Is it normal to discharge before your period

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and color and consistency change throughout the month. However, some types of discharge indicate an underlying condition. Many women experience thick, white discharge before a period. This is considered healthy unless the discharge is lumpy or accompanied by a strong odor. Read on to discover more about changes in discharge throughout the menstrual cycle, and why white discharge can appear before a period.

Normal vaginal discharge is called leukorrhea. It comprises fluid and bacteria from the cells in the vagina. Most women produce just under a teaspoon, or 4 milliliters , of white or clear discharge every day. Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white, due to the increased presence of progesterone , a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

In other phases of the cycle, when the body has higher levels of estrogen , vaginal discharge tends to be clear and watery. Discharge helps with lubrication and the removal of bacteria from the vagina.

It can also be a convenient way for women to track their menstrual cycle. White discharge is common at the beginning and end of menstruation. It is usually thin and stretchy, and should not be accompanied by itching or an odor. Using these types of birth control , including the birth control pill, can lead to more discharge, because hormone levels may be affected.

The increase is not usually a cause for concern unless there are any other symptoms. Also known as candidiasis , yeast infections are a common complaint among women. It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Discharge associated with a yeast infection tends to resemble cottage cheese — it is thick, white, and lumpy.

Other symptoms include itching and burning in and around the vagina. Around 30 percent of women of childbearing age have bacterial vaginosis BV , an infection caused by bacterial imbalances in the vagina. BV is linked to douching and having more than one sexual partner. The discharge tends to be grayish-white and has a fishy odor. Several sexually transmitted infections STIs cause changes in vaginal discharge.

The infections can include chlamydia , gonorrhea , and trichomoniasis. People with bacterial vaginosis will often experience no symptoms other than a thin white discharge accompanied by a strong fishy smell. Sometimes, the color of the discharge might also be dull gray or green.

This condition is usually mild and could go away on its own in a few days. But if you experience symptoms like itching or burning when you pee, then you should see your doctor, who can prescribe antibiotic pills or creams.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease STD. It is caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis which is passed from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. About 3. It's typically treated with antibiotics that need to be taken for about 5 to 7 days.

The most effective way to prevent the infection is by using condoms when having sex. White discharge in your underwear before or even after your period is usually no cause for concern.

The amount and texture of the discharge can vary — while some women might notice only trace amounts, others may have as much as a teaspoon full.

It is also not always completely white, and it can be creamy or clear, like an egg white. However, if you notice certain symptoms along with your discharge, then you should see your doctor, as it might be a sign of an infection.

If it has a strong odor, or its bright yellow, green or grey, if it's itchy or it causes swelling, burning, or irritation then it might be a sign of an infection," says Yen. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health.

Primary Care. Mental Health. Most women experience a range of different types of discharge throughout their menstrual cycle. You may produce around a teaspoon of thick or thin, odorless mucus each day, and the color can change from white to clear to brown. The white discharge you may see before your period is known as leukorrhea. This part of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. When estrogen is the dominant hormone, discharge tends to be clear, stretchy, or watery. Progesterone, on the other hand, turns mucus cloudy or white.

Some women use discharge as a way to track potential fertility. This is known as a natural family planning strategy, or fertility awareness method.

Thin, stretchy mucus is considered fertile, as it happens around the time when your egg may be released. White, thick discharge is considered infertile cervical mucus. Regardless of color or texture , discharge keeps the tissues in your vagina healthy and lubricated. Dryness is common in the three to four days after your period ends.

After that, you may experience three to five days of white, cloudy, or sticky discharge. This is called the follicular phase, when an egg is developing. Lots of clear and stretchy, or clear and watery, discharge is common around the time of ovulation. In fact, during this time you may see up to 30 times your normal amount of daily discharge.

White discharge returns again after ovulation as progesterone takes over as the primary hormone. You may see more of it than you do earlier in your cycle. The amount slowly declines from the large amount during ovulation until it becomes thicker and sticky, almost like glue.