What causes brown discharge after menstruation?

Generally, brown discharge after menstruation may be caused by residual menstrual blood, ovulation bleeding, endocrine disorders, endometritis, adenomyosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Residual Menstrual Blood

Toward the end of the menstrual period, the shedding of the endometrium gradually decreases, but a small amount of menstrual blood may remain in the vagina. Due to the acidic environment of the vagina, the iron in the blood becomes oxidized, causing the residual menstrual blood to turn into brown discharge. Adequate rest should be taken in the later stages of menstruation, strenuous exercise avoided, to prevent abnormal uterine contractions that may prolong the retention of menstrual blood.

2. Ovulation Bleeding

In the middle of the menstrual cycle, during ovulation, estrogen levels in women briefly decline. This causes partial shedding of the endometrium due to reduced estrogen support, resulting in minor bleeding. The blood oxidizes in the vagina, appearing as brown discharge. By tracking the menstrual cycle, women can identify their ovulation period and maintain emotional stability, avoiding excessive fatigue and mental stress around this time to help maintain endocrine balance.

3. Endocrine Disorders

Long-term mental stress, irregular lifestyle, excessive dieting for weight loss, and other factors can disrupt the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, potentially leading to endocrine disorders. Hormonal imbalances may cause irregular shedding of the endometrium, resulting in minor bleeding and brown discharge. Symptoms such as early or delayed menstruation may also occur. Patients may take medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, and Tanshinone Injection under a doctor's guidance.

4. Endometritis

Endometritis is often caused by ascending bacterial infections, such as poor hygiene during menstruation or unclean sexual activity, leading to pathogens invading and causing inflammation of the endometrium. Inflammatory stimulation may cause congestion, edema of the endometrium, increased vascular permeability, and blood exudation, mixing with vaginal discharge to form brown secretions. Symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and increased vaginal discharge may also occur. Treatment may include medications like Cefaclor Capsules, Levofloxacin Tablets, and Metronidazole Tablets, taken under medical supervision.

5. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis mainly results from ectopic endometrial glands within the uterine muscle layer undergoing cyclical bleeding and necrosis during the menstrual cycle. These changes may cause abnormal uterine contractions and altered intrauterine pressure, allowing small amounts of blood to flow out through the uterine cavity, appearing as brown discharge after menstruation. Patients may also experience heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine enlargement. Medications such as Danazol Capsules, Gestrinone Capsules, and Mifepristone Tablets may be used under a doctor's instructions.

Good menstrual hygiene should be maintained in daily life, using qualified sanitary products and changing them promptly. Bathing in tubs and sexual activity should be avoided during menstruation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding long-term熬夜 (staying up late), and reducing stress are beneficial for maintaining hormonal balance.