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Hi there
There are several reasons for brown discharge, I will list some below -
Interested in finding out why a woman could get a brown discharge instead of a normal period? You should remain aware of your own body and if things appear to be different, be sure to get it checked. In some instances and special conditions, a woman may experience brown vaginal discharge instead of a normal regular period. Here’s why.
1. Delayed Periods
- A brown vaginal discharge instead of a period usually occurs due to late periods.
- Sometimes if the lining is not eliminated, the residual can remain within the uterus for almost a month.
- In this condition, a woman’s body expels an old uterine lining.
- These discharges are normally observed for nearly three days after which a woman should get her usual period.
- If the menstrual flow does not follow the discharge, you must seek immediate medical help.
- In majority instances, a brown discharge is just the remains of a delayed period.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
- In nearly 25% of all cases, hormonal imbalance is regarded as the key reason for discharge that occurs instead of periods.
- Brown discharge instead of a regular period can also be a symptom of hormonal dysfunction and/or hormonal imbalance.
- This imbalance can be experienced due to Polycystic Ovarian Diseases (PCOS), Ovarian Premature Failure and Endometriosis.
- Other reasons for hormonal dysfunction could be the use of birth control pills, hormonal contraception, Hyperprolactinemia etc.
3. Implantation Hemorrhaging
- After fertilization, the zygote and a fertilized ovum travel through the fallopian tubes up to the womb.
- The zygote becomes an enlarged embryo during this travel and burrows inside the uterine coating.
- This burrowing causes brown vaginal discharge instead of periods.
- This can be an early signal of pregnancy and is also called “implantation bleeding”.
- Implantation bleeding is different from a normal period since it is lighter and lasts for only up to 3 days.
- Implantation bleeding occurs nearly 6 to 12 days post fertilization and a week before your period is due.
4. Birth Control Pills
- A birth control pill is a synthetic form of the progesterone and estrogen hormone and is taken by a woman to prevent pregnancy.
- Often, birth control pills are also used for treating acne, ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, etc.
- The progesterone and estrogen hormones work to inhibit the natural cyclical hormones and prevent pregnancy.
- The progesterone in the pills change the lining of the uterus and help prevent the sperms from reaching the egg.
- This change in the cervical mucus brings a change in the lining color as well and is responsible for brown vaginal spotting instead of a period.
5. Serious Diseases / Health Conditions
- Sometimes brown spotting instead of a period can be a symptom of serious health issues or diseases.
- Brown discharge during periods may be caused due to cervical cancer, chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis.
- In general, brown discharge is safe but any infection in the vagina characterized by large amount of discharge and unpleasant smell should be checked.
- Some other signs of serious problems include itching, vaginal dry skin, burning and distress during sex.
6. Menopause Or Perimenopause
- One of the initial stage of perimenopause leads to brown discharge instead of periods as estrogen levels continue to drop.
- The ovaries produce less estrogen and the entire reproductive system slows down.
- This condition is associated with irregular ovulation and cycle leading to a permanent natural infertility.
- Discharge is noticed along with night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, hot flashes, confusion and mood swings.
7. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) are serious infections of the upper genital tract and female reproductive organs such as fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries.
- PID can be a vital reason for brown secretion instead of periods.
- PID can be naturally occurring or sexually transmitted.
- At times, PID develops from a bacteria that has traveled through the cervix and vagina from an intrauterine device (IUD).
- If left untreated, it can cause infertility, chronic brown discharge and chronic infection.
Please visit a doctor for correct evaluation of your case and help. Good luck
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