Have you ever noticed white, sticky discharge before your period and wondered if it’s normal? You are probably not the only one to experience it.
Yet it may leave you wondering whether it is just one of those things you have to put up with in your cycle or something you need to worry about.
Let us discuss what this discharge can signify, when to regard it as normal, and when it might indicate something else.
What Does White Discharge Before A Period Mean?
White discharge or vaginal secretion before your period is pretty common, and is a part of the menstrual cycle. It is usually a sign that your body is nearing menstruation, caused by hormonal changes. It is something that every woman experiences, and helps in keeping your vagina clean and healthy.
The discharge usually comprises of cells from cervix and vaginal walls. Although this is pretty common, the amount, texture, and colour varies throughout your menstrual cycle.
Causes of Discharge Before Period
Hormonal Changes
When your period is nearing, your body undergoes hormonal fluctuations. There will be an increase in estrogen and a decrease in the progesterone levels, which leads to the secretion of white, thick and sticky mucous from the cervix and vaginal walls. This promotes a healthy environment for the vagina.
Ovulation
After ovulation, your body experiences an increase in progesterone levels, keeping yourself prepared for a possible pregnancy. This sudden spike in the progesterone levels may cause an increase in cervical mucus, and contribute to white and creamy mucus before periods.
Pregnancy
In case of a missed period, the noticeable white discharge could be a sign of early pregnancy. This is a pretty common symptom of pregnancy, due to changes in hormonal levels, leading to thick, white, and milky discharge. If pregnancy is suspected, a pregnancy test can be done to confirm
Infections
Although less common, white discharge could be a sign of possible infections like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or STIs. In this case, the discharge will be accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, unusual odour, or discomfort during intercourse.
Birth Control
Sometimes, birth control measures like taking a pill or an IUD, could alter the hormonal levels, leading to discharge before periods. Most of the time, this is pretty common, but if your discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, it requires medical attention.
Home Remedies For White Discharge Before Your Periods
- Foods like yogurt support proper bacteria maintenance in the vagina through probiotic-rich content.
- A little apple cider vinegar in a bath, either as small or diluted solution wash, clearly aids in balancing vaginal pH-levels.
- Proper care for the vaginal area-dryness and cleanliness-will help prevent a type of infection that leads to abnormal discharge.
- Breathable underwears-like cotton or loose clothes-keeps your vaginal area always ventilated thus helps prevent potential infections.
- Avoid vaginal deodrants or scented wipes at all costs because it may interrupt with the vaginal pH-levels.
- Drinking adequate water and frequent hydration can help keep people well hydrated and improve their vaginal health.
When To Seek Medical Attention?
Commonly, vaginal discharge is normally not a health issue. But one may need to see a doctor when experiencing some of the following conditions:
- The discharge becomes either unusually thick or somewhat resembles cottage cheese, or has a very strong smell.
- The discharge has associated itching, pain or swelling around the vaginal area.
- There are pains associated with urination or penetration.
- There is a significant change in the amount or texture of discharge.
- You are dealing with an STI or suspect a pregnancy.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the majority of the women experience a form of whitish discharge before the commencement of their monthly cycle, and it never is a cause for concern. But at times, it can be an indication of an underlying health condition such as a yeast infection, STI, or bacterial infection.
It is best to document all the signs and seek medical advice. Maintaining good hygiene and eating healthy can keep your vagina healthy and reduce unusual discharges. Always seek medical attention if you sense something abnormal or note any strange changes in your discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Usually, white discharge can occur three to four days before your period, as a part of your ongoing menstrual cycle.
White discharge without a period is pretty common and not a cause of concern. It occurs due to the hormonal fluctuations, ovulation, or stress. Only in rare cases, they indicate an underlying health condition, so there is no need to worry about.
Yes, white discharge is a common symptom of pregnancy, that occurs due to the change in hormone levels during the initial stage. However, it not all discharge necessarily means that it is a sign of pregnancy.
Most of the time, white discharge does not require any treatment to be cured. However, it can be controlled by maintaining good hygiene, wearing breathable clothes. And avoiding douches. However, this may not be effective, if it is abnormal or accompanied by other symptoms, which need medical attention.
Usually, the discharge lasts for a few days, ranging from one to three years, depending on the person’s menstrual cycle.
