Understanding vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is a completely normal and healthy part of the menstrual cycle—and it’s largely guided by hormones. Throughout the month, the texture, color, and amount of discharge change in response to shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone. By paying attention to these changes, you can gain powerful insights into where you are in your cycle and what your body needs.

Vaginal Discharge Through the 4 Cycle Phases

Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5, approx.):

  • Discharge appears as menstrual blood (red to dark brown).
  • Sometimes light spotting or brown discharge may occur at the beginning or end as old blood leaves the uterus.

Follicular Phase (Days 6–13, approx.):

  • Discharge is usually light, sticky, or creamy white.
  • As estrogen rises, it may increase in amount and start to thin out.

Ovulation Phase (Around Day 14, approx.):

  • Cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy - similar to raw egg whites.
  • This “fertile-quality” mucus helps sperm move more easily, signaling your most fertile days.

Luteal Phase (Days 15–28, approx.):

  • Progesterone thickens mucus, making it creamier, tackier, or sometimes drier.
  • Toward the end of this phase, some may notice light brown discharge before their period begins.

Symptoms

Each phase brings its own physical and emotional changes:

• Menstrual: Cramps, fatigue, bloating, lower mood, lower energy
• Follicular: Improved mood, higher energy, increased focus
• Ovulatory: Peak energy, confidence, libido boost, fertile cervical mucus
• Luteal: Possible PMS, irritability, breast tenderness, cravings, mild bloating


Menstrual phase

Common signs & symptoms:
• Bleeding – The uterine lining is expelled.
• Cramping (dysmenorrhea) – Caused by prostaglandins that make the uterus contract.
• Lower back pain – Also linked to uterine contractions and inflammation.
• Fatigue & low energy – Estrogen and progesterone are low, which can reduce mood and energy.
• Mood changes – Feeling more sensitive, tearful, or introspective is common.

Why it happens

The sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone signals the body to shed the uterine lining. Prostaglandins, which help the uterus contract, can also irritate nerves and muscles, causing pain and fatigue.

Follicular phase

Common signs & symptoms:
• Increasing energy and motivation – Rising estrogen stimulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
• Improved mood & cognitive clarity – Estrogen boosts brain function and mood.
• Clearer skin and hair health – Estrogen improves collagen production and sebum balance.
• Appetite may stabilize – Hormones begin to balance blood sugar and metabolism.

Why it happens

Estrogen has rejuvenating effects: it increases energy, enhances mood, and supports tissue repair. This is why many women feel their “best selves” during the late follicular phase.

Ovulation phase

Common signs & symptoms:
• Peak energy & libido – High estrogen and testosterone-like effects boost sexual desire.
• Cervical mucus changes – Becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy (fertile mucus).
• Heightened senses and social confidence – Evolutionarily linked to fertility signaling.
• Possible mild ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) – One-sided lower abdominal twinge.

Why it happens

The estrogen peak signals the body that it’s fertile. Nature’s design encourages ovulation, sexual activity, and conception during this time.

Luteal Phase

Common signs & symptoms:
• Bloating & water retention – Progesterone slows digestion and causes mild fluid retention.
• Breast tenderness – Progesterone and estrogen influence tissue sensitivity.
• Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety – Hormonal shifts affect serotonin and GABA pathways.
• Fatigue & cravings – Progesterone has a calming, sleep-promoting effect; blood sugar may dip.
• Acne flare-ups – Sebum production can rise due to hormonal changes.

Why it happens:

Progesterone preps the body for pregnancy, but if fertilization doesn’t occur, both progesterone and estrogen drop sharply. This hormonal “crash” can trigger premenstrual symptoms, commonly called PMS.

Reminder: Every woman experiences her cycle differently - no two bodies are exactly alike. While symptoms and their intensity can vary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular movement, and good sleep can help ease discomfort and support overall hormonal health. Listening to your body and nurturing it through each phase makes a real difference.