What Kind of Discharge Should I Expect During My Period?

What Kind of Discharge Should I Expect During My Period?

Our expert: Dr. Sherry Ross

Sheryl A. Ross, M.D., “Dr. Sherry,” is an award-winning OBGYN, our go-to for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and beyond. She’s practiced for 20+ years, recently won both a Top Ten OB/GYN & Patient’s Choice Award. She also has a line of custom vitamins made specially for women, Dr. Ross D3FY Vitamins.

I just got done with my second period ever, only to find that I have been getting brown discharge. Then, when I went to the bathroom this morning, I noticed there was a fair amount of blood mixed with discharge. It feels like every time I finish my period, I start bleeding again a few days later. What’s happening?

 

Periods aren’t always predictable from the start. In fact, most girls are “irregular” for a while, meaning that their periods come at different times during the first several months after they first appear. The bleeding can also look a little different from period to period. The dark brown discharge you see is normal, particularly towards the end of a period cycle or during those annoyingly unscheduled spotting episodes.

 

I always suggest that a girl keep a log of when and how much she is bleeding so that she can check in with her pediatrician if there is any concern. Just make notes on a printed calendar (the one-month view works best for this) so that you have a good sense of how irregular your cycle really is. If you are bleeding fairly frequently–every two or three weeks–then you will want to mention it to your doctor.

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