PMS Discharge: Normal Variations and Warning Signs
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often associated with various symptoms like bloating, cramps, or sore breasts.
One of the symptoms is vaginal discharge.
While the discharge is mostly normal but in some cases can be the reason for an underlying condition.
According to a study by Coleman, normal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age consists of 1-4 mL per 24 hours.
It can vary over the menstrual cycle and in different reproductive stages.
This article will discuss the causes of PMS discharge and when you should see a doctor.
Causes of PMS discharge
Vaginal discharge, also known as cervical mucus, is normal.
The discharge is made of water, old cells, and microorganisms that the uterus, vagina, and cervix clear out to prevent infection.
The discharge volume, texture, and color may change throughout the cycle.
It is triggered mainly by hormonal changes in the body during the premenstrual days.
The several causes behind PMS discharge include,
Hormonal changes
In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when Progesterone peaks in the body, it causes a white or cloudy vaginal discharge.
In the phase when estrogen is dominant, vaginal discharge is clear and watery.
This white discharge is called Leukorrhea and is filled with fluid and cells.
Period flow
If you are experiencing a brown vaginal discharge, this may indicate the arriving menstruation.
Most period flow is bright red but can start brown.
It may happen in case of light flow and does not rapidly exit through the vagina, allowing the blood to oxidize and change its color.
Early pregnancy
The white PMS discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy because of high Estrogen levels.
It can appear slightly yellow in the case of pregnancy.
Perimenopause
During the time before menopause, women may experience vaginal discharge before periods.
The discharge is due to the light flow and can be white, brown, pink, or red.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance condition that can lead to irregular periods and light bleeding.
It may also cause brown discharge and light spotting when periods are expected.
Vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle
The vaginal discharge is different throughout the hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle.
The rise and fall of hormones can change the discharge’s texture, color, and volume.
It changes throughout the menstrual cycle in the following ways,
Period flow
Normal menstrual flow lasts for up to 5-7 days.
Additionally, last days of the period can have a comparatively lighter flow that is red, brown or pink discharge.
This whole process is part of the shedding of the uterine lining.
Post menstruation
Some may experience 1-2 days of white, sticky, or yellowish discharge after the period of bleeding stops.
Pre-ovulation
The hormone level increase to prepare the follicle to release egg can cause increased cervical mucus secretion.
Its appearance is clearer, watery, and slippery, known as fertile cervical mucus.
Ovulation
During the 24-48 hours surrounding ovulation, many may experience the maximum clear and watery vaginal discharge volume.
Some may also experience light bleeding during or after ovulation.
Hence, the discharge may appear slightly pink or brown.
Luteal phase
After an egg is released, the luteal phase occurs and lasts until the next period begins.
After ovulation, the discharge thickens or decreases abruptly, and the subsequent week or so may be relatively dry with little vaginal discharge.
In the last week of the luteal phase, other PMS symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating or mood swings may occur.
When should you be concerned?
Vaginal discharge is considered a normal process of maintaining healthy sex organs.
The changes can be due to regular hormonal changes or aging.
In case you notice any abnormal symptoms, like,
- A sudden increase in discharge
- Change in the odor of the discharge
- Change in color, like yellow, green, or gray
- The texture of the discharge
- Other symptoms with abnormal discharge like abdominal pain, painful urination, or fever
PMS v/s early pregnancy discharge
The early signs of pregnancy might be similar to those of PMS.
There is vaginal discharge in both conditions, but it has some differences.
PMS discharge usually stops once menstruation begins, while pregnancy discharge may continue throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy discharge may also be thicker or heavier than normal discharge and may have a different color or odor.
However, it is just a sign, and it is best to consult a doctor in case of an abnormal vaginal discharge.
Conclusion
Discharge during PMS is considered normal in most cases.
But, abnormal discharge with color, texture or volume changes can be a sign of underlying condition.
Tracking these changes can help women identify potential issues early.
It is advisable to speak openly with your healthcare provider about menstrual discharge.
This can help ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this watery discharge a pre-PMS?
Vaginal discharge during PMS is white and clear due to high levels of Progesterone. If you are experiencing a watery discharge, it may be due to increased estrogen levels. Consult your doctor to identify the cause behind the watery discharge.
What does a PMS discharge look like?
Most women experience a white and clear discharge during PMS. This is due to high levels of Progesterone in the body. Just two or three days before the period starts, you may experience a brownish discharge.
What color is PMS discharge?
During PMS, the vaginal discharge appears white and clear but can range from pink to brownish. The PMS discharge is because of hormonal changes in the body. Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing abnormal discharge, especially yellow, green, or gray.
How early does discharge come before a period?
PMS discharge normally occurs a week before periods. The discharge can be white or clear due to the high amount of Progesterone. But, it may slow down one or two days before the periods begin.
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