Periodic changes of leucorrhea

It is well known that due to the different body constitutions of women, their leucorrhea will also show periodic changes. In fact, leucorrhea can also reflect a woman's physical health. Normal vaginal discharge should be transparent, odorless, and of moderate quantity. If the leucorrhea appears bloody or has a foul smell, it may be a gynecological disease. In addition, a woman's leucorrhea can reflect many other situations. So what is the pattern of cyclical changes in leucorrhea?

Changes of leucorrhea during the menstrual cycle

1. Normal women feel different amounts of leucorrhea during a menstrual cycle. When the menstruation just ends, the amount of leucorrhea is very small. As time goes by, the amount will gradually increase and the texture will become thinner and thinner. In the middle of two menstruations, which is the ovulation period, the amount of leucorrhea is the largest and thinnest. Some people describe it as a runny nose. Later, the amount of leucorrhea will decrease and become thicker. The above changes are physiological. Some people feel obvious, while others do not.

2. Abnormal leucorrhea is manifested by changes in color, quality and quantity:

①Purulent leucorrhea. It is yellow in color and has a foul odor. It is most commonly seen in Trichomonas vaginitis, followed by chronic cervicitis. It can also be seen in endometritis, pyometra, vaginal foreign bodies, etc.

② Bean-dreg-like leucorrhea. Also known as cheesy, it is more common in candidal vaginitis and accompanied by vulvar itching.

③Bloody leucorrhea. If there is blood in the leucorrhea, you should be alert to cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, etc. Cervical polyps, submucosal uterine fibroids, senile vaginitis, and IUD insertion can also cause it.

④Watery leucorrhea. If the amount is large and watery, endometrial cancer or fallopian tube cancer should be considered first. If abnormal leucorrhea is seen, the medical history should be obtained in detail, and the leucorrhea should be checked for trichomonas and fungi. The cervix, uterus and pelvic cavity should be carefully examined. If necessary, a cervical smear, biopsy or diagnostic curettage should be performed. After the cause is identified, appropriate treatment should be given.

3. The formation of leucorrhea is closely related to estrogen, so girls before puberty generally do not have leucorrhea . After puberty, the ovaries begin to develop and secrete estrogen to promote the development of the reproductive organs, and leucorrhea begins to appear at this time. During each menstrual cycle, the quality and quantity of leucorrhea change as the secretion of estrogen varies. At this time, the leucorrhea is less in amount and thicker. In the few days before and after menstruation, due to pelvic congestion, vaginal exudate increases, and leucorrhea also increases slightly. Because it contains more exfoliated cells, the leucorrhea is turbid. In addition, after pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge increases during sexual excitement and after sexual intercourse.

After menopause, women's vagina becomes dry and without leucorrhea due to the decline of ovarian function and lack of estrogen in the body.

How to calculate the menstrual cycle

What is considered a normal menstrual cycle? The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman. A period that is 7-10 days earlier or later is within the normal range. As long as a certain regularity is maintained, it is not considered to be menstrual irregularity.

The menstrual cycle, also called the ovarian cycle, is divided into four phases, including the follicular phase, ovulation phase, luteal phase, and menstruation phase:

1. Follicular phase: The follicular phase is from the first day of menstruation to the day of ovulation. During this period, under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, the concentration of estrogen in the body increases, the follicles gradually mature, and the endometrium thickens.

2. Ovulation period: Ovulation period refers to the process in which the egg cell and the surrounding cumulus granulosa cells are discharged together. A woman's ovulation date is generally about 14 days before the next menstrual period.

3. Luteal phase: The luteal phase refers to the period from ovulation to the day before menstruation. The ovaries are affected by luteinizing hormone and secrete progesterone to maintain the thickened endometrium to facilitate the implantation of the fertilized egg. If the fertilized egg does not implant, the endometrium will collapse and the menstrual cycle ends with the onset of menstruation.

4. Menstrual period: The duration of each menstrual period is called the menstrual period, which is generally 2-8 days, with an average of 4-6 days. Generally, there are no special symptoms during menstruation, but due to pelvic congestion and the effects of prostaglandins, some women may experience discomfort in the lower abdomen and lumbosacral area or uterine contraction pain, and may also experience symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction such as diarrhea.