Almost every woman experiences a certain amount of vaginal discharge before her periods. The onset of this discharge starts at the beginning of puberty and ends after the menopause. This discharge is normal and may vary during the course of the menstrual cycle. It is made up of vaginal fluids and bacteria that is secreted by the vagina. However just before the onset of the periods you might notice a change in the color and consistency of the discharge.

Normally a woman will have clear and watery discharge which occurs during different times of the cycle. Once you start ovulation however there is a lot of fertile mucus produced by the body which in turn is discharged from the body in the form of clear or egg white, stretchy and slippery vaginal discharge. This is usually seen during the tenth or the nineteenth day of the periods and is the result of changes in the estrogen and progesterone levels during ovulation. This cervical mucus consistency lubricates the internal surface of the vagina and allows the survival of the sperms, thus aiding in the fertilization and conception.

After ovulation and just a few days before your periods, the acidic levels in the vagina are the lowest. The vaginal discharge during this time is thick white usually odorless and with no other symptoms like itching. This cervical mucus secreted before the periods protects the genital tract from infections.

So when should the vaginal discharge before periods be a cause for concern? If the discharge is grayish white, yellowish and greenish in color and is accompanied by foul odor, itching, rashes, pain and discomfort then it could be the sign of an infection. Vaginal infections can cause burning during urination and inflammation of the vagina.

The most common cause of abnormal white discharge before periods is Candidiasis or Thrush. This fungal infection causes cheesy white discharge along with intense itching, soreness and inflammation. Other factors that result in unusual vaginal discharge are STDs like Trichnomoniasis which causes frothy greenish yellow discharge which has a foul odor, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Bacterial vaginosis can also result in abnormal vaginal discharge before periods.

To avoid these infections clean your private parts properly and avoid the use of scented soaps and lotions. Do not use tampons for long periods of time and avoid wearing tight jeans, leotards and pantyhose. Drink plenty of water, yogurt and cranberry juice to naturally cure a thrush infection.