Brown discharge before a period can have several causes, including:
- Leftover blood from the last period : Blood that stays in the uterus for a while turns a brownish color and may come out at the end of the period or before the next period
- Birth control : Irregular bleeding can occur during the first few months of using birth control, such as the combination contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch, or progestogen-only contraceptive pill
- Vaginal infections : Infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis can cause brown discharge before a period
- Perimenopause : Brown discharge before a period can be a sign of perimenopause
- Implantation bleeding : In some cases, brown discharge before a period can be caused by implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus
- Ovulation : Brown spotting that starts a couple of weeks before a period could be a sign of ovulation-related hormonal changes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) : Imbalanced hormones can cause irregular periods and spotting, resulting in brown discharge at the time of an expected period
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) : Infections in the uterus, cervix, or vagina may cause brown discharge, often accompanied by other symptoms such as painful urination, discharge with an unpleasant odor, or lower abdominal pain
If you experience brown discharge before your period and are concerned about its cause, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues
