Heavy Discharge Before Menopause

Vaginal discharge is fluid that emits from the vagina, cervix, or uterus. Every woman has vaginal discharge, and it varies in appearance from woman to woman. Several things can cause vaginal discharge to become heavy right before menopause.

Time Frame

Women usually start perimenopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause occurs two to eight years before menopause begins.

Hormonal Changes

In perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate wildly. This fluctuation causes a hormonal imbalance which directly results in vaginal changes. Changes that take place in the vagina affect the consistency and amount of discharge.

Discharge Changes

Discharge during menstruation changes in consistency according to hormonal changes in the cycle. During the years approaching menopause, this discharge may become lighter or heavier and may be thicker or thinner than usual.

Infections

If you contract a vaginal infection during the years leading up to menopause you may notice a change in vaginal discharge. This discharge may appear thicker or thinner than usual, have an unusual smell, and you may also have vaginal inflammation or itching.

Special Considerations

At any time during or pre-menopause, discharge should not smell, itch, or be accompanied by bleeding outside of your normal menstrual bleeding.

References

• Cleavlandclinic.org: Vaginal Discharge
• Medline Plus: Menopause
• Mayo Clinic: Perimenopause

Resources

• Hormone Therapy