What Does a Brownish Discharge 2 Weeks Before My Period Mean?

You will probably be alarmed if you have any type of vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. Although brown spotting two weeks before your period could signal a more serious problem, it may also be an early sign of pregnancy.

Function

• After your period, your uterine lining thickens to provide nutrients for a fertilized egg that may eventually grow into a baby. If the egg that is released mid-month is unfertilized, it will shed with the lining at the end of the month during your period.

Time Frame

• If you are having a normal monthly cycle, spotting or discharge two weeks before your period corresponds closely with ovulation. A brownish discharge can be caused by implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.

Considerations

• There are several possible causes of mid-cycle bleeding or spotting, including uterine fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, hormonal contraception, implantation bleeding from a pregnancy, a tear from sexual intercourse or cancer, according to MedLine Plus (Reference 2).

Theories/Speculation

• Very light spotting at mid-month may be a sign of pregnancy. As many as 40 percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage because these losses can occur before a woman knows she is pregnant, according to the March of Dimes (Reference 1).

Warning

• Bleeding or spotting between periods could indicate a serious problem. Talk to your doctor about any abnormal discharge, particularly if you are bleeding heavily or for more than a few days.