If your period is brown, what is it? Brown discharge instead of menstruation is a sign of pregnancy. Teen age category

Smirnova Olga (gynecologist, State Medical University, 2010)

The regularity of the menstrual cycle is the main indicator of women's health. Each representative of the fairer sex needs to control not only the start date of her critical days, but also monitor their characteristics. If your period begins with brown discharge, you can assume both physiological and pathological changes. This article will tell you how to distinguish these processes and when you need to seek help from a doctor.

Characteristics of the symptom

Normally, menstrual flow has a scarlet or dark red tint. Their volume ranges from 30 to 60 ml per day. In the first days, under the influence of hormones, the endometrium is intensively rejected, and at this time the uterus secretes the greatest amount of blood, often with dark clots, which are its inner mucous layer.

The appearance of brown discharge indicates that there is little blood and it coagulates, oxidizes and darkens in the local environment before the vagina has a chance to release it. This phenomenon is naturally characterized at the end of menstruation, when the main part of the endometrium is released. This is also acceptable 1 or 2 days before the critical days, which is explained by swelling and the readiness of the mucous layer to be rejected.

When the period itself began with such brown discharge, we can talk about physiological changes in the woman’s body. These do not always mean pathology, but you shouldn’t lose control over the situation.

These discharges at the beginning of menstruation are scanty, often spotting, and are not bleeding. They contain a natural mucous secretion mixed with blood.

The hormone progesterone is responsible for preparing the endometrium for conception after ovulation. It is he who, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, contributes to the compaction and loosening of this tissue, which is programmed to accept and implant a fertilized egg into the uterus. When this does not happen, the endometrium is shed in the form of menstruation. If this does not happen, then in most situations everything indicates a hormonal disorder.

The symptom has other causes:

1. Experienced stress, strain and illness.
2. Taking hormonal contraceptives and other medications.
3. Age-related changes.
4. Normal and pathological pregnancy.
5. Postpartum period.
6. Little weight.
7. Anomalies in the structure of the uterus.
8. Pathologies (endometriosis, polyps, fibroids, other neoplasms, endometritis, infections).

Hormonal disorders

Failure occurs due to certain factors:

1. Progesterone deficiency prevented the endometrium from forming to the required extent, which is why the latter could not prepare for rejection or there was simply not enough of it for this.
2. An excess of the hormone mentioned above did not allow the reproductive system to begin full menstruation.
3. The lack of estrogen influenced the fact that the mechanism of endometrial rejection did not start completely, but was indicated only by brown spotting during menstruation.

Such disruptions occur due to stress, which leads to complications of diseases of other systems, endocrinological disorders, poor nutrition and lifestyle, excessive use of drugs containing hormones, and increased stress.

Read also what they are talking about, since the signs are quite similar in their characteristics.

Contraceptives

Hormonal drugs are designed to correct a number of problems, but their main task is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Their use is aimed at correcting natural hormonal processes by changing the level of progesterone or estrogen at different periods of the menstrual cycle. These manipulations with the natural functioning of the reproductive system often manifest as disturbances in the usual course of the cycle.
This is why it is so important to start taking these medications after a complete diagnosis and under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Some deviations from the usual menstruation are acceptable, including brown spotting at the beginning, in the first 3 months from the moment you start using the drugs. Later, such a sign is a cause for concern.

When installing a contraceptive device such as a spiral, menstruation days can also come in brown. This device traps blood, which subsequently comes out in clots. Find out more about by following the link.

This symptom may result from taking certain general medications, as is often the case with strong antibiotics.

Age-related changes

Within a year or two after menarche (first menstruation), the appearance of brown discharge during menstruation is normal. During this period, hormonal levels improve, the level of progesterone and estrogen constantly fluctuates, as evidenced by deviations in the regularity of the female cycle.

The completion of the reproductive function also does not go unnoticed. When menopause occurs, estrogen production decreases, which provokes significant changes in the woman’s reproductive system. Due to a deficiency of this hormone, menstruation occurs more and more moderately, and sometimes does not occur at all.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, discharge with the presence of blood, even in small quantities, is permissible only at the very beginning, at the moment of conception. This is how the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus.

Sometimes, in the early stages, brown discharge appears at the beginning of menstruation, which did not happen, but should have happened in time. This is a dangerous moment that threatens pregnancy failure. This symptom is a cause for concern and an urgent visit to the doctor.

A situation often arises when a woman observes such an onset of her period, unaware of future motherhood. If such a phenomenon occurs, it is important to do a test or see a gynecologist so as not to miss such a significant event.

Sometimes such a symptom indicates an ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate medical intervention. The growth of the fetus outside the womb can lead to rupture of the fallopian tube, and subsequently even death.

Find out in one of our articles what they mean.

Postpartum period

After childbirth, the body experiences a lot of stress. A sharp and intense hormonal change begins, the reproductive system tends to gradually return to its previous mode of functioning.

When a woman breastfeeds her baby, the menstrual cycle does not return to its usual rhythm for a long time or there is simply no bleeding under the influence of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for the contraction of the uterus and the flow of milk.

With the end of lactation, menstruation returns quite quickly, and in the first months it may begin with a brown spot.

Anomalies in the structure of the uterus

There are such anomalies in the development and structure of the main female organ:

1. One-horned, two-horned uterus.
2. Saddle shape.
3. Hypoplasia.

The structural disorder prevents the normal excretion of blood and the endometrium, trapping it in the folds. As a result of this, a rather small amount of blood reaches the vagina, as indicated by the described symptom.

This problem also explains the presence of dark brown discharge on the first day of menstruation. Stagnant blood acquires a dark color, oxidizing in the local environment, sometimes designated.

The existence of such disorders should be monitored by a gynecologist, since stagnation of blood and rejected endometrium can lead to inflammatory processes, as well as infertility or miscarriages. Most abnormalities can be treated surgically.

Little weight

Being underweight often affects menstruation. This is noticed by women who exhaust themselves with strict diets and heavy workloads. With sudden weight loss, the body turns on protective mechanisms, because menstrual blood loss can be critical for it. In this case, menstruation comes in the form of a brown smear, begins in a similar way, or is absent altogether.

Gynecological diseases

The reasons for the appearance of brown discharge on the first day of menstruation are not always due to a physiological condition. Pathological cases are also common. They are distinguished from normal discharge by an unpleasant odor, and are also accompanied by discomfort, pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, itching, and increased body temperature. The most common diseases that exhibit this symptom are:

1. Endometriosis is a pathological growth of the inner layer of the uterus. appear at any time of the cycle, but most often at its beginning, which occurs on the first day of endometrial rejection.
2. Endometritis is an inflammatory process of this tissue caused by infection in the uterus. In addition to menstrual irregularities, a nagging pain in the lower abdomen is felt, the temperature rises, and purulent mucus mixed with blood is rarely detected.
3. Polyps are a possible cause of abnormal periods.
4. In most cases, inflammation of the pelvic organs leads to a change in the nature of discharge during menstrual periods.
5. Neoplasms of different etymologies.

Important! To avoid the development of gynecological problems, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene, lead a healthy lifestyle, use protection in the absence of a permanent partner, regularly visit a gynecologist and monitor hormonal levels and the nature of discharge.

Quite often, women try to find the answer to the question of why periods begin with uncharacteristic discharge online. Information sites will help you get a general idea of ​​the functioning of the reproductive organs and tell you about the likelihood of abnormalities, however, they cannot replace a full gynecological examination. Therefore, if you identify a symptom, you must immediately consult a doctor in order to receive correct and timely treatment in case of pathology.

Dark brown menstruation should not cause concern only in some situations related to the age-related physiological characteristics of the female body.

The influence of external factors remains important:

• Change in climatic conditions
• Starvation diet or overeating
• Anemia
• Heavy physical activity
• Chronic stress
• Taking medications

Here are situations in which dark discharge is normal:

1. In adolescence, girls aged 12–14 years old develop quickly. When a cycle is established, menstruation may be irregular and of an unusual color.
2. There is no need to worry if the general condition is positive, pain does not occur against the background of a stable mental state. When generating reproductive organs, the layer of the inner lining of the uterus is different from that existing in adult women, and therefore the color is different.
3. As menopause approaches, the female body undergoes hormonal changes. Reproductive function weakens, menstruation becomes irregular. There is a possibility of brown discharge of varying intensity.
4. The postpartum period requires restoration of the menstrual cycle; it increases during breastfeeding.

The hormone prolactin inhibits the stabilization of the cycle. Scanty brown periods are caused by sluggish development of the endometrium. Artificial feeding of a child will not protect against such an ointment; the body undergoes recovery within six cycles. Menstruation may occur earlier, but the shade may be different.

When to go to the gynecologist

Beware: if there is a deviation in color, odor and density, dark brown discharge is pathological. Bleeding with a purulent mixture and a pungent odor indicates the occurrence of tumors in the genitourinary system.

The presence of bloody discharge after menstruation or sexual intercourse indicates cervical erosion. The advanced course of the disease can lead to cancer. Infectious diseases manifest themselves through brown ointments with a pungent odor and whitish streaks. These ointments are also signs of ectopic pregnancy.

Light periods are discharge of less than 50 milliliters. They resemble daub in thickness and shape of a dark, rich brown hue. May be related to

• Pathology of pregnancy
• Diseases in the field of gynecology
• Endocrine disorders
• Infections

To identify the nature of the disease, it is necessary to use the services of an antenatal clinic.

All reasons

During pregnancy

At the beginning of the term, this may be considered the norm. Carrying a child for each woman occurs with peculiar changes. Often cause disturbances due to the resulting brownish ointments. The hormone progesterone provokes such discharge. Doctors claim that ointments during pregnancy are both normal and pathological. Immediate contact with specialists is required to identify the cause.

Odorless ointments characteristic of the norm, after conception, 2 - 3 months. The egg attaches to the walls of the uterus. The process is sometimes accompanied by discharge from light to dark shades. If dark shades occur, visit a doctor immediately. If the hormonal background is disturbed, the discharge continues for several months.

The last months of pregnancy are sometimes accompanied by brownish ointments that are released when the mucus plug is rejected. The warning signs last from several hours to a couple of weeks.

The threat of miscarriage can be the main cause of deviations in the color of the discharge. Intense pain in the lower abdomen, vomiting, dizziness, and general malaise occur. In order to maintain pregnancy, the doctor prescribes treatment within the walls of the hospital.

Pathological development of the fetus outside the walls of the uterus is the second reason. Egg rejection is accompanied by a bloody, dark brown ointment. Associated signals: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain. Immediate response is required.

The chance of a new pregnancy depends on the first minutes of contacting specialists. An ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed by ultrasound, after which surgical intervention is prescribed.

Another reason is placental abruption. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the placenta is located quite close to the uterus, causing placental abruption. Dark, brown ointments stand out against the pain in the lower abdomen. The reasons are different: fall of the uterus, abdominal injuries.

Dark discharge with clots

Menstruation with clots represents particles of the endometrium being shed. An increase in the volume of clots and a gray-brown color indicate dysfunction in the body.
Possible factors:

• High fever associated with colds
• Endometriosis
• Endometritis
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Anemia
• Hormonal disbalance
• Ectopic pregnancy

It is necessary to be examined to identify an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostics are quite extensive. Basal temperature is determined, lymph is examined, hCG is determined, and
Ultrasound of the genital organs, kidneys, thyroid examination.

Depression and stress

It is not dangerous if accompanied by stress or depression, which are pathological factors. There is an impact on the insufficient development of the endometrium.

There is nothing more to write here, you will feel the stress yourself.

Treatment is carried out after contacting a gynecologist. Initially, the causes of stress and depression are eliminated. Based on the general clinical picture of the severity of the disease, treatment is carried out by: therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, neurologists.

Consequences of hormonal drugs

Hormonal disorders of the female body occur due to improper functioning of internal organs or the use of hormonal contraception. Ovarian dysfunction, thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus contribute to the appearance of dark brown discharge. The ratio of progesterone and estrogen is disrupted.

When taking contraception, the first few months are considered normal. In case of long-term pathology, it is necessary to abandon this method. The wrong choice of contraceptives can lead to infertility.

Elevated prolactin causes strange discharge, as well as female infertility. Brown discharge after 2 days of menstruation may indicate:

• Brain cysts
• Receiving a high dose of radiation (rare)
• Tuberculosis
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Hyperprolactinemia

Elevated prolactin is also caused by less dangerous reasons:

• Diets
• Stress and depression
• Physical activity
• Tight underwear

Large uterus size

Sometimes a woman's uterus increases in size. The main reasons for this:

1. Adenomyosis is the growth of the endometrium in the muscles of the uterus, occurs in adulthood after 30 years
2. Full or partial molar pregnancy – growth of abnormal fetal tissue
3. Malignant tumors of the uterus - occurs in the mucous membranes
4. Ovarian cyst - pathological formation
5. Uterine fibroids are a benign tumor that occurs in the muscle layer

The following can cause an enlarged uterus:

• abdominal pain, flatulence
• hormonal imbalance
• overweight
• heavy menstruation

Treatment occurs after the disease is identified after examination. It is necessary to undergo a uterine biopsy, blood test, and x-ray examination of the uterine cavity.

During ovulation

During ovulation, the discharge is stronger than usual. The mucous consistency is green-yellow, pink in color. Bloody or dark brown discharge may occur. The normal amount for brown discharge is a small amount. Ovulation does not imply uterine bleeding. You should contact the antenatal clinic if:

• Pronounced discharge
• With a strong unpleasant odor
• Similar to bleeding
• Bloody discharge
• Long lasting

Gynecologists consider normal discharge during ovulation:

• When a follicle ruptures
• High concentration of the hormone estrogen

Pathological causes of discharge:

1. Infectious diseases of the vagina and uterus
2. Incorrect contraception
3. Thyroid gland

The specialist prescribes the process of curing the initial disease after identifying the diagnosis. The diagnosis process consists of an examination using mirrors and a laboratory test in the form of a smear. In some cases, additional tests are required.

Color of discharge during menstruation - one of the indicators of the health of a woman’s reproductive system. Normally, they have a dark red tint, as blood is retained in the uterus and slightly oxidized before being released. But in some cases, the characteristics of menstruation change, and they acquire a brownish color and sometimes an unpleasant odor. Such discharge occurs quite often and can be either a normal variant or a pathology. What to do if a woman has brown periods, why is this phenomenon observed, and in what cases should you consult a doctor?

Female reproductive system sensitive to external and internal factors, therefore, the brown color of menstruation can be caused by a number of reasons, ranging from natural changes in the body to serious diseases and pathologies.

• The beginning and end of menstrual bleeding. At the end and beginning of menstruation, brown blood is normal - the color of the discharge changes under the influence of hormones. If a woman feels normal, then this condition does not require medical intervention.
• Natural changes in hormonal levels. During the formation of the menstrual cycle and before the onset of menopause, fluctuations in hormonal levels can cause a change in the color of the discharge. Menstruation, as a rule, is scanty, and may be accompanied by hot flashes to the face, increased sweating, headaches, and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Pregnancy. Discharge of an unnatural color is one of the signs of conception and pregnancy, along with nausea, fatigue and drowsiness, breast tenderness and other signs. True, this phenomenon, as a rule, indicates an unfavorable course of pregnancy, in particular, hormonal deficiency, an incipient miscarriage, or a frozen fetus.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. A common pathology, which is characterized by a violation of the ovulatory function of the ovaries, and one of the answers to the question why menstrual blood is brown during menstruation. In addition to this symptom, this disease is manifested by irregular cycles, acne on the skin, hair growth on the face and chest, and infertility.

Diagnostics

To determine the cause of brown discharge during menstruation in a woman it is necessary to undergo a series of diagnostic tests, which will help to create a complete picture of the health of the reproductive system.

1. Examination by a gynecologist. Allows you to identify changes and tissue damage, cervical erosion, neoplasms in the uterus and ovaries.
2. Clinical blood and urine tests. They are carried out to identify inflammatory processes in the body - tests reveal leukocytosis, increased ESR, and traces of protein in the urine.
3. Hormone testing. A blood test to determine the level of major sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone) makes it possible to assess a woman’s hormonal background and diagnose disorders.
4. Vaginal smear. Identifies pathogens of infectious diseases in the microflora of the genital organs.
5. HCG analysis. Performed if pregnancy is suspected, normal or ectopic.
6. Tests for tumor markers. Prescribed for suspected cancer of the uterus, ovaries and mammary glands.
7. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. The most informative method with which you can diagnose endometriosis and other pathologies, ectopic pregnancy, neoplasms in the ovaries and uterus, and assess the general condition of the reproductive organs.
8. MRI and CT. They make it possible to determine benign and malignant formations, their structure, location and other features.
9. Research of the thyroid gland. Tests for thyroid hormones and ultrasound of the organ are carried out in case of hormonal imbalances, thyrotoxicosis and other similar diseases.

When making a diagnosis when a woman has brown discharge You may additionally need to consult an endocrinologist, surgeon, or oncologist and other specialists.

Treatment

Therapy for brown periods depends on the cause of the disease. For inflammatory and infectious diseases, treatment is carried out with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with vitamin therapy and immunostimulating agents.

Imbalance of hormones requires treatment with hormonal drugs - as a rule, women are prescribed suitable oral contraceptives, which normalize the menstrual cycle, color and amount of discharge. If a hormonal imbalance is observed during pregnancy, treatment is carried out with drugs containing estrogen, progesterone and other substances (Duphaston, Utrozhestan).

Cysts, fibroids and other neoplasms, as a rule, require surgical intervention, and ectopic pregnancy requires immediate surgery, since this condition entails a direct threat to the woman’s life.

Further prevention

After normalization of the menstrual cycle and the shade of the woman’s discharge need to eat normally, take vitamins, avoid hypothermia and promiscuous sex. Inflammatory and infectious processes must be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, but therapy should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor - self-medication can lead to a deterioration in women’s health.

In addition, to prevent diseases of the reproductive system, you should give up bad habits and, if possible, reduce the amount of stress.

Possible complications and consequences

Brown discharge itself during menstruation do not pose a health hazard, but the pathologies that cause this symptom require immediate treatment. Hormonal disorders, inflammatory and infectious processes can lead to serious dysfunction of the genital organs, chronic diseases and infertility, and some neoplasms can be fatal if left untreated.

Any change in the volume and color of discharge during menstruation may indicate a malfunction of the female reproductive system, and therefore requires prompt consultation with a doctor.

To find out why your periods are brown, you should consult a gynecologist and, if necessary, undergo appropriate treatment.

Every month, the female body is faced with such a physiological phenomenon as menstruation. This is a completely normal and natural process that every woman gets used to.

Menstruation, which is considered normal and has no deviations from the norm, must meet the following points:

• menstruation should be regular, every month;
• the blood must be a certain color;
• the discharge should not have a strange and pungent odor;
• there should be no severe pain that interferes with everyday life;
• Menstruation should not be long - this applies to the bleeding itself, as well as the cycle.

In general, menstruation is a natural process, which, when it occurs, should not cause a woman much inconvenience and discomfort. In order for every woman to understand the nature of menstruation, it is necessary to become familiar with some basic principles.

For example, in order to find out why menstruation is brown. What could this mean? Many people wonder what to do if my periods are dark brown and scanty?

Dark brown periods are normal: reasons

You can often read the following questions on forums: why did I have strange brown periods that are scanty in nature a week before my period? Why are my periods dark brown, what should I do if I have abnormal blood and such a spot?

A large number of women's forums are filled with such various questions about the brown color of menstruation. Therefore, you need to figure out when scanty dark brown periods are normal.

There are few reasons why periods may be dark brown without indicating a disease. Each of the reasons is directly related to the woman’s age category, her lifestyle, a certain stage in life, as well as the health of the body.

Teen age category

Teenagers, starting from the age of twelve, develop quite quickly in appearance. But you can’t go against nature, so already in the first few years the onset of bleeding brings many surprises in the form of: an unstable cycle and dirty discharge. If the girl feels normal during this period, without feeling any discomfort
one that prevents her from entering a normal way of life, then brown discharge is not considered a deviation.

During this period, the hormonal background is just being adjusted, the reproductive organs are at the stage of development, the endometrium is not the same as that of an adult woman. Therefore, the color of the discharge may be different than in women for whom all processes have already been fully established.

Climax

Why do I have brown discharge? - this is a question asked by women who are already about 50 years old. At this age, hormonal changes and suppression of reproductive functions occur. Therefore, periods may be irregular, scanty/heavy, and also have a dark brown color.

But still, this is not a reason to forget about visiting a gynecologist, since a serious illness may be hidden under the guise of transition to menopause.

Postpartum period

Bearing and giving birth to a child is a huge amount of work and requires a lot of the body’s strength. It’s clear that the first question that worries a woman who has given birth is “what should I do if my periods are brown?”

It is no secret that it takes time to restore the cycle after childbirth, and even more so if a woman is breastfeeding. Prolactin, a hormone that allows breastfeeding, suppresses the production of all other important hormones that are responsible for a normal cycle. The endometrium develops slowly over the course of three months, so scanty and dark brown periods are the norm.

Sometimes, after a woman has stopped breastfeeding, her cycle is still irregular for about 5-6 months, but if the problem has already lasted for more than a year and unusual symptoms have appeared, an urgent need to visit a doctor.

If the child is bottle-fed, of course, the periods will soon return to normal, and the brown discharge will replace the normal bloody ones, but if the cycle does not return to its usual mode for a long time, you should not delay a visit to the doctor.

The influence of external factors is also possible:

• acclimatization;
• grueling and strict diet;
• strong physical stress on the female body;
• stress and depression;
• taking medications, especially hormonal ones.

Dark brown menses: how to recognize irregularities

You can often hear the question: “I have scanty and brown periods, what should I do and how to recognize the danger?”

Every woman should pay close attention to dark periods if:

• instead of discharge, which is considered normal, discharge is dark brown;
• the cycle has become shorter or longer;
• not menstruation, but brown discharge with clots;
• daub;
• a strange and unpleasant smell appeared.

These are the main signs, but it is worth paying attention to all unusual manifestations that a woman has not previously noticed during menstruation.

The norm is a dark red discharge with a slight sour odor. Each day, the discharge should be no more than a few tens of milliliters.

Discharge that occurs instead of normal periods and has a brown tint can be divided into 2 groups:

1. scanty brown;
2. vaginal discharge with clots.

Scanty discharge: reasons

Discharge of less than 50 milliliters can be considered scanty. When released, they have a dark brown color and a daub shape.

Depending on the source of the discharge, the following symptoms may appear:

• cramping pain in the lower abdomen;
• vomit;
• headache;
• nagging pain in the lower back;
• feeling of tightness in the chest.

These are alarm bells that may indicate such deviations:

• imbalance in the functioning of the pituitary gland and ovaries;
• disruptions in the functioning of the endometrium (abortion, inflammation, tuberculosis of the reproductive organs);
• contraceptives are selected incorrectly;
• surgical intervention after which complications or injuries occurred;
• emotional experiences;
• metabolic disorders, sudden weight loss or weight gain;
• hormonal imbalance due to disruption of the endocrine system;
• pregnancy, both normal and ectopic.

Discharge with clots: causes

As your period progresses, endometriotic tissue is shed. Clots are particles of dead endometrium. In this case there is no danger. But, if the color becomes brown, the size and number of clots becomes larger and larger - this is a signal that something is wrong in the body.

Reasons that may cause such discharge:

• high temperature with a cold;
• endometriosis;
• endometritis;
• erosion;
• adnexitis;
• anemia;
• hormonal imbalance;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• rapid blood clotting;
• endometrial hyperplasia.

Venereal diseases

Also, sexually transmitted infections can cause brown discharge, so you need to pay attention to the following signs:

• pain during bowel movements;
• burning, itching in the vagina and perineum;
• pain during intimacy;
• unusual, strange smell.

If a woman did not have such symptoms during her period before sexual intercourse with a suspicious partner, this may indicate that she may have: trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections.

Preventive measures and recommendations

Of course, it is better to prevent any disease than to treat it later. Also in this case, do not forget about preventive measures such as:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• visit a gynecologist every six months;
• do not use unnatural intimate hygiene products to wash the genitals;
• protect yourself by using a condom;
• do not wear tight or low-quality underwear;
• during menstruation, frequently change hygiene products and wash yourself;
• lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

It is also advisable before visiting a doctor to write down all alarming symptoms and save the pad with discharge (photo).

Dear women, if you have replaced any deviations that are unusual for the course of your menstruation, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. It is difficult to independently determine the cause of brown discharge. It is worth emphasizing that the dangerous diseases listed above have an impact on the reproductive organs and their functions, so do not play with fire and visit a specialist in a timely manner.

The norm for a woman of reproductive age is to have menstruation every month. Menstrual discharge, bloody in nature, with a specific odor, red in color, and possibly the presence of blood clots is normal. In the uterus, the process of detachment of the endometrium, the mucous membrane, occurs. The duration of menstruation can be from 3 to 7 days, repeating every 21-35 days.
It happens that sometimes or this happens all the time, a woman may observe brown discharge instead of normal menstrual blood. What is the reason for this color change? There are many such factors, but some are quite harmless to health, while others can have a detrimental effect on women’s health.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s hormonal background changes in favor of progesterone. Immediately after ovulation, you can notice how your vaginal discharge changes. They become thick, white or yellowish in color. Every woman notices their abundance. Along with this, the condition of the inner layer of the uterus changes. It thickens significantly, the structure becomes loose. The body is preparing for implantation of a fertilized egg, even if there has been no conception. But after a week, the body understands that there will be no pregnancy and begins to prepare for menstruation. A few days before, the woman observes pain in the lower abdomen. The uterus uses sedentary muscles to shed the unneeded layer of endometrium. At the same time, blood is gradually released. Brown periods are a harbinger of menstruation. After 1–2 days, full bleeding begins.

If this does not happen, the brown spot persists for more than 4 days, which means there is a hormonal imbalance in the body. There are several variations:

• Progesterone remains at high levels, preventing normal menstruation.
• Progesterone was at low levels in the second phase of the cycle. My period can't start. The endometrial layer could not form fully. There is simply nothing to reject.

Brown periods always mean hormonal imbalance. Minor changes are caused by menstruation with initial spotting, significant changes are caused by the absence of full menstruation or an unsuccessful pregnancy.

What indicates irregular menstruation?

When a woman begins to observe the following changes in herself, she should go to see a gynecologist:

• instead of normal periods, brown discharge;
• irregularities in the cycle (long or);
• menstruation begins, but it is brown with clots;
• brown daub;

Also, towards the end of menstruation, you may experience:

• discharge is reduced;
• darker shade.

If you notice dark brown discharge instead of menstruation, this is a deviation from the norm. Contact your doctor!

Also, such discharges are divided into two groups:

1. Instead of menstruation - a small amount of dark-colored discharge.
2. Instead of menstruation - discharge with clots.

Signs that may accompany brown discharge

• headache;
• unpleasant feeling of nausea;
• nagging pain in the lower back;
• pain that is localized in the lower abdomen.

The main causes of brown discharge

It often occurs after mycobacteria enter the genitals from the external environment, and, accordingly, further. Usually accompanying symptoms are disruptions in the cycle and infertility.

Brown discharge in a woman after childbirth

At such a time, a woman in labor undergoes various changes in her body. After pregnancy, everything returns to normal, including menstruation. Remember, not all women start menstruating regularly. The nature of menstruation does not remain unchanged. If a woman’s periods were heavy, then after childbirth there may be brown discharge instead of periods, which is considered normal. But do not neglect the consultation of a gynecologist; this, in turn, will exclude the possible onset of another disease.
How does age affect the change in color of menstruation?

Girls who are just beginning to menstruate and whose cycle is not constant may experience brown discharge instead of menstruation. This may happen within 2 years after the start, and is considered the norm. If this continues longer, you need to consult a doctor.

When a woman is in premenopause, changes in the color of menstruation are also possible. This is due to a decrease in female hormones in the body, as well as the ovaries cease to perform their reproductive function.

Diagnostic methods

With such a deviation from the norm, there are many methods. The main ones are:

After Duphaston, scanty periods are brown

In most cases, delayed menstruation is associated with insufficient progesterone in the second phase. Then doctors prescribe a synthetic substitute. Duphaston is such a drug. The tablets are taken every day, the duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. A woman's hormonal background changes gradually. Against this background, brown discharge appears. They may be present throughout the treatment period, or appear at the end of therapy, after completing the pills. In the first case, brown discharge means unstable hormonal levels, in the second and third cases they are harbingers of menstruation.

Period is dark brown on the first day

The situation is quite natural. Blood cannot flow immediately. The discharge appears gradually. The endometrial layer is also partially rejected. The dark color of the discharge is coagulated blood. A small amount of it quickly coagulates under the influence of oxygen and vaginal microflora. Takes on a brown tint. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. A woman can prepare properly for her critical days. Buy hygiene products, plan your time, adjust your plans for the near future. Especially if the menstrual cycle is unstable. Discharge of the same color appears at the end of menstruation.

Periods are brown with clots

Clots in menstrual flow are nothing more than particles of the endometrium that are rejected gradually. They are always noticeable in blood discharge, but the woman does not pay much attention to them. If the menstrual flow itself has changed color, the situation is alarming.

Brown discharge is always scanty. The cause of menstrual irregularities is hormonal imbalance. The situation can unfold in two directions.

If you have brown discharge with clots, you need to make sure that you are not pregnant, since hormonal imbalance can be caused by pregnancy.

Treatment method for brown discharge

The main thing in treatment-oriented therapy is to determine the reasons why this deviation occurs. They also need to be eliminated to avoid further consequences. Women who suffer from menstrual irregularities should eat well. Your diet should include protein foods, a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. Do not deny yourself good rest and healthy sleep.

If diseases are identified for which brown periods are one of the symptoms, it is advisable to consult related specialists (endocrinologist, nutritionist and others).
Prescription of hormone therapy, method of treatment for hormonal imbalances. If there is a problem with psychological health - antidepressants.

There is a lot of popular advice, they are designed to help restore the normal nature of menstruation. But they are all aimed at ensuring that the right amount of nutrients, as well as vitamins, enters the woman’s body.

You should not exclude seafood, fish, meat, vegetables, and herbs from your diet. Walking in the fresh air and playing sports will also be useful. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it. Avoid possible stress, have more positive emotions, pleasant moments.

It is worth remembering that brown discharge instead of normal menstruation is still a deviation from the norm; you should urgently consult a doctor.

There is no point in studying the reasons on your own. You should also not resort to self-medication, because this can lead to disastrous consequences for a woman who plans to have children in the future and takes care of her health. The only thing she can do to help herself is to take proper care of her body and not miss routine examinations by a gynecologist. A woman must follow these rules regardless of age.

Brown periods make women pay attention to their health. But sometimes not everything is as bad as it might initially seem.

Remember, your health depends only on you, and timely diagnosed and treated disruptions in the menstrual cycle will give you the opportunity to enjoy the happiness of motherhood.