Vaginal Discharge

[zamakid]

I am in my early 50s and was diagnosed with PCOS at 16.  For the past several years I have had a brownish discharge a few days prior to my cycles.  This time around I had no pre-menstrual discharge and stared my period, which ended about 2 weeks agao.  A few days after my cycle ended, I noticed I was spotting slightly; it was red, like blood, not brown or filled with menstrual fibers.  That ended after about about 4 days.  Now I am having the brownish discharge, very similar to the pre-menstrual discharges in the past.  I was told I was perimenopausal about 4 years ago.  Any idea what might be causing these light bloody discharges and the brownish discharges?

[josie178]

I had a low grade of abnormal cells on my papsmear and went to a recommended specialist for a Colpsocopy and biopsy.  I had this done on 3 days ago and I am having alot of discharge that is thick and yellowish/brown. I have read this can occur for a few days after the colposcopy but then I also read it could mean that I may have an infection. However, it does not itch or feel uncomfortable. Can you please tell me if I should be worried?

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

You describe irregular bleeding in the perimenopause.  This suggests your symptoms may be the result of a pregnancy, being anovulatory (not producing an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle), an endometrial polyp, a thyroid abnormality, or from abnormally growing tissue within the uterus (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia or cancer).  You should be seen by your ob/gyn and have a work up that includes a pelvic exam, a pelvic ultrasound, hCG, TSH (thyroid hormone), and endometrial biopsy.  

With the results of that evaluation further management can be determined.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing