Clear Discharge Before Menstruation on Birth Control

Clear, slightly white discharge before menstruation?

I have been taking oral contraceptives, but I still seem to experience premenstrual symptoms, such as having watery discharge.
Normally, my period should start in the next two days (the third day of the placebo week is tomorrow).
Is this normal, doctor? Is it possible for my period to come five or six days after stopping the pills?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I am currently taking oral contraceptives, but I still seem to experience premenstrual symptoms, such as having watery discharge.
Normally, my period should start in the next two days (the third day of the placebo week is tomorrow).
Is this normal, doctor? Answer: Yes, it is normal.
Is it possible for my period to come five or six days after stopping the pills? Answer: Yes, it is possible.

Reply Date: 2019/10/06

More Info

Clear discharge before menstruation while on birth control can be a common occurrence and is generally considered normal. When you are taking oral contraceptives, your body undergoes hormonal changes that can affect your menstrual cycle and the characteristics of your vaginal discharge.
The clear, watery discharge you are experiencing is likely due to the hormonal fluctuations caused by the birth control pills. These pills work by regulating your hormones to prevent ovulation, and they can also influence the cervical mucus. In the days leading up to your period, it is not unusual for the discharge to become more abundant and clear, resembling the type of discharge you might see during ovulation. This is a result of increased estrogen levels, which can cause the cervical mucus to thin out.

Regarding your concern about the timing of your period, it is indeed possible for your menstrual cycle to be slightly delayed after stopping the pills. While most women will experience their withdrawal bleed (the period that occurs after the placebo pills) within a few days of completing their active pills, some may find that it takes longer—up to a week or more—for their period to start. Factors such as stress, changes in routine, or even the individual response to the hormonal changes can affect the timing of your menstrual cycle.

If you are on a standard 28-day pill pack, the last seven days are typically placebo pills, during which you should expect your period. If you do not get your period within a week after finishing the placebo pills, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse.
In summary, experiencing clear discharge before your period while on birth control is normal and can be attributed to hormonal changes. It is also possible for your period to be delayed by a few days after stopping the pills. If you have any concerns or if your cycle does not return to normal after a couple of months, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed or if a different contraceptive method might be more suitable for you.

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