What Causes Brown Vaginal Spotting Before Menstruation?

Posted on Sun, 27 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had brown discharge sept 4th thru the9th or 10th of sept and then I started my cycle. It lasted 8days and I am still having a light brown tint on the toilet paper when I wipe. I wipe a little bit ago and there was a little red blood. What is going on?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need few more details please.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
WOuld you let me know a few more details please .
Do you always have regular cycles otherwise ?
Have you ever experienced such spotting / discharge earlier ?
Have you been continuously spotting since the 10th of September ?
What is your height and weight ?
ARe you on any other medications / hormones ?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (20 minutes later)

My cycles have always been regular. My weight is 188 and I'm 5'8. I'm on Paxil and lorazepam. I have always had brown discharge before my cycle and after for a few days and then it's done. This is the first time I'm dealing with this.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be peri menopause, but get an evaluation done please.

Detailed Answer:
Well, you are around 42, so it is likely that these are mild hormonal changes leading up to peri menopause.
Such spotting / discharge is common at this time.
Moreover, some common factors affect cycles - stress, anxiety, travelling, late nights, smoking, drinking, erratic eating habits, weight fluctuations, unaccustomed exercise etc.
However, it is wise to have an evaluation so that serious causes such as fibroid, polyp, endometrial hyperplasia ( thickening of the lining of the uterus ), cervical lesions - are ruled out.
You would need to see a Specialist OB - GYN and have an internal exam, Pap smear, pelvic ultrasound scan and hormonal levels to know how you stand with respect to perimenopause ( FSH, LH, Serum estradiol ).
Please get that done.
Wish you good luck always !
You can contact me directly anytime, using the following link -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Take care.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D