Brown spotting after period is normally observed in many women. some women also experience brown discharge before the period. In both scenarios, a small amount of brown blood before and after the period is mainly due to the removal of blood from the vagina.
It is a healthy process in which blood and cells of the previous menstrual cycle are removed through the vagina. However, if this is not common in your regular menstrual cycle it might be giving you worries.
In this article, we will tell you what is brown discharge, the types of brown discharge, and its causes. It is very important to have precise knowledge about brown spotting after period as it can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.
What is brown discharge?
When blood is exposed to oxygen it changes its color from red to brown with the help of the process of oxidation. If you remove Band-Aid from the cut, you will notice that the red blood color has changed into brown maybe this is the reason why red menstruation blood changes its color into brown.
Brown vaginal discharge can occur before or after a period. Within your body through natural oxidation the blood when exposed to oxygen turns brown in color. Most of the time there is nothing to be worried about brown spotting after period.
After the period when you experience brown spotting it is most probably because the blood is taking a lot of time to excrete out from the body. The blood of the menstrual cycle also mixes with the watery vaginal discharge resulting in thick clumpy rubber-like consistency.
Shades of brown discharge
⦁ Dark brown discharge
This type of brown discharge takes place during the time of your period when blood oxidizes coming out from the vagina.
⦁ Black discharge
Black vaginal discharge is a sign of heavy period bleeding. If you notice pain, discomfort, or a strong smell it may be a sign of infection or serious health issue.
⦁ Light brown discharge
When menstrual blood combines with transparent vaginal discharge it becomes a light brown discharge. It is a sign of light bleeding or spotting. It is usually thick rubber-like in consistency.
Causes of Brown spotting after period
Here is a list of major causes of brown spotting after period.
⦁ PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone abnormality in women. In this syndrome, the male hormones are at higher levels leading to irregular periods and symptoms like obesity, acne, infertility, and excessive hair growth.
When women have PCOS sometimes they experience brown spotting after the period which is the old blood from the previous menstrual cycle.
⦁ Dry period blood
The blood that remains for a long time period in your body becomes darker and dryer. Brown spotting takes place as a result of the oxidation process when blood contact with air.
Some women experience brown spotting after period, it may be a few days or weeks depending on the shedding of the uterus lining process.
⦁ Birth control
When women take birth control treatment the progestin hormone level of the body is increased ultimately resulting in irregular brown menstrual bleeding. It is a side-effect of birth control pills or implants.
⦁ Perimenopause
Perimenopause takes place in the 30s and 40s of women. In this phase, a woman’s body is preparing for menopause. The estrogen levels fluctuate making changes in the menstrual cycle. Not only brown discharge but women also experience cycles without ovulation.
⦁ sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections are also responsible for causing brown spotting after period such as
⦁ Gonorrhea
⦁ Bacterial vaginosis
⦁ Chlamydia
Apart from brown discharge, you may also experience symptoms like painful urination, pelvic pain, vagina itching, and pain with intercourse.
⦁ Pregnancy-related
During early pregnancy, women may experience light brown spotting which is a sign of implantation bleeding. If the brown discharge is heavier along with abdominal cramps and fluid or tissue discharge it may be a sign of early miscarriage. In the later days of pregnancy, if you experience brown discharge it may be due to preterm labor.
Does Brown spotting indicate a missed period?
Sometimes women who are taking birth control pills or have disturbed menstrual cycle experience brown discharge instead of red blood. This discharge is similar to menstruation bleeding only the difference is the blood becomes dull-colored.
Bottom line
Brown discharge after period is usually not a matter of concern. However, if you notice other symptoms like foul odor or pain then you should consult a doctor as it can be a pregnancy or miscarriage sign.