Hi, Brown discharge just before a period is usually harmless and it is not a matter of concern most of the times. Typically vaginal discharge is thin, clear or white. When vaginal discharge is brown, it generally contains old blood that has taken longer to come out of uterus. It is generally more thick as compared to normal vaginal discharge. However, sometimes, certain other causes, which result in brown discharge may have to be considered for evaluation by a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment accordingly. The following conditions are indications for seeing your doctor. - Pelvic inflammatory disease (symptoms of pain in pelvis and lower abdomen, smelly vaginal discharge, burning micturition and fever) - Retained foreign bodies like tampons etc. may cause brown smelly discharge - Polycystic ovarian disorder also cause brown discharge with irregular or heavy period Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician