What Does Luteal Phase Discharge Look Like?

Have you ever noticed that your vaginal discharge looks different right before your period? That’s just one of the many changes you might notice during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. 

The luteal phase occurs after ovulation and before the start of your next period, typically lasting around 14 days. During this phase, the hormone progesterone increases, preparing the lining of the uterus for a potential pregnancy. This hormonal shift influences the nature of vaginal discharge, but it’s nothing to worry about. 

Keep reading to learn more about luteal phase discharge, what’s normal, and when to see your healthcare provider. 

What is vaginal discharge? 

Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by glands inside the vagina and cervix that helps keep the vagina healthy, clean, and lubricated, and to protect it from infections. Normal vaginal discharge can range from clear to milky white and can be thin or thick. It usually has a mild odor that ranges from tangy to earthy or "musky".

The consistency, quantity, and color of vaginal discharge change throughout your cycle in response to hormone levels. It follows a fairly predictable pattern, and the cyclical changes in its appearance and feel can help you determine which phase of your menstrual cycle you’re in. 

It's worth noting that you might not notice any cyclical changes in your vaginal discharge if you're on hormonal birth control. The synthetic hormones in some forms of birth control can alter the natural fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone, which means you may experience different patterns of discharge.

What is the luteal phase? 

To understand what luteal phase discharge looks like, it’s helpful to first have a basic understanding of the menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle is split into four phases: 

1. Menstruation: The menstrual phase is when your uterine lining (endometrium) sheds, AKA your period. It starts on the first day of your period. You probably won't notice any discharge during your period because of menstrual blood.
2. Follicular phase: The follicular phase also starts on the first day of your period — confusing, we know — and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the body produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which makes the ovaries develop follicles, each containing an egg, and leads to the thickening of the endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. Your vaginal discharge might be white, cloudy, or sticky during this phase.
3. Ovulation: Your ovary releases the egg. This phase only lasts about 24 hours (part of what is known as the "fertile window"). You might experience more discharge around this time of your monthly cycle, and it may look clear and slippery, like egg whites.
4. Luteal phase: The luteal phase starts when an egg begins its journey to your uterus and ends when you get your period (around two weeks). If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it attaches to the endometrium, and pregnancy begins. If fertilization doesn't happen, you'll get your period, and the whole cycle starts over.

Luteal phase discharge 

During the luteal phase, the progesterone hormone peaks to support a pregnancy. Higher levels of progesterone also cause your cervical mucus to thicken. 

You might notice a pretty noticeable change in the quantity and texture of your vaginal discharge. You may not even notice any discharge at all.

Generally, vaginal discharge has the following characteristics during the luteal phase: 

• Texture and consistency: During the luteal phase, vaginal discharge tends to become thicker and creamier. This is a noticeable change from the clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like consistency of discharge that often occurs around ovulation. The increased progesterone levels cause the cervical mucus to thicken, which can result in discharge that is more opaque and viscous.
• Color: Luteal phase discharge is typically white or off-white. It may also have a slightly yellow tinge. This is in contrast to the clear or slightly cloudy discharge seen during the follicular phase and around ovulation. Right before your period you might also notice brown discharge — this is due to the presence of blood, and generally a sign that your period is about to start.
• Quantity: The amount of discharge during the luteal phase can vary from person to person. Some may notice that their vaginal discharge increases, while others may experience less. The thicker consistency often makes the discharge less noticeable than the more abundant, egg white discharge during ovulation.

When to see a healthcare provider

Vaginal discharge is a perfectly normal (and healthy!) bodily function, and it’s normal for the color, consistency, and quantity to change throughout your menstrual cycle in response to hormonal fluctuations.

That said, different infections can affect normal vaginal discharge. Any sudden and unusual change to your vaginal discharge could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or a sexually transmitted infection.

Types of abnormal discharge to look out for include:

• green, frothy, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• gray, watery discharge that has a fishy smell
• thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese
• other vaginal symptoms like itching and irritation.

Any of these signs could indicate a shift in the natural balance in your vaginal microbiome. Paying attention to the changes in your vaginal discharge throughout your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health. 

Keeping track of the color, consistency, and amount of discharge can help you better understand your body’s natural rhythms and identify any irregularities early on.

FAQ

What happens to discharge in the luteal phase? 

During the luteal phase, which occurs after ovulation and before your next period, vaginal discharge typically becomes thicker and creamier due to increased progesterone levels. The consistency often changes from the clear, stretchy, egg-white-like discharge seen during ovulation to a more opaque and viscous form. The color is usually white or off-white, and while the quantity can vary, the thicker consistency often makes it less noticeable. These changes are part of the body's natural process to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

What are luteal phase symptoms? 

During the luteal phase, many people experience a variety of symptoms due to hormonal changes, particularly the rise in progesterone. Common symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings. Some people may also experience mild cramping or lower back pain, as well as changes in appetite and sleep patterns. These symptoms are part of the body's natural preparation for a potential pregnancy, but they can vary widely from person to person. 

What kind of discharge is before your period? 

Vaginal discharge before your period typically becomes thicker and creamier due to the increase in progesterone. The discharge is often white or off-white and can be more opaque compared to the clear, stretchy discharge seen around ovulation. Some women may notice that the quantity of discharge increases slightly, while others may find it less noticeable because of its thicker consistency. These changes are normal and part of the body’s natural cycle in preparing for menstruation.