Discharge before and during menopause: That’s what it means

Discharge before menopause

The hormone estrogen is not only related to fertility. Estrogen also ensures a healthy vaginal environment. Normally, the vaginal secretion is slightly acidic and thus protects the vagina from infections. The acidic environment kills germs. Usually, if the discharge is clear or milky white and odorless, you don’t need to worry. Then it is a normal vaginal secretion.

Menopausal discharge – not always an infection

During menopause, estrogen production decreases. This also leads to changes in the vagina. It becomes drier and there are fewer lactic acid bacteria in the vaginal secretions. As a result, the vaginal secretion is no longer so acidic and pathogens can penetrate more easily. So menopause itself doesn’t change the smell or appearance of the discharge. However, you are then more susceptible to bacterial vaginal infections or vaginal thrush. You’ll know this if the discharge gets heavier, smells bad, and isn’t clear or white. For example, yellow discharge indicates an infection.

Spotting is typical of menopause . This is a brownish, slimy discharge that usually occurs before or after the menstrual period. Menopause can also cause brown discharge instead of a period. Such spotting is usually harmless as long as it does not last longer than three days. If you are not sure how to correctly interpret discharge during the menopause and whether it has a disease value, a visit to your gynecologist should bring clarity. This can tell you in any case whether an infection is present or not.