What is the cause of leucorrhea before menstruation?

Leucorrhea is a barometer of gynecology and an important factor in determining whether a woman is ill. Many women have leucorrhea before menstruation, and the amount increases significantly. We know that when there is inflammation in a woman's body, the color, smell and amount of leucorrhea will change accordingly. So is the increase in leucorrhea before menstruation due to inflammation? Let's find out together!

1. Physiological leucorrhea

Physiological leucorrhea includes secretions from the labia majora and minora, Bartholin's glands, vaginal exudates and cervical glands, as well as a small amount secreted by the endometrium. It is a white, flocculent, viscous liquid, the amount and properties of which vary slightly with the menstrual cycle. The sensitivity of leucorrhea varies greatly from person to person. Some women have a lot of leucorrhea but do not feel any discomfort, while others, although their reproductive tract secretions are normal or only slightly increased, often have a wet feeling in the vulva and feel confused and uncomfortable, so they are eager to seek treatment. This is related to one's personality, social status and cultural level. In fact, all healthy women under the influence of estrogen have reproductive tract discharge, commonly known as leucorrhea, which should not be understood as a pathology. Among patients who complain of increased leucorrhea, about 10% have physiological leucorrhea, or normal cervical fluid, or normal exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells. Therefore, for patients with increased leucorrhea, we should first distinguish whether it is physiological or pathological leucorrhea.

2. Causes of leucorrhea before menstruation

The reason for leucorrhea before menstruation is that women often have increased secretion of leucorrhea two to three days before and after the menstrual cycle, during ovulation, pregnancy and sexual intercourse. The reason is that during ovulation, the estrogen level is relatively high, the secretion of the cervical glands increases and becomes thinner, which reduces the acidity and alkalinity of the vagina, which is beneficial to the survival and passage of sperm. Before and after the menstrual cycle, vaginal exudate and cervical secretions increase due to pelvic congestion and the influence of estrogen. These factors can increase vaginal discharge, which is normal and there is no need to worry.

3. What symptoms will leucorrhea cause before menstruation?

Colorless, paste-like leucorrhea, which is sticky like paste and abundant in quantity, often stains underwear. Except for lower back pain, the patient has no other symptoms. It is more common in chronic metritis. In addition, women who use more estrogen preparations may also experience this kind of leucorrhea. Bean-dreg-like leucorrhea, with a large amount of leucorrhea, shaped like bean dregs and floc-like, is often accompanied by extreme vaginal itching. This type of leucorrhea is mostly caused by vaginal fungal infection or diabetes. Foamy leucorrhea, the leucorrhea is foamy and large in amount, accompanied by itching of the vulva and vagina. If a vaginal leucorrhea smear test is done, active Trichomonas may be detected. This is because of infection with Trichomonas due to unclean bath water during a tub bath, pool bath or sitz bath. This disease is often caused by itching and scratching of the vaginal opening, which leads to purulent infection and the leucorrhea turns into yellow pus and foam. Purulent leucorrhea is yellow or green in color and is often accompanied by symptoms such as general weakness and low fever. It is likely to be acute vaginitis or cervicitis. Purulence indicates bacterial infection and you should seek medical attention immediately. Watery leucorrhea, which is clear like water, often soaks the underwear, and has a foul odor, is often a characteristic of fallopian tube tumors.

4. Precautions for leucorrhea before menstruation

It is recommended to go to the gynecology department of a regular hospital for routine examination of leucorrhea in time to find out whether the infectious pathogens are fungi, trichomonas, bacteria, viruses, etc., and select sensitive drugs for standardized and systematic treatment based on the examination results. Before menstruation, if there is excessive secretion, you should actively observe and rest, consider cleaning the vulva to prevent vaginitis, observe whether there is breast discomfort or abdominal pain, and actively observe the menstrual situation.

It is normal to have leucorrhea before menstruation. Due to the continuous increase of estrogen in the body, many women will feel that their leucorrhea is as clear as water, with a large amount, and often wets half of their underwear before and after menstruation. As long as there is no odor and the color has not changed, it is basically normal. However, if both the color and the smell have changed, you must check it out in time, as it may be caused by certain diseases.