Brown Discharge

[Fancynewbeesly]

My last normal period was July 16-22. My periods are usually regular, but I did not have a period in August. I noticed a light brown discharge starting about August 20 which became heavier and redder like an actual period on September 6.
I saw that exercising differently may affect your menstrual cycle, and I did begin tennis conditioning in mid August. My boyfriend also fingered me sometime in late July/ early August.
Is the brown discharge cause for concern? I have had a similar brown discharge before periods before, but to my knowledge it didn't last for 2ish weeks like this has.

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate what y'all do here, especially since my school has really crappy sex ed.

[Karyn]

Welcome to Scarleteen, Fancynewbeesly.

Brown discharge sometimes happens before a period really gets going (or the last couple of days of a period). It doesn't always last as long as two weeks, but it can, and it isn't terribly surprising given that you've recently changed your exercise routine, which can throw your cycle a bit out of whack. If you're concerned, however, it never hurts to check in with your doctor to make sure that everything is okay. You can also read more about discharge - and things to look out for - here: Honorably Discharged: A Guide to Vaginal Secretions