The menstrual cycle is an important component of a woman’s health. In this regard, everything that happens in each phase of the cycle is very important. Great importance is given to the phase that precedes the onset of menstruation. Allocations before menstruation are a very common phenomenon, which, in turn, worries women. By their nature, one can judge the presence or absence of inflammatory or infectious processes. Leucorrhoea is a female discharge that has an antibacterial, aseptic effect, due to which it protects the female organs from pathogenic microbes and inflammations. So what should be the discharge before menstruation?
Normal discharge
Throughout the entire menstrual cycle, a woman's hormonal background changes. In each phase of the cycle, different hormones work that determine the nature of the secretions. In the phase preceding menstruation, the level of progesterone in the blood begins to decline when, like estrogens, on the contrary, increase. At this time, the glands of the genital tract produce more mucus than usual. The endometrium also swells in the uterus, preparing to tear itself away. Therefore, sometimes there are particles of blood in the discharge.
The causes of discharge before menstruation may be the following situations:
- pregnancy. In this case, the discharge will be more abundant and white. During the period of implantation of the ovum, a woman can see blood discharge that does not last long. Often they are confused with the beginning of regular menstruation.
- Discharge after intercourse, especially if it was unprotected. In this case, the cervix is cleansed and sperm also comes out.
- If a woman has an intrauterine device, minor spotting is permissible before menstruation.
Signs of normal discharge
Allocations before menstruation, which are considered the norm, have the following symptoms:
- The mucus stain on the daily lining should not be more than 5 centimeters in diameter.
- Allocations before menstruation will have a creamy consistency.
- Normally, the mucus in this phase of the cycle is white or with a white tint. If you see a yellowish tint, you should not worry, because mucus gives such a reaction to oxygen.
- Shortly after menstruation, a sour smell appears.
- Normally, the discharge is uniform, but inclusions of small lumps are acceptable - this is the vaginal epithelium, which is updated. Sometimes small particles can gather in small lumps that look like cottage cheese. Such secretions are often confused with thrush.
- In the absence of pathologies, a woman does not experience a feeling of itching.
The most important feature by which one can judge normal secretion is the absence of extraneous unpleasant symptoms - itching, burning, unpleasant odor should not bother a woman. Otherwise, this is an occasion to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Pathological discharge before menstruation
Important symptoms of pathological discharge, indicating the presence of an infection or inflammatory processes in the woman’s body, are the itching, burning, unpleasant odor, pain in the lower abdomen, as well as discomfort during intercourse, blood impurities and pus.
White discharge
Light discharge before menstruation can be both the norm and one of the symptoms of diseases. Normal - transparent, whitish discharge, sometimes with a faint sour-milk smell, without itching. They talk about the normal functioning of the female body, capable of childbearing.
If leucorrhoea has a consistency similar to cottage cheese, sour smell and severe itching, it is most likely thrush caused by a fungus of the genus Candida.
Also, white thick discharge before menstruation can indicate the presence of cervical erosion. This is a dangerous disease, because if untreated, it can provoke malignant tumors. In this case, after intercourse or a doctor’s examination, a small amount of red or brown discharge may appear.
If white discharge began to turn brown, this indicates the development of endometriosis.
Yellow discharge
Flavourless yellow discharge and itching can occur due to increased work of the glands, with allergic reactions, for example, to linen made from synthetic fabrics. Also, this color of mucus is due to the use of certain medications.
Yellowish discharge of a pathological nature can be a symptom of various diseases.
If such discharge is accompanied by itching, pain, and sometimes discomfort during intercourse, these are signs of bacterial vaginitis.
It happens that yellow-green dense discharge, in which the stomach and lower back hurts, replace a full menstruation. So colpitis can occur. It is recommended that you see your doctor at the reception as soon as possible.
If the discharge before menstruation is yellow and very abundant, then this may indicate a disease such as salpingitis - inflammation of the fallopian tubes. During intercourse, pain and blood may occur.
The yellow color of the discharge can be associated with sexually transmitted diseases, which are accompanied by additional symptoms. So, for example, if there is a smell of rotten fish and itching, this is trichomoniasis - inflammation of the mucous urogenital system. If pain with urination is observed with this color of discharge, this is chlamydia.
As a rule, discharge in sexually transmitted diseases has a liquid consistency, unpleasant odor and itching. Therefore, if you find that the discharge is yellow before menstruation, which manifests itself with additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and begin appropriate treatment, as STDs and purulent diseases can lead to serious consequences.
Purulent discharge can occur with advanced cervicitis - inflammation of the cervical mucosa.
Pink discharge
Pinkish discharge before menstruation is a normal occurrence, if not accompanied by pathological signs. Also, this color is observed during implantation of the fetal egg into the uterine mucosa during pregnancy. Sometimes pinkish discharge is the body's response to taking hormonal drugs.
But the reasons for the discharge before menstruation can be more serious. Pink discharge occurs with endometriosis, and they will be present before menstruation and immediately after. If mucus of this color appears together with an unpleasant odor several days before menstruation, it is possible endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa.
It is worthwhile to immediately consult a doctor if you find abundant mucous discharge of pink or bloody color, which are accompanied by an unpleasant odor and impurities of pus. This may indicate cancer. All relevant tests must be submitted.
Highlight Green
The green color of the discharge may not be the norm. It is always either an inflammatory process or a sexually transmitted disease. You should pass tests that will reveal the exact cause.
Discharges of this color are often accompanied by an unpleasant odor and a foamy consistency.
Bloody issues
Blood discharge before menstruation in most cases is the norm. Their occurrence may be associated with the intrauterine device. This method of contraception has some disadvantages. One of them is a violation of the integrity of the uterine mucosa. If this reaction of the body lasts more than three cycles, a doctor's consultation is necessary.
But it can also be a warning about the development of serious diseases, especially if there is or increased discharge before menstruation, a week or more. This pathological condition can be a sign of diseases such as:
- endometritis;
- endometriosis;
- myoma;
- cervical erosion;
- oncological diseases;
- cysts;
- polyps.
Bloody discharge can be with hormonal disruptions. But if such symptoms are accompanied by a delay in menstruation and pain, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
The reasons for such discharge are many. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms, especially if there are discharge before menstruation for a week or even earlier.
Brown discharge
If brown discharge appeared before menstruation in a day or two, then do not worry, this is a sign of the norm. People call them daubs. Lumbar pain and discharge before menstruation, irritability and tearfulness are the influence of hormones and the prerequisites for a new cycle.
But often this is the cause of gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis, ovarian pathologies, polyps and others. If, after going to the hospital, the doctor did not reveal a pathology, then we can talk about such reasons as:
- stress
- hormonal disruptions;
- the use of contraceptives;
- pregnancy. In this case, such discharge may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
Prevention and treatment of female diseases
Allocations included in the norm do not need to be prevented, it is enough only to observe hygiene:
- Wash 2-3 times a day.
- It is advisable to wear underwear made from natural materials.
- Instead of taking a bath, it is recommended to use a shower.
- Do not swim in open water in which there is still water.
- Change linen daily.
- Change hygiene products as they become dirty.
- Do not use antibacterial cleansers. For this, special products and herbal decoctions are well suited - chamomile, calendula, sage.
Prevention of pathological causes of discharge are:
- the elimination of hypothermia;
- protected sexual intercourse;
- It is not recommended to have sex during menstruation;
- prevent casual sexual partners;
- Do not neglect the instructions of your doctor.
Therapy will be prescribed by a doctor based on the diagnosis. No need to self-medicate. An accurate diagnosis is made after the results of all tests are known - urine and blood, ultrasound, smears, etc.
Antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used as treatment.
Conclusion
Do not be afraid of changes in color and the amount of discharge. The main thing is to be able to distinguish the norm from pathology. If the color of the discharge changes, itching, unpleasant smell, pain and discomfort appear, this is an occasion to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The same symptoms can be with different diseases. Therefore, at the first suspicion of a pathology, you should contact a specialist who will explain what discharge should be before menstruation, and then prescribe the necessary tests.
Try to carefully monitor your health, notice any deviations during the menstrual cycle. After all, timely access to a gynecologist will help to avoid many complications and cure the disease in the early stages.