Is white discharge a sign of a period coming

 

Is white discharge a sign of a period coming? Keep reading this article to find out the answer!

Most women have many different types of discharge throughout their menstrual cycle. You may produce up to a teaspoon of thick or thin, odourless mucus every day. Its colour might range from white to clear to brown. 

Vaginal discharge can be of any colour during the menstrual cycle, although it is often white just before and after a period. Healthy vaginal discharge may have various colours and textures. If you experience an itching or a burning sensation, an unpleasant odour, along with a white vaginal discharge, it could be a sign of an infection. It is possible that you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).1

What does white discharge before periods indicate?

White discharge, also known as leukorrhea (in medical terms), is common during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It can occasionally even appear yellow because it is filled with fluid and cells that are shed from your vaginal area.

The luteal phase is the final stage of a woman's menstrual cycle. It occurs when the progesterone levels in the body are at their peak levels. The discharge is transparent, stretchy, or watery when the female sex hormone (estrogen) is the dominating hormone. Progesterone, on the other hand, makes mucus cloudy or white. Some women frequently check their vaginal discharge to determine whether they are pregnant or not. It is a natural family planning strategy or a fertility awareness method.

Thin and stretchy mucus is said to be fertile because it happens around the time of the release of an egg. And the cervical mucus that is thick and white is said to be infertile. That makes sense because this type of mucus is most frequent when you are no longer fertile, i.e. between ovulation and the beginning of your period. Regardless of colour or texture, any discharge you experience keeps your vaginal tissues healthy and moisturised. It is considered normal if there are no additional symptoms, such as pain, itching, or redness, along with the discharge.

When your period is nearby, your mucus may appear yellow. On the days before or after your period, brown discharge is also possible. The old blood leaves your body in the form of a brownish discharge. Spotting blood or brown discharge around the time of your expected period could be a sign of early pregnancy. Taking a home pregnancy test is suggested if you experience spotting and if your period has not yet arrived.

When to contact your doctor?

White discharge before your period may be very normal. However, yeast infections can affect up to three out of every four women at some point in their life. There are several home remedies you can try if you think you might have a yeast infection.

If your symptoms do not improve after a week or so of home treatment, or if you have any additional concerns, consult your doctor. You should also consult a doctor if you have never had a yeast infection or been treated previously for it. They can look through your symptoms and help you to develop an effective treatment plan.