Brown Vaginal Discharge Between Periods: Causes & What to Do

Question
I AM 41 AND FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS HAVE HAD A FEW DAYS OF BROWN SPOTTING BETWEEN PERIODS..THIS LAST MONTH I HAD MY PERIOD AND A WEEK LATER HAD BROWN STAINING LASTING 2 WEEKS. NOW MY PERIOD WAS DUE 1 AND 1/2 WEEKS AGO I DID NOT GET IT AND CONTINUE TO HAVE THE BROWN STAINING...AM I STARTING AN EARLY MENOPAUSE OR WHAT COULD THIS BE? NO PAIN OR CRAMPS JUST THE BROWN ON MY PAD EVERY DAY....WHAT COULD THIS BE? THANKS KATHY

Answer
kathy;

about 5% of women will experience spotting-a light staining of blood-regularly with ovulation. the key to this harmless kind of spotting doctors say,is that it happens almost every month near the middle of your menstrual cycle. often this spotting is accompanied by mild pain. but you say you dont have any discomfort.

however, in some women,lack of ovulation,which causes the uterine lining to grow thicker and then shed small areas of tissue at different times,may also be a cause of spotting.

your doctor will have to diagnose and prescribe treatment for unexplained spotting. your doctor will perform a careful physical exam,examing the outer areas,the vaginal lining and cervix. if nessary,he may take a small tissue sample for closer examination under the microscope.

it would be best,to see your GYN doctor,it could be something simple,or serious.

catherine;