour, can turn brown when it comes in contact with air and undergoes oxidation. 

Now can you differentiate the brown discharge from menstrual blood? Here's a quick comparison of brown spotting vs. period:

Is Brown Discharge an Early Pregnancy Sign?

Yes, you might experience abdominal cramps and light pink or brownish discharge in your early pregnancy. In fact, 15-25% of women experience brown spotting or light bleeding during their first trimester. Brown discharge or spotting might be a cause of implantation bleeding, when a fertilised egg implants in the inner lining of the uterus. However, you might mistake it for your period if it happens at the time of your menstrual cycle. 

If you are planning a pregnancy and start experiencing mild cramping, fatigue, sensitive breasts, and nausea, it's worth getting a pregnancy test at home. Nonetheless, make sure to consult a gynaecologist as soon as possible in such a case.

Also Read: Irregular periods after delivery

What are the Causes of Brown Discharge?

Your vaginal discharge could be brown for a variety of reasons. You might notice brown discharge before missed period if you fall into one or more of the following categories: 

You are on Birth Control

Some contraception methods, like IUDs or implants, release the progesterone hormone into your body to prevent pregnancy. As your body begins to adjust to the new form of birth control, you might experience side effects as irregular menstrual cycle, spotting, and brown discharge. 

You Had a Pap Smear or Pelvic Exam

Brown discharge in certain cases indicates that your cervix is bleeding. The cervix is a sensitive organ and may bleed after a pelvic exam. You might also get brown discharge after a pap smear test, where the cells from your cervix are collected with a cotton swab or soft brush. It can cause a little bit of bleeding for a few days. 

You are Ovulating

You might experience ovulation spotting in the middle of your menstrual cycle. It happens when an egg is released from the ovaries. Estrogen levels will be high at this time, and any subsequent drop can trigger spotting. The colour may range from pink to brow or it can even be mixed with clear discharge. 

You are in Extreme Stress

Sometimes, brown discharge may signal a hormonal imbalance due to extreme stress. Estrogen stabilises the uterine lining. If you are under stress, there will be too little estrogen to circulate. As a result, the lining may break down at different points throughout your menstrual cycle, resulting in brown discharge or unusual bleeding. 

You have Recently had Sex

If you have recently had vigorous sex, then the vaginal irritation can cause light bleeding. It will take a few days for the blood to leave your body, and during that time, the blood will turn brown due to oxidation. 

You are in the Perimenopause Stage

If you are usually 45 or older, brown discharge may be a sign of perimenopause, the period before your body transitions to menopause. During this time, the hormones estrogen and progesterone will not rise or fall like in normal periods. It can lead to irregular bleeding or brown spotting along with mood swings, hot flashes, or insomnia.

You are Healing from Postpartum

After childbirth, your body sheds blood and tissues from the uterus, a process known as lochia. In the later stages, the discharge often turns from red to brown as the bleeding flow slows down. It can last for several weeks and is usually a part of your recovery. 

When Brown Discharge Can Be Serious?

While most of the time, brown discharge is normal, in rare cases, it might point to an underlying issue. Such cases require mandatory medical attention, especially if the discharge is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Here’s when you should worry about brown discharge,

Foreign Objects in the Body

A forgotten tampon, contraceptive device, or other foreign object left inside verging can cause irritation and brown discharge. However, when left unnoticed, it can lead to infection, discomfort, and foul smell.

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

PID is an infection of the uterus and cervix, which might result in brown discharge. It happens due to untreated sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It often comes along with other symptoms like painful urination, fever, severe cramps, and pelvic pain.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Do you know that approximately 6 -13% of women of reproductive age are dealing wth PCOS? PCOS mainly occurs due to hormonal imbalances. For example, insulin resistance and high androgen levels. They affect the ovulation process. Therefore, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular or gets disrupted, where uterine may not fully disintegrate. Therefore, PCOS can also cause brown discharge.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that occurs when the tissue in your uterine lining starts growing in other areas, like the bowels, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Heavy periods or occasional internal bleeding can come out as brown discharge in such conditions.

Ectopic Pregnancy

When the fertilised egg gets attached outside your uterine cavity, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy. This is a rare occurrence but but when it happens, it may cause brown spotting, along with vomiting, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps. Always seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent any complications.

Cervical Cancer

In extremely rare cases, brown discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer. Look out for the symptoms like weakness, unusual weight loss, prolonged periods, or painful intercourse. Regular screening and proper care can detect and prevent any signs of cervical cancer.

What to Notice If You Experience Brown Discharge?

Whatever the cause behind it, brown discharge before the missed period can be alarming. So, if you also noticed brown discharge, consider these points before it becomes a serious concern: 

• Track the Timing of Discharge: You can have brown discharge at the beginning and end of your period. If you never experience the discharge during this timeframe or have it at any other time, consult with your doctor immediately.
• Check Other Symptoms: If you also experience symptoms like pain, itching, or bad odour along with brown discharge, reach out to your doctor. This could be a sign of infection or any other condition.
• Consider Your Lifestyle: When you experience lifestyle changes like excess stress, sexual activity, or changes in your contraceptives, it can cause spotting or changes to your discharge colour. 

Be Aware and Attentive to Your Body’s Natural Pattern!

Brown discharge may not always be a cause for concern. It is usually related to hormonal changes, periods, early pregnancies, and even certain conditions affecting the ovaries and uterus. Listen to your body and take note of what your vaginal discharge normally looks like. Consult with a healthcare professional in case of any significant changes or worrying symptoms. 

Experiencing brown discharge and have multiple questions around it? Schedule your appointment with Apollo Spectra. Our specialist guides every step of the way, with care and compassion.