Many women who are serious about their health are concerned about the phenomenon of dark brown discharge. Sometimes they appear suddenly, between periods, and sometimes during or immediately after them. What do these discharges mean? Could they be a sign of a pathological process in the female body? Let's look at this in more detail.

Is dark discharge always a sign of illness?

It is probably clear that blood gives the brown color to vaginal discharge. Sometimes this occurs in completely healthy women. For example:

• dark brown discharge is natural before menstruation, several hours or days before the onset (this is the first sign of its approach);
• Discharge is also normal after menstruation for several days;
• when taking hormonal-based contraceptives, they can “beautify” the middle of the menstrual cycle;
• after violent sex, dark discharge is usually caused by injury to the vaginal mucosa;
• the same can happen if there is insufficient lubrication during sexual intercourse;
• at the very beginning of sexual life, spotting appears not only at the moment of deflowering, but also during several subsequent acts;
• In teenage girls, before the onset of their first menstruation, dark discharge may also be observed for some time, which signals the girl’s transition to a new rank - “girl”.

In what cases should diseases be suspected?

But dark brown discharge can also be signs of a disease. If they are not associated with taking hormonal drugs and appear in the middle of the cycle or occur every time after sexual intercourse, this is a reason to be wary. If the discharge is accompanied by an increase in temperature, aching pain in the abdomen (its lower part), itching in the vagina, dryness and pain during emptying the bladder or sexual intercourse, and also if a woman over 45 years old has not had menstruation for a year, a woman should suspect something is wrong and contact a gynecologist. Next, we will consider pathological processes, signs of which may be the indicated discharge.

Cervical erosion

This disease is one of the most common diagnoses in gynecology. It is a defect in the mucous membrane of the cervix, which is caused by various reasons: frequent and rough sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted infections, injuries during childbirth or abortion, etc. In most cases, this pathology is asymptomatic and is discovered only during an examination by a gynecologist. But sometimes the disease is accompanied by dark brown discharge after sexual intercourse, and sometimes without obvious reasons. Often such discharge has an unpleasant odor, which, by the way, indicates the presence of inflammation. There are congenital, true erosion and ectopia (pseudo-erosion). Depending on the size of the pathology and concomitant infections, therapeutic tactics will be different, but in any case, this disease requires regular monitoring by a specialist.

Ectopic pregnancy

When dark brown discharge instead of menstruation is accompanied by severe pain and a repulsive odor, this phenomenon may signal an ectopic pregnancy. By the way, if pain of any strength appears and it is localized in the genital organs, accompanied by atypical discharge, then you should immediately consult a gynecologist! The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be made only after examination by a specialist and ultrasound, and to ensure its timely termination, you need to seek medical help as early as possible.

Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)

Regardless of whether a woman is sexually active or not, her genital tract can be affected by inflammatory processes. For example, candidiasis (thrush) causes an inflammatory process in women of any age, and in menopausal women, dark brown discharge also appears. In women, in this case, they are associated with thinning (atrophy) of the vaginal mucosa, due to which even minor damage can provoke discharge of varying intensity. An active sexual life with unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis). They are accompanied by itching, burning and dryness in the perineum, as well as brown, yellow or green discharge. These diseases can cause inflammation not only of the vagina, but also of the cervix. They definitely need to be treated!

Polyps

A pathological growth of the mucous layer lining the uterus or its cervix, which has the form of a protrusion, is defined in medicine as a polyp. The exact reasons for the appearance of this pathology are still unknown. These include infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, and hormonal disorders. As a rule, polyps are benign formations, but some of them show precancerous changes. If the appearance of the polyp is accompanied by dark brown discharge, it is large, and a biopsy and cytology tests indicate a risk of developing cancer cells, then the polyp is removed.

Endometritis

The endometrium is the mucous tissue lining the inside of the uterus. Violation of its integrity, coupled with a decrease in local immunity, leads to an inflammatory process. It is often accompanied by an increase in temperature and the appearance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen, to this are added purulent or brown discharge instead of menstruation, and all this is a serious sign of pathology, which requires immediate contact with a specialist. If acute endometritis is not diagnosed in time, it becomes chronic, which can affect a woman’s reproductive function.

What is endometrial hyperplasia?

Hyperplasia in medicine is called tissue proliferation. That is, endometrial hyperplasia is an increase in the volume of the inner layer of the uterus, which is benign in nature. This condition is caused by the increased proliferation of stromal and glandular elements of this layer. Most often, such changes occur during hormonal changes in the body (during the premenstrual period in girls and premenopausal in women). One of the main signs of hyperplasia is bloody dark brown discharge, which can appear both during the intermenstrual period and after a short delay in menstruation. As a rule, this discharge is moderate and spotting. True, with hyperplasia that occurs in adolescence, breakthrough heavy bleeding with blood clots is also possible. If they become prolonged, they can lead to anemia.

Cervical cancer

This diagnosis ranks third in the world among cancer diseases in women. What causes this pathology is unknown. Although it was recently discovered that almost 100% of patients with this diagnosis have the human papillomavirus (HPV), not all those infected with this virus develop cancer. It occurs at any age, but the highest risk group is women over forty years of age. One of the main symptoms of this pathology is bleeding. By the way, why brown discharge in such cancer patients appears after sex or in the middle of the cycle is also not yet clear. If they are also accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, then this sign is classified as symptoms of cancer that has spread to neighboring organs.

Why does brown discharge appear during menstruation?

During menstruation, brown discharge can be either a symptom of one of the gynecological diseases listed above, or a consequence of stress, acclimatization, or the result of taking hormonal contraceptives. But it often happens that such a phenomenon is a sign of a future addition to the family, since some women continue to have periods during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, although becoming very scanty and short. Be sure to take a pregnancy test and visit a gynecologist!

Is discharge dangerous during pregnancy?

During the menstrual cycle, in every woman, the level of progesterone drops to almost zero, and the endometrium begins to detach, which leads to the appearance of menstrual flow. In the expectant mother, the body sometimes does not abandon old “habits” and, despite successful fertilization, the level of progesterone, which preserves the fetus, decreases on the days when menstruation should occur. This is how brown discharge appears, which signals that the endometrium is still partially exfoliated. There is no need to panic, but this sign may also be a symptom of an existing threat of interruption of fetal development or, as mentioned above, its ectopic location. Consult a doctor!

What to do if brown discharge appears?

As you have probably already seen from the above, the appearance of discharge of an unusual color, especially accompanied by pain, weakness or fever, requires a mandatory visit to the gynecologist. You should not wait for the unpleasant phenomenon to go away on its own - it may disappear periodically, but later develop into a serious pathology! You should not try to diagnose yourself - you are not an expert! Don’t take risks, don’t be lazy and consult a doctor urgently: it is possible that your worries will be in vain, and the discharge will be only temporary, but if you detect the disease in time and begin its treatment, then there will be a risk of remaining childless or getting a serious chronic disease minimal. Be healthy!

A woman’s menstrual cycle is associated with her individual characteristics and is characterized by many changes in the body. Depending on the biological rhythm, discharge decreases and increases. Their character can indicate reproductive dysfunction, as well as the optimal days for conceiving a child.

Menstrual flow can tell a lot about a woman's health

Correct cycle

The cycle plays a big role in a woman’s reproductive function. It is needed for fertilization, gestation and the birth of a child. This period is usually set one or two years after the first menstruation.

There are two cyclic phases:

• Folliculin. At this time, the follicle in the ovaries grows and matures. An egg is later released from it for fertilization. All this occurs under the influence of hormones from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
• Luteal. During this period, the yellow body of the follicle matures. This happens thanks to brain hormones.

According to the rules, the cycle is counted from the day the menstruation appears until the first day of the next menstruation. This period normally varies from three to five weeks. If the period is longer or shorter, this may indicate the development of pathology. In this case, you should consult a gynecologist for advice.

The duration of menstruation should be from 2 to 7 days, and the amount of blood released should be from 40 to 60 ml. If a woman experiences irregularities in blood volume, irregular cycles and pain during menstruation, she should consult a specialist.

About 60 ml of blood should be released in one cycle

Menstrual irregularities

There are several reasons why the cycle is disrupted. The main ones include:

• stress;
• regular overwork;
• climate change;
• poor nutrition;
• ovarian pathologies;
• abortions;
• oncological diseases;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• effect of medications.

Treatment is carried out after a complete examination of the patient. It includes the following procedures:

• examination on a gynecological chair;
• ultrasound examination;
• taking smears;
• obtaining anamnesis;
• blood test.

Sometimes the doctor prescribes hysteroscopy, MRI, and hormonal examination. Remember that self-medication poses a threat to a woman’s health. If you turn to a specialist too late, this can lead to inflammation, anemia, infertility and even death.

A blood test will clarify the reasons for the failure of the monthly cycle

Types of discharge during menstruation

The nature of the discharge during menstruation and a few days before its onset may indicate some pathologies occurring in a woman’s body. Every representative of the fairer sex should know which types of discharge are considered normal and which are a sign of disease. The allocations are as follows:

• Spotting. Usually observed a few days before the onset of menstruation. Sometimes they have a brownish tint. The cause may be adenomyosis, cervical erosion, polyps, tumors, ovarian wasting syndrome, pregnancy or hormonal contraception.
• Brown. 5–7 days before your period, thick, brown blood may be released. This occurs in cases of inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or trauma to the vaginal mucosa.
• Clots. Blood that has clotted does not pose a danger to the body. If your periods are painful, the cause of clots may be endometriosis, anemia, or recent childbirth.
• Abundant. If the discharge bothers a woman for more than 7 days, and she often has to change the pad, this brings not only constant discomfort. The reason for heavy periods can be anemia, ectopic pregnancy, cancer, fibroids and polyps, endometriosis.
• Scarce. Very small discharge usually occurs due to hormonal imbalances. The cause may also be stress, infection, anemia, or sudden weight loss.
• Pink. Pink blood resembles menstruation diluted with water. Such discharge indicates problems with the genital organs. This could be inflammation of the appendages, fibroids, endometritis.

Yellow, greenish, foamy discharge is not considered normal. A sign of inflammatory diseases and thrush is white or curdled discharge, which is accompanied by redness and itching.

Each type of period has many causes. Only a doctor can determine a specific pathology. He will tell you whether this case is normal or not.

Pink periods may indicate inflammatory processes

Mucus during menstrual flow

Menstrual discharge contains blood, mucus, and the endometrial layer. Mucus comes out of the cervix throughout the entire cycle. It is the cervical glands and has different thickness at different times. This mucus protects the uterus from infections and prevents the passage of sperm. The presence of mucus in menstrual flow does not always indicate pathology.

Usually, mucous discharge bothers a woman before her period. They are transparent in color and odorless. If they do not cause discomfort, then they are considered normal. If the mucus is white, yellow or green, this indicates the development of inflammation in the appendages. The presence of itching, irritation and redness may be a sign of infection.

Sometimes menstruation with mucus is a consequence of serious diseases:

• polyps;
• inflammation of the uterus;
• ovarian cyst.

Brown mucus indicates a hormonal imbalance or that the egg is fertilized. Menstruation with mucus may occur in women who use an intrauterine device as a contraceptive. If the discharge is accompanied by mucus with blood clots and pain, you should consult a doctor.

One of the diseases that is characterized by inflammation in the genital organs is endometriosis. During this, a hormonal imbalance occurs. It usually affects women over 45 years of age. With endometriosis, menstrual flow contains mucus and is painful. Bleeding may continue for more than 7 days, and then resemble a scanty period. A gynecologist will help cure the disease. Special medications are prescribed for treatment, and operations are performed in rare cases.

Uterine polyps provoke mucus secretion

Menstruation after childbirth

In the first two months after childbirth, blood discharge from the vagina is not menstruation. This is postpartum discharge that decreases as the uterus contracts. If they end earlier than a month later, this may indicate an inflammatory process. After stopping breastfeeding, hormonal levels begin to restore and menstruation begins.

The first periods after the baby is born may be heavy and contain mucus. This may be the remains of the placenta. You need to visit a gynecologist and have the uterus cleaned if necessary. Otherwise, purulent inflammation may begin in its cavity.

Resuming the menstrual cycle after childbirth is a long and individual process. Most often, periods become less painful and their duration is shortened.

Normally, the second and third menstruation may come two or three weeks later than the previous one. As the hormonal balance changes, the menstrual cycle will also be restored.

If the lactation period has long ended, but your periods have not started, you should consult a doctor. This behavior of the uterus can be the cause of inflammation in the ovaries, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance or postpartum endometriosis. An unpleasant odor from the discharge and painful sensations in the lower abdomen are the result of incomplete separation of the placenta. In this case, you need to clean the uterine cavity.

Every representative of the fair sex should monitor her health and solve any problems that arise in a timely manner. Sometimes the most innocent changes in a woman’s body can cause a dangerous disease of the genital organs.

Content

Watery discharge before menstruation often worries both young girls and mature women. A woman's genitals have natural protection from external pathogens in the form of an acidic environment (pH), special flora in the vagina, as well as organic mucus located in the cervix. The latter prevents infection from entering the ovaries and uterus. Often, watery discharge is the result of the body's natural process of eliminating impurities along with protective mucus. But there may be other reasons for the appearance of liquid discharge, timely diagnosis of which is the key to the health of the expectant mother.

Why does clear fluid flow during menstruation?

Every girl knows the properties and schedule of her menstrual cycle. If you have watery periods that differ from the usual discharge, you should immediately determine the cause of their appearance. Usually, if the liquid, watery discharge is not too abundant, does not have an obvious unpleasant odor, precedes the beginning of the menstrual cycle or appears at the end of it, then it is a natural process of the woman’s body. Instead of menstruation, water may come out of the vagina for physiological reasons and developing pathology.

Physiological reasons

Menstruation is provided by the nature of the female body to release a mature unfertilized egg along with the endometrioid (mucous) tissue of the uterus once a month. Together with the mucous membrane, blood comes out, which was located in thin blood vessels that supply the endometrium with nutrients.

The color of blood largely depends on the level of hemoglobin in its composition, which carries oxygen molecules throughout all tissues of the body. There are certain standards for the color of discharge during the menstrual cycle, which lasts from 3 to 7 days:

• the first couple of days (individually, depends on the length of the cycle) menstruation may be liquid and scarlet;
• on days 2-3, the discharge thickens, may take on a burgundy or brownish tint (blood oxidation occurs) with a specific odor;
• in the following days, blood clots may appear (blood clotting increases) and mucus that is rejected from the endometrium. And at the end, menstruation can repeat the consistency inherent in the first days.

Important! Deviations from the usual physiology of menstruation can appear in teenage girls during the formation of the cycle, as well as in women at the stage of menopause.

Liquid discharge before menstruation

Watery, odorless discharge before menstruation is most often a consequence of an increase in the size of the uterus, improved blood supply to it, and increased production of female sex hormones before menstruation. Liquid secretion that appears after a night's sleep should not bother a woman.

A girl's pregnancy may be another reason for watery discharge before menstruation, which serves as a sign of its onset. Other discharges that differ in smell and consistency should alert you. They are an indicator of a number of diseases, which we will consider below.

Liquid blood during menstruation

In some cases, thin periods coming out of the genitals like water may have natural causes:

• the increased flow of blood before the menstrual cycle into the pelvic area can provoke very thin periods at the initial stage;
• during sexual arousal, this type of watery discharge appears briefly;
• renewal of uterine epithelial cells;
• water that gets inside the vagina during bathing.

Warning! Liquid periods without clots are not a reason to worry if they have a natural smell and color, are present at the beginning or end of menstruation, and do not last too long (no more than 4-5 days).

Watery discharge after menstruation

The normal function of a woman’s genitals after menstruation is a small, odorless, liquid discharge that does not cause irritation. Their appearance and consistency largely depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Thanks to the constant cleaning of the genitals by secretory means, the entry of pathogenic microflora is prevented.

If heavy watery secretions occur a few days after menstruation or menstruation lasts more than a week, the girl should be checked for the presence of an ectopic pregnancy by contacting a gynecologist.

Attention! Abundant clear discharge after menstruation should force the girl to see a doctor, have a smear done and be referred for tests to identify possible viral infections.

Watery discharge mid-cycle

In the middle of the menstrual cycle (about 2 weeks after menstruation), ovulation occurs in the uterus, or the release of a mature egg into the fallopian tube. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone act on the uterus to regulate the thickness of the endometrium before and after ovulation, respectively. These processes are accompanied by clear discharge in the middle of the cycle, sometimes copious.

Discharge before and after the release of a mature egg is considered natural. The consistency is slightly viscous, mucous, homogeneous or with small inclusions. During ovulation, the pH of secretion changes from an acidic to an alkaline environment, for better penetration of sperm with possible fertilization of the egg.

Brown liquid instead of menstruation

The appearance of brown, liquid, watery discharge is a sign of certain changes in a woman’s body. This violation can be caused by many factors depending on the criteria:

• woman's age;
• regularity of sexual activity;
• the presence of infections and other diseases of the genital area;
• the presence of frequent stressful situations;
• unhealthy conditions of professional activity;
• lifestyle and nutrition (in particular, diet);
• excessive physical activity;
• taking hormonal and contraceptive medications.

If a woman did not protect herself during sexual intercourse, then brown liquid discharge instead of menstruation may indicate pregnancy, as well as a lack of hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and somatomammotropin. With an ectopic pregnancy, such watery discharge also appears.

Taking hormonal drugs can contribute to a decrease in ovarian function, and infrequent sexual activity can cause certain diseases in the sexual sphere. Inflammatory processes and hormonal imbalance can also be responsible for the lack of full periods.

What kind of discharge is normal?

According to the main features, secretions are considered normal:

• not too abundant;
• white and transparent;
• non-irritating to the vaginal skin;
• having a mild specific smell, individual for each woman.

Dangerous symptoms

With any liquid discharge, a woman must pay attention to its smell, color, viscosity and other signs. Liquid brown discharge in the middle of the cycle may be a sign of:

1. Infectious diseases (there is an unpleasant odor).
2. Interrupted pregnancy.
3. Presence of uterine pathology.
4. Ectopic pregnancy.

Yellow, curdled, brown discharge with an unpleasant odor is also an indicator of the presence of the disease.

Possible pathologies

Possible infections in the presence of liquid, watery or curdled discharge include fungal diseases (thrush or candidiasis), bacterial diseases (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis). Pathologies include vulvitis, fibroids (benign formation), endometriosis, erosion, dysplasia and cervical cancer, condylomas, polyps and other ailments.

What measures need to be taken

If you detect suspicious symptoms in the form of watery secretions, you should consult a doctor without wasting time. To avoid fungal and sexually transmitted diseases, try to lead an orderly sex life and maintain body hygiene.

Conclusion

Watery discharge before menstruation requires careful observation on the part of the girl and, in case of signs of deviation from the norm, consultation with a gynecologist is recommended.

The appearance of spotting during menstruation alarms women and makes them worry. In some cases, the worry is justified. Hormonal levels and stress affect women's health, and some diseases can cause disorders in the reproductive organs. There are times when it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

What is considered normal during menstruation?

Normal periods occur regularly and usually last from 3 to 5 days. In some girls and women they appear after 21 days, in others - after 35, it is important that the established interval is maintained.

The approximate volume of blood released during the entire period of menstruation is 80 ml, the color is dark red or burgundy. The discharge contains coagulated blood, pieces of exfoliated endometrium and mucus.

For various reasons, natural deviations may occur, which are also considered normal:

• Copious or spotting discharge with cycle disruption in girls in the first 1.5-2 years. During this period, immature ovaries can release varying amounts of sex hormones. Hormonal levels fluctuate, as a result of which the menstrual cycle is disrupted and the amount of blood changes.
• Spotting at the very beginning of pregnancy. A woman, not knowing about conception, may mistake them for menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. If it gives a positive result and the discharge has stopped, everything is fine; with prolonged “smearing,” we can talk about the threat of miscarriage due to a lack of the hormone progesterone. In this case, it is simply necessary to see a doctor.
• Scanty spotting before or after menstruation. This is normal if we are talking about the beginning of menopause. Hormonal levels are unstable, ovulation does not always occur, and the cycle is disrupted. The less time remains before menopause, the scarcer the discharge. Gradually they disappear completely.

Women are often worried, not knowing why brown discharge occurs during menstruation, and taking it as a sign of illness. This can happen at the beginning and end of menstruation when the amount of blood is small. Oxidizing in air, it acquires exactly this color.

After childbirth and cessation of lactation, it can also be smeared with brown during menstruation. The menstrual cycle is restored gradually, so at first the discharge may be scanty.

Deviations that are not associated with natural physiological causes can be caused by various diseases and disorders of the reproductive organs.

Amenorrhea - the absence of normal periods - can occur for the following reasons:

• Metabolic disorder. It can be caused by various diseases of the pancreas and thyroid gland, kidneys, liver and intestines.
• Poisoning by chemical, food and narcotic substances.
• Anorexia and bulimia. Sudden weight loss or gain causes hormonal changes, resulting in disruption of the menstrual cycle. In severe cases, periods disappear completely. Long-term diet therapy is required to restore them.
• Stress. Neuropsychiatric diseases and stressful situations can lead to disruption of hormonal processes. Your periods may become scanty, spotty, and irregular.
• Hormonal disorders. Taking hormonal and contraceptive drugs, an intrauterine device and some medications can disrupt the balance of hormones in a woman’s body. Estrogen levels decrease, so periods are not only delayed, but also become scanty.

Scarlet, pink or brown spotting may indicate the onset of an ectopic pregnancy. If the test confirms pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor! Having established itself in the fallopian tube, the embryo first causes partial destruction of the endometrium - scanty bleeding of a constant nature, and then simply ruptures the tube. Severe, deadly bleeding occurs.

It is especially worth paying attention for infectious diseases that cause inflammatory processes in the female genital organs:

• trichomoniasis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• chlamydia;
• gonorrhea;
• fungal infections;
• genital herpes.

They can lead not only to menstrual irregularities, but also to more serious consequences.

Some diseases change the structure of the mucous membranes of a woman’s genital organs, with characteristic spotting appearing during, before and after menstruation. These include:

• Cervical erosion. The pharynx of the cervix, which extends into the vagina, ulcerates. In this case, small vessels and capillaries break.
• Colpitis or vaginitis. The vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed and bleeds under the influence of pathogenic microflora. The discharge may be purulent and accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen.
• Cervicitis. The vaginal lining and cervix become inflamed. Often accompanied by endocervicitis - inflammation of the cervical canal.
• Endometritis. Inflammation of the inner uterine lining is accompanied by purulent brown discharge, pain and fever.
• Polyps, cysts and tumors. All these neoplasms can cause brown “spotting” after menstruation.

All of these diseases require treatment. The sooner a woman contacts a gynecologist, the better.

When to see a doctor

In some cases, the appearance of brown menstrual discharge is considered a pathology. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• Unpleasant smell. Discharge the color of meat slop with a putrid odor.
• Severe aching pain in the lower back.
• Nausea with bouts of vomiting.
• A sharp decrease in pressure.
• Weakness and fever.
• Increasing pain in the lower abdomen.
• Arrhythmia, dizziness, rapid pulse against a background of general weakness.
• Increase in temperature.

Any of the listed signs is a serious reason to seek help.

The opportunity to become a mother is a real gift that must be cherished. By consulting a doctor in time, a woman will preserve not only her own health, but also the health, and possibly the life of her unborn baby.

Smirnova Olga (gynecologist, State Medical University, 2010)

An unusual course of the menstrual cycle indicates changes in the body, and not always for the better. This article will clarify what brown discharge during menstruation may be associated with and what you should be wary of.

Characteristics of the symptom

Brown discharge at the beginning or end of the regulation is considered as a variant of the norm.

In the first days of menstruation and at the final stage, a brownish tint to the discharge means that there is little blood in the secretion. When it is released from the uterus, it combines with the local environment, oxidizes, coagulates, and at the exit has this color. Such discharge can be light, dark brown, burgundy, in the form of dark clots or daubs.

Instead of menstruation, spotting occurs due to physiological changes in the body or the development of pathological processes. This symptom is most often indicated by:

• hormonal fluctuations;
• age-related changes (juvenile bleeding or menopause);
• taking hormonal medications;
• pregnancy (normal and pathological);
• recovery in the postpartum period;
• the presence of anomalies in the structure of the genital organs;
• diseases of the reproductive system;
• endocrinological diseases;
• metabolic disorders and weakening of the protective function (immunity);
• the presence of emotional stress, stress;
• following a strict diet;
• improper lifestyle;
• rehabilitation after abortion or surgery.

Hormonal changes

The action of hormones determines the functioning of all human organ systems, so any change in their balance affects the health of the body, and in a woman, the reproductive mechanism and menstrual cycle are the first to be affected.

After ovulation, the hormone progesterone takes effect. It is his active work that prepares the endometrium to receive a fertilized egg. This mucous layer becomes thick and loose. When fertilization does not occur, at the beginning of a new cycle, the lining of the uterus is shed in the form of menstruation. To highlight it, female hormones - estrogens - are activated. That is, their level changes throughout the cycle, which is a normal and natural process.

Sometimes this well-functioning mechanism malfunctions, and before menstruation, progesterone is in excess or insufficient quantities, which affects the maturity of the endometrium and in both cases prevents the start of full menstruation, which appears in the form of brown discharge. Sometimes a lack of estrogen prevents the uterus from secreting endometrium, and instead a brownish spotting is observed.

Reception OK

Quite often, the prerequisite for the appearance of brown or nearly so is the use of oral contraceptives. Their action is aimed at causing an artificial hormonal imbalance in order to prevent pregnancy.

Especially in the first three months of using these drugs, disruptions occur in the female cycle. Brown menstrual bleeding can be either scanty or heavy in the form of dark clots. Read more about the reasons in the article at the link.

Intrauterine device and medications

A popular means of preventing unwanted pregnancy is the intrauterine device. This gynecological device is inserted into the uterine cavity to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. In the first months, the IUD can cause meager symptoms, since the body, which is not yet adapted, has difficulty removing a large amount of endometrium through the created barrier.

General medications, especially antibiotics, often cause irregular periods, which appear in an unusual color.

Relationship with age

The beginning and end of the reproductive period are the most sensitive stages in a woman’s life to hormonal fluctuations. Many changes and unusual symptoms observed in the reproductive system can be associated with them.

Often, girls who have recently crossed the threshold of puberty and experienced menarche wonder why there is brown discharge during menstruation, and not the expected bright scarlet bleeding. One to two years after the first critical days, such a sign is temporary, and it can be associated with the establishment of hormonal levels.

The same reason explains the irregularity and brown tint of menstruation with the onset of menopause. This is the body's natural reaction to estrogen deficiency. But this is acceptable until the point of menopause. After it, any brownish discharge, even a slight spotting, should be a reason to consult a doctor.

Secretion after medical procedures

Surgery always becomes stressful for the body. Therefore, the first cycles after operations are often different from usual. During such periods, there may be no regulation or dark brown discharge may occur during menstruation.

The appearance of brown clots indicates the removal of residual amniotic tissue after an abortion or clotted blood after surgery.

If the discharge has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by discomfort, then everything indicates an inflammatory process and infection, which is quite common after gynecological manipulations. To avoid these, it is important to follow all the rules of the rehabilitation period.

Anomalies in the structure of the genital organs

Female organs may have a congenital pathological structure. These are vaginal atresia and aplasia, unicornus, bicornus, saddleback, septum and uterine hypoplasia. With these deviations, the excreted endometrium is simply retained in the pathological parts of the organ and cannot be excreted normally due to the existing obstruction. The disorder causes menstruation to appear as brown spots or dark clots.

Problems of this nature can only be treated surgically.

Discharge during pregnancy

The moment of conception in some representatives of the fairer sex is indicated by a brown spot, which indicates the implantation of the fertilized egg into the walls of the uterus. During other periods of an interesting situation, such a symptom is unacceptable.

It happens that in the first month of pregnancy the described symptom is indicated. When the time of regulation approaches according to plan, but conception has occurred, the woman may observe brown discharge. During this period, the risk of miscarriage is highest, so you should pay maximum attention to your health and avoid physical activity.

Women who are sexually active should know that many infectious diseases occur with the release of pus, which, when mixed with menstrual blood, gives it a brown color. In some cases, these diseases cause menstrual irregularities.

Tumors of various origins provoke the appearance of a similar shade during menstruation. Cancer makes itself known in the same way. If oncology is suspected, the material released from the uterus is taken for analysis.