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What Does Discharge Before Your Period Mean?

It’s that time of the month again. Sensitive breasts, changes in your mood and appetite, cramps, and white discharge call for your need to buy your pads and tampons to prepare for your period. Hormones play a crucial role in developing these PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) symptoms, particularly the white discharge. Read on to learn how hormonal changes influence vaginal discharge before your period, what is a normal discharge, and when you should be concerned.

White discharge before your period

Vaginal tissues are kept healthy and lubricated through discharge. The white discharge that appears before your period is called leukorrhea. It comprises fluid and bacteria from vaginal cells, which may sometimes look slightly yellow. This stage of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase, referring to the time the hormone progesterone peaks in your body. During this time, progesterone, with its increased level right before your period, turns the discharge cloudy or white. In the other phase of the cycle, when oestrogen becomes the dominant hormone, discharge tends to be clear, stretchy, or watery.

Apart from lubrication and removing bacteria from the vagina, vaginal discharge can also be a convenient way for women to track their menstrual cycle and potential fertility through a strategy known as natural family planning or fertility awareness method (FAM). Thin, stretchy mucus is considered fertile, as it happens when your ovary has released an egg. On the other hand, white, thick discharge is considered infertile, appearing between ovulation and the start of your period.

What else can cause white discharge?

White discharge before your period is a part of a normal reproductive system functioning. However, it can have other triggers. Some may be nothing to worry about. But any discharge that comes with a pungent smell, particularly thick texture, or irritation can signify an infection. Here are some other potential triggering factors to consider.

Normal reproductive function

White discharge marks the beginning and end of menstruation. It is usually thin and stretchy and should not be accompanied by itching or an odour.

Hormonal birth control

Taking hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills and those that contain oestrogen, affects the hormone levels in the body, thereby leading to an increased discharge. Unless there are additional symptoms, the increase is usually not a cause for alarm.

Yeast infection

Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are common among women. Nearly 75 per cent of women will experience at least one episode of yeast infection in their lifetime. The discharge associated with this infection is thick, white, and lumpy, resembling cottage cheese. Other symptoms include itching and burning sensations in and around the vagina.

Antibiotic use, birth control pills, and pregnancy are known to predispose a woman to this common infection. But it’s more likely to happen right before your period arrives as the hormonal changes that trigger a period can lead to a yeast imbalance in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis

Around 30 per cent of women of reproductive age have bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection that occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina changes. The cause is unknown, but it’s associated with having more than one new sexual partner and using scented products near or in your vagina. Discharge caused by bacterial vaginosis tends to have a fishy smell, be greyish-white in colour and appear thin or watery. But half of the people affected have no symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections

Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis, cause changes in vaginal discharge. Discharge caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea may appear yellow or white. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause pelvic pain, bleeding between periods and after penetrative vaginal sex, and pain when urinating. Trichomoniasis can cause a fishy odour, yellow-green discharge, itching, irritation around the vagina, and pain during sex and urination. However, it’s common for people with STIs to experience no symptoms at all.

Perimenopause

During this time before menopause, some women have irregular or lighter period flow. Discharge near a perimenopause period could appear clear, white, brown, pink, or red.

Spotting after vaginal activity

Vigorous intercourse or a routine Pap smear can predispose the vagina to light bleeding or spotting after penetration.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

PCOS is a relatively common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods or spotting. Sometimes, only discharge or light spotting happens when a period is expected.

Pregnancy

The rapid hormone increases in early pregnancy can cause a noticeable increase in clear or white discharge. This happens because the cervix builds a thick mucus barrier to seal off the uterus and protect the developing embryo. Some early pregnancy discharge may also be brown or pink. It is even possible to have a very light period, making it challenging to recognize that you are pregnant. If you have unprotected sex and notice an abnormal increase in discharge without a strong odour around the time your period is due, consider taking a pregnancy test or seeing your healthcare provider, especially if you experience the following signs of early pregnancy:

• missed period

• aching breast or chest tissue

• nausea

• tiredness

• needing to urinate more often

Vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle

Each woman is different from one another. But in general, vaginal discharge tends to change as hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

• Period flow: Normal period flow lasts up to seven days and includes some days of bright red or dark red flow. Additionally, the first or last days of the period (or both) can sometimes be a lighter flow that appears to be brown, red, or pink discharge. This whole process is part of the shedding of the uterine lining.

• After period: Some women may notice one to two days of sticky, white or yellowish discharge after their menstrual bleeding stops.

• Pre-ovulation: As hormones that prepare a follicle to release an egg for ovulation increase, cervical mucus may also gradually increase every one to two days. Fertile cervical mucus has a clear, watery, and slippery appearance.

• Ovulation: Most women experience their highest discharge volume for the 24-48 hours around ovulation. It is usually clear and watery and often leaves marks on underwear. Some women experience light bleeding during or after ovulation, which gives the discharge a little pink or brown colour.

• Luteal phase: The luteal phase happens after the ovaries have released an egg and lasts until the next period starts. Discharge usually thickens or tapers off rapidly after ovulation, and the next week or so may be relatively dry with little or no discharge. The one to two days before a period begins is typically the driest of the cycle.

Other types of discharge

Discharge that is not white may be:

• Clear. This discharge is usually normal, appearing after an exercise or during sexual arousal. Ovulation or pregnancy can also cause discharge.

• Grey. Greyish discharge suggests BV, necessitating women who experience this discharge to see a doctor, as treatment may be necessary.

• Pink. This discharge may show up at the beginning of a period or after sex. Women with pink discharge not related to their periods should consult a doctor.

• Red or brown. This colouration is normal immediately before or after a period. However, red discharge at other times of the cycle may suggest an infection.

• Yellow or green. Discharge with light yellow colour is nothing to worry about; dark yellow or green mucus can indicate an infection. However, yellow discharge may also occur after trying new foods or supplements.

When to see a doctor or other healthcare professional

Discharge may be nothing to worry about before your period, mainly if it’s clear, white, sticky, or slippery. Vaginal discharge typically changes in colour and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. However, a certain underlying condition may also trigger your discharge. For instance, a thick white discharge accompanied by itching may mean you have a yeast infection. A yellow or green discharge may mean another type of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. In general, you should seek medical advice if you’re experiencing the following:

• pain, burning, or other discomforts in and around the vagina

• rash or sores with or without discharge

• cottage cheese-like or frothy discharge

• strong or fishy vaginal odour

• bleeding between periods or after sex

If left untreated, STIs can also affect discharge and lead to serious health complications, such as infertility. This requires immediate professional consultation where you will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and general lifestyle, including any products you use near or in your vaginal area. A pelvic examination may also be carried out along with vaginal swabs to test the discharge or to send it to a lab for more complex testing. Treatment may involve a combination of antibiotics and lifestyle changes.

There is a wide range of what is considered a normal discharge. One strategy for determining if your discharge is normal is to pay attention to the usual signs and symptoms of your menstrual cycle. This will help you identify any abnormal changes and describe them to your healthcare provider upon consultation.

Treatment for vaginal discharge

A normal vaginal discharge does not require any treatment. Abnormal discharge and discharge accompanied by pain or itching may be managed with medication, home remedies, or a combination of both.

• Medications. In the event of infection, a doctor will prescribe medication or recommend an over-the-counter product. Yeast infections, for example, are treated with antifungal drugs that can be inserted into the vagina or administered orally. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for BV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis.

• Home remedies. These are lifestyle changes that can contribute to a healthy vaginal environment.

  • Practice good hygiene by keeping the outer genital area clean and dry to avoid vaginal odours and bacteria.

  • Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid pantyhose, as tight and synthetic clothing can increase the risk of vaginal infections.

  • Use a panty liner for comfort, particularly when vaginal discharge is heavy, such as during ovulation. A panty liner can absorb excess moisture that may cause discomfort or irritation. A range of panty liners is available for purchase online.

  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina.

  • Avoid using tampons and douching, as both can bring new microbes into the vagina, which may increase the risk of infection.

  • Do not use scented products around or in the vagina, such as scented wipes, vaginal deodorants, or bubble baths, as these can cause irritation.

  • Take probiotics supplements to encourage healthy vaginal flora. Certain probiotic strains are marketed for women’s health and are available for purchase online. Probiotic-rich foods, such as natural yoghurt and kefir, may also help.

  • Use barrier contraception, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of contracting an STI. A variety of condoms are available for purchase online and in many drugstores. Find them at Welzo here.

The takeaway

Vaginal discharge is normal throughout the menstrual cycle and can vary depending on the phase. But, the discharge’s colour, texture, and smell can be altered by infections bought by certain factors. Keeping an eye on what it’s usually like can help you quickly notice any changes that may need medical attention. Most of these infections can be managed, especially with prompt medical intervention. Plenty of home remedies and lifestyle changes can prevent and treat vaginal infections.

Remember that vaginal discharge aids in the removal of dead vaginal skin cells and keeps you clean and lubricated. Click this link to learn more about the many changes in your body.