Hello Doctor,
I'm a 28-year-old woman experiencing brown discharge and slight lower abdominal cramps for the past 3 days. My last menstrual period started on December 18, 2023. What could be causing this?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. Causes of Brown Discharge:
Old Blood: Brown discharge often occurs when blood from your previous menstrual cycle is being expelled from the uterus. This blood may take longer to exit the body, resulting in a brownish color.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can affect the consistency and color of your menstrual discharge.
Stress: Stress can disrupt your menstrual cycle and lead to changes in your discharge, including the appearance of brownish discharge.
Infection: Certain infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause changes in vaginal discharge, including a brownish color.
Pregnancy: In some cases, brown discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding.
2. Timing of Symptoms:
Occurring three days after your last menstrual period, it may relate to normal uterine lining shedding.
3. Recommendation:
Consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Be prepared to discuss your medical history.
Diagnostic tests may be needed for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment will be based on your specific situation.
Thanks
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