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What Causes Constant Vaginal Discharge In Adult Women?
Question: I'm 53. Hysterectomy 7 years ago. Still have ovaries. Have noticed a vaginal discharge that has been going on for about 2 weeks. No other symptoms. Last vaginal exam 6 months ago and all was fine. Should I worry about this or is it normal?
Brief Answer:
Vaginal discharge is never dangerous but can have many causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of vaginal infections. Usually they have some associated aymptoms though; Candidiasis (thrush) usually causes some itching and discomfort, while a bacterial infection (called bacterial vaginosis) usually has a grey or greenish discharge with odor.
However, in your case, I think the discharge is likely from menopause itself.
In someone with a uterus, it would be obvious when they went through menopause (which is when the ovary stops producing estrogen and eggs) because their menstruation would stop. But in your case, because of your hysterectomy, you may have recently gone through menopause and not known it. Some women get hot flashes and other symptoms when this happens, but not everyone notices any symptoms at all.
When your estrogen levels drop at menopause, the cells of the vagina get thinner and your vaginal pH can change. This can produce a yellowish discharge (even greenish) without an odor. The discharge is not harmful but can be treated with estrogen cream or tablets. Or there are vaginal jellies that are designed to rebalance the pH of the vagina. Probiotics (not in pills, live culture in yoghurt works best) also can help.
I suggest if the discharge is bothersome to you see a GYN for evaluation. He/she can check your hormone levels to make sure you chemically are in menopause and prescribe treatment if you desire. You also should be starting to take at least 1000 mg daily of calcium with at least 400 I.U. of vitamin D to help prevent bone loss.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question and that this advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything further.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Vaginal discharge is never dangerous but can have many causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of vaginal infections. Usually they have some associated aymptoms though; Candidiasis (thrush) usually causes some itching and discomfort, while a bacterial infection (called bacterial vaginosis) usually has a grey or greenish discharge with odor.
However, in your case, I think the discharge is likely from menopause itself.
In someone with a uterus, it would be obvious when they went through menopause (which is when the ovary stops producing estrogen and eggs) because their menstruation would stop. But in your case, because of your hysterectomy, you may have recently gone through menopause and not known it. Some women get hot flashes and other symptoms when this happens, but not everyone notices any symptoms at all.
When your estrogen levels drop at menopause, the cells of the vagina get thinner and your vaginal pH can change. This can produce a yellowish discharge (even greenish) without an odor. The discharge is not harmful but can be treated with estrogen cream or tablets. Or there are vaginal jellies that are designed to rebalance the pH of the vagina. Probiotics (not in pills, live culture in yoghurt works best) also can help.
I suggest if the discharge is bothersome to you see a GYN for evaluation. He/she can check your hormone levels to make sure you chemically are in menopause and prescribe treatment if you desire. You also should be starting to take at least 1000 mg daily of calcium with at least 400 I.U. of vitamin D to help prevent bone loss.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question and that this advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything further.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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