Brown Discharge and Normal Temperature Patterns in Women

There is brown discharge without an increase in body temperature?

Hello, my menstrual cycle is usually between 25 to 28 days, and I have never experienced ovulatory bleeding or significant temperature fluctuations.
However, for the past two months, my high temperatures have been around 11 days, which is relatively short.
My last period started on September 29 and lasted for 4 days.
On the 13th and 15th days of my cycle, I noticed some brown discharge.
Concerned about possible inflammation, I consulted a doctor, and after examination, everything was normal.
The doctor suggested it might be ovulatory bleeding.
On the day of the bleeding on the 13th, my temperature was 36.28°C, while it had been around 36.4-36.6°C prior (from September 29 to October 11).
However, on the 18th day, I noticed brown discharge again, which continued intermittently until the 22nd day.
My temperatures have remained between 36.4-36.6°C, occasionally reaching 36.7°C, but then dropping again the next day.
My breasts haven't been swollen; I only feel fatigued and occasionally have a dull ache in my abdomen, similar to the sensation after doing sit-ups or a sharp pain.
I'm confused whether this is a sign of perimenopause or hormonal imbalance.

Jing, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/24

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, I apologize for being unable to diagnose based on the described symptoms.
It is possible that this is ovulatory bleeding and should not be considered a precursor to menopause.
If discomfort persists, I recommend consulting a gynecologist for an examination.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/10/24

More Info

Understanding the nuances of menstrual cycles, basal body temperature (BBT), and associated symptoms can be quite complex, especially as women approach perimenopause and menopause. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing some common changes that can occur during this transitional phase of life.

Firstly, your menstrual cycle length of 25 to 28 days is generally considered normal, but as you noted, fluctuations in cycle length can occur, particularly as women approach menopause. The average age for menopause in women is typically between 48 and 52 years, and many women begin to experience irregularities in their cycles during the perimenopausal phase, which can last several years before menopause officially occurs.

Regarding your basal body temperature, it is important to understand that BBT is influenced by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, the hormone progesterone is released, which typically raises the BBT. A sustained high temperature for at least 11 to 16 days after ovulation is often an indicator of a healthy luteal phase. If your high temperature phase is only around 11 days, it may suggest a shorter luteal phase, which can be associated with insufficient progesterone production. This could potentially affect fertility if you are trying to conceive.

The brown discharge you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors. Brown discharge often indicates old blood that is being expelled from the body, which can happen at various times in the menstrual cycle. In your case, the timing of the brown discharge around the 13th and 15th days of your cycle could indeed be related to ovulation. Some women experience what is known as ovulation spotting, which can occur when the follicle ruptures to release the egg. This is typically light and short-lived, which aligns with your description.

The subsequent brown discharge you noted around the 18th to 22nd days of your cycle could also be related to hormonal fluctuations or the shedding of the uterine lining as your body prepares for the next cycle. Given that your doctor has examined you and found everything normal, it is likely that these occurrences are not a cause for concern.

As for the fatigue and occasional abdominal discomfort you mentioned, these symptoms can also be associated with hormonal changes. Fatigue can be common during the luteal phase due to the effects of progesterone, and mild cramping can occur as the body prepares for menstruation.
In summary, while your symptoms may feel confusing, they are not uncommon for someone in their late 40s. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you continue to experience significant changes in your cycle, unusual symptoms, or if you have concerns about your hormonal health, it may be beneficial to seek further evaluation. This could include hormone level testing or other diagnostic measures to ensure that everything is functioning as it should.
Understanding your body and its changes during this time can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

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