Dark brown discharge in menopause: what to know

Brown discharge often contains a small amount of older blood. Around the menopausal transition, changing hormones can make bleeding patterns unpredictable. After menopause, vaginal dryness and delicate tissues may bleed after sex or an examination, but polyps, infection, womb-lining changes and pelvic organ prolapse can also cause discharge.

Menopause symptoms such as hot flushes or night sweats do not explain away new bleeding. The timing of your last period, any hormone treatment, sexual triggers, pain, odour and urinary or bowel changes are useful details.

Contact a GP or gynaecology service promptly, even if the discharge is light or happens once. They may examine the vagina and cervix and arrange tests such as an ultrasound or sample based on your history. Avoid douching, and mention any vaginal products or hormone medicines you use.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, faintness, fever, or feeling acutely unwell. Prompt review is also needed if discharge is foul-smelling, repeatedly blood-stained, or accompanied by a new pelvic swelling or difficulty passing urine.

Ask whether the discharge is vaginal, cervical or urinary in origin, which examination is suitable, and when you should expect results or follow-up.