What does the brown color of discharge indicate? With limited blood loss, the blood flow through the vagina slows down. During this time, hemoglobin — the protein found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen — oxidizes, changing color from bright red to brown. Thus, the color itself is not an indicator of the severity of the symptom but only shows that some time has passed between the start of bleeding and its actual end.
What causes brown discharge?
The presence of brown vaginal discharge may be associated with numerous clinical conditions. Dysfunctional changes, which are usually reversible, include periods of stress, emotional tension, or psychophysical fatigue that can lead to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Elevated production of these substances can affect the activity of the hypothalamus — a structure of the central nervous system that also regulates the menstrual cycle. In this case, brown discharge generally appears shortly before menstruation, which may begin earlier or later than usual.
Brown discharge may be an occasional occurrence related to unbalanced nutrition or part of more serious conditions such as eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, obesity). In such cases, irregular eating may contribute to hormonal changes that lead to menstrual cycle disruptions and brown vaginal discharge between periods or during ovulation.
Hormonal contraceptives: the use of estrogen-progestin contraceptive methods, especially during the first months, may cause a “physiological” reaction of the body adapting to hormonal changes induced by the medication. This may sometimes result in brown spotting even on days unrelated to the expected menstrual cycle. This issue usually occurs only in the first months of therapy and then resolves on its own. However, if it persists longer, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist who may adjust or discontinue the treatment.
Organic causes of discharge
Ovarian cysts may be part of polycystic ovary syndrome; in this case, brown vaginal discharge often appears between menstrual cycles or during ovulation.
Cervical ectropion is an abnormality of the cervix characterized by the outward displacement of cells lining the inner cervical canal beyond the external cervical opening. In this case, brown discharge typically appears after sexual intercourse or sporadically, not necessarily during the menstrual cycle.
Uterine fibroids or polyps are benign tumors of the female reproductive tract that may cause bleeding or brown discharge.
Neoplasms or precancerous changes: brown vaginal discharge may be a sign of localized cancer of the female reproductive system. If this is not an isolated case and is accompanied by other symptoms (pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss, night sweats), it is recommended to consult a doctor at MC “Boholyuby” for further examination.
What should you do?
The need for treatment strictly depends on the underlying condition. If the causes are organic, surgical or pharmacological intervention may be required.
If brown discharge is caused by common stress factors or eating disorders, certain measures may help: following a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables; engaging in physical activity appropriate for your needs while avoiding excessive strain; reducing exposure to stressors; ensuring adequate, high-quality nighttime sleep.
