The menstrual cycle is an important part of a woman's he alth. 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. Discharge before menstruation is a very common phenomenon, which, in turn, worries women. By their nature, one can judge the presence or absence of inflammatory or infectious processes. Whites are female secretions that have an antibacterial, aseptic effect, thanks to which they protect female organs from pathogenic microbes and inflammation. So what should be the selection before menstruation?
Normal highlights
Throughout the entire menstrual cycle, a woman's hormonal background changes. In each phase of the cycle, different hormones work, which determine the nature of the discharge. In the phase beforemenstruation, the level of progesterone in the blood begins to decrease, while, on the contrary, estrogens increase. At this time, the glands of the genital tract produce more mucus than usual. Also in the uterus, the endometrium swells, preparing to be shed. Therefore, sometimes particles of blood are present in the secretions.
The following situations may be the reasons for discharge before menstruation:
- pregnancy. In this case, the discharge will be more abundant and white. During the period of implantation of the fetal egg, a woman may see bloody discharge, which does not last long. They are often confused with the onset of regular menstruation.
- Discharge after intercourse, especially if it was unprotected. In this case, the cervix is cleansed, and sperm comes out.
- If a woman has an intrauterine device, slight spotting is acceptable before menstruation.
Signs of normal discharge
Discharge before menstruation, which is considered normal, has the following symptoms:
- A slime stain on a panty liner should not exceed 5 centimeters in diameter.
- The pre-period discharge will be creamy.
- Normal mucus in this phase of the cycle is white or with a white tint. If you see a yellowish tint, don't worry, as the mucus reacts to oxygen in this way.
- Shortly before menstruation, a sour smell appears.
- Normally, the discharge is homogeneous, but inclusions of small lumps are acceptable - this is the epithelium of the vagina, which is being updated. sometimes smallparticles can collect into small lumps, similar to cottage cheese. Such discharge is often confused with thrush.
- In the absence of pathologies, the woman does not experience itching.
The most important feature that can be used to judge normal secretion is the absence of extraneous unpleasant symptoms - itching, burning, unpleasant odor should not bother a woman. Otherwise, this is a reason to see 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 a woman's body, are the accompanying itching, burning, unpleasant odor, pain in the lower abdomen, as well as discomfort during intercourse, blood and pus impurities.
White highlights
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 odor, without itching. They talk about the normal functioning of the female body, capable of childbearing.
If the leucorrhea has a consistency similar to cottage cheese, a sour smell and severe itching, it is most likely a thrush caused by a fungus of the genus Candida.
Also, white thick discharge before menstruation may indicate the presence of cervical erosion. This is a dangerous disease, because if left untreated, it can provoke malignant tumors. In this case, a small amount of red or brown discharge may appear after intercourse or a doctor's examination.
If the white discharge began to turn brown, this indicates the development of endometriosis.
Yellow highlights
Yellow odorless discharge and itching may occur due to increased work of the glands, with allergic reactions, for example, to underwear made of synthetic fabrics. Also, this color of mucus can be caused by taking certain medications.
Yellowish discharge of a pathological nature can be a symptom of various diseases.
If this discharge is accompanied by itching, pain, and sometimes discomfort during intercourse, these are signs of bacterial vaginitis.
It happens that yellow-green thick discharge, in which the stomach and lower back hurts, replace a full menstruation. So colpitis can manifest itself. It is recommended that you see your doctor for an appointment 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. Intercourse can cause pain and blood.
Yellow discharge may 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 - an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genitourinary system. If this color of discharge causes pain when urinating, it is chlamydia.
As a rule, discharge from sexually transmitted diseases has a liquid consistency, an unpleasant odor and itching. Therefore, if you find yellow discharge before menstruation,appearing along 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 mucous membrane of the cervix.
Pink highlights
Pinkish discharge before menstruation is normal, 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 causes of bleeding before your period 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 along with an unpleasant odor a few days before menstruation, it may be endometritis - inflammation of the lining of the uterus.
You should immediately consult a doctor if you find abundant mucous discharge of pink or bloody color, which is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and impurities of pus. This may indicate cancer. All relevant tests are required.
Green highlights
Green discharge cannot be the norm. It is always either an inflammatory process or a sexually transmitted disease. You should take tests that will reveal the exact cause.
Discharge of this color is often accompanied by an unpleasant odorand foamy consistency.
Bleeding
Bleeding before your period is normal in most cases. Their occurrence may be associated with an 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 the discharge appeared or intensified 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.
Bleeding may be due to hormonal failures. But if such symptoms are accompanied by a delay in menstruation and pain, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.
There are a lot of reasons for such allocations. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms, especially if there is a discharge before menstruation a week or even earlier.
Brown highlights
If brown discharge appeared before menstruation for a day or two, then you should not worry, this is a sign of normality. In the people they are called daubs. Lumbar pain and discharge before menstruation, irritability and tearfulness are the influence of hormones and prerequisites for a newcycle.
But often it is the cause of gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, ovarian pathology, polyps and others. If, after going to the hospital, the doctor did not reveal any pathology, then we can talk about reasons such as:
- stress;
- hormonal disruptions;
- use of contraceptives;
- pregnancy. In this case, such discharge may indicate a threatened miscarriage.
Prevention and treatment of female diseases
Discharges that are normal do not need prevention, it is enough just to maintain hygiene:
- Wash 2-3 times a day.
- It is advisable to wear underwear made from natural materials.
- Showering is recommended instead of taking a bath.
- Do not swim in open water where there is stagnant water.
- Change linens daily.
- Change hygiene products as they get 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:
- exclusion of hypothermia;
- protected intercourse;
- not recommended to have sex during your period;
- avoid casual sexual partners;
- follow your doctor's instructions.
Therapy will be prescribed by the doctor based on the diagnosis. No need to self-medicate. An accurate diagnosis is made after the results are known.all tests - urine and blood, ultrasound, smears, etc.
Antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used as treatment.
Conclusion
Don't be afraid of changes in the color and amount of selection. The main thing is to be able to distinguish the norm from the pathology. If the color of the discharge changes, itching, unpleasant odor, pain and discomfort appear, this is a reason 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 he alth, notice any deviations during the menstrual cycle. After all, a timely visit to a gynecologist will help to avoid many complications and cure the disease in the early stages.