Better understand your cycle thanks to vaginal discharge

We hide them, we judge them and we look down when we discover them in our panties... Today, we suggest we talk about vaginal secretions! Because these vaginal secretions (or white discharge, or leukorrhea for the more scientific) are anything but dirty or shameful. They are natural, normal, and above all: they say a lot about what's going on inside! 👀

At Puissante, we help women (re)connect with their bodies and therefore with what they express, whatever the form. 😉

You will then realize that he is sending you signs!

In this article, we will teach you how to decipher your vaginal secretions according to the phases of the menstrual cycle, to differentiate between “normal” and “to be monitored”, and to discover how discharge can also be a valuable compass. when you experience severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) . 🧭

So, let's breathe, let's relax and discover together how vaginal discharge can become our best friends, or almost! ❤️

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal secretions are fluids naturally produced by the vagina and cervix. They are a mixture of cervical mucus, dead cells, vaginal flora, and a little water and mucus.
All regulated by hormones, mainly estrogen. ☝️

The consistency, appearance, color, quantity, odor, and even texture of discharge change throughout your cycle. This isn't a bug; it's a great self-monitoring tool for tracking your hormones, cycles, and how you function. 🧠

While this varies throughout the cycle, vaginal discharge is not expected to have a strong or unpleasant vaginal odor. Like semen in men, its odor can vary slightly among women, but it remains essentially odorless.

A healthy vagina... secretes! It's neither dirty nor a sign of infection.

Our vaginal discharge can be our best ally in understanding our menstrual cycle, our hormones, our fertile phases and even our mood, our actions etc. By observing them, it is possible to know if we are in the follicular phase, in full ovulation, in the luteal phase or on the eve of our period.
A real integrated gynecological GPS!
So, what if we stopped seeing them as enemies and instead realized their usefulness ?

What is vaginal discharge for?

They have several useful functions:

• Moisturize and keep vaginal mucous membranes supple and comfortable 💧

• Naturally cleanse the vagina and remove dead cells, impurities, bacteria and pathogens using cervical mucus 🫧

• Maintain a balanced vaginal flora thanks to lactobacilli ✨

• Prepare or support fertility by promoting or preventing fertilization depending on the time of the cycle 🐣

• And sometimes, to warn that something is wrong (hormonal imbalances, infections or gynecological symptoms) detectable by smell, color or texture. 🚨
  

In other words, vaginal discharge is a great intimate/gynecological barometer, when you know how to decipher it!

Vaginal secretion is a marker of intimate health.
When we talk about vaginal secretions, we're not just talking about fluid: we're talking about hormonal health, cervical mucus, and sometimes revealing gynecological symptoms. It's a valuable indicator of your vaginal balance .

If you notice a sudden change in consistency, pelvic pain, itching, or abnormal vaginal discharge, consult your doctor, midwife, or gynecologist to rule out infection, obtain medical advice, and possibly treatment.

Why observe your vaginal discharge?

As you can see, keeping an eye on the bottom of your panties can have several benefits:

• Know how to find your way around your cycles and identify which phase of the cycle you are in.

• Understanding why you have a stomach ache , are tired or are extremely emotional, etc.

• Anticipate and organize your daily life by taking into consideration your hormonal fluctuations and therefore your physical and mental states (physical activities, productive times, important decisions, travel, etc.).

• Anticipate PMS and its symptoms... to better experience them and understand their causes.

• Better understand your fertile periods (useful if you want to get pregnant or even avoid it)

• Detect possible hormonal imbalance or possible infections that may require treatment.
  
  

Quick reminder: vaginal discharge is not your period. It appears throughout your cycle and does not contain blood (except in the case of spotting, which we discuss below). 🩸

Vaginal discharge according to cycle phases

Now that you're convinced: the discharge produced by your vagina is no longer to be viewed with a negative eye but simply with a curious and benevolent eye... let's move on to the theory!

Observing your losses is like reading a map of female functioning , the main points of which are as follows:

Post-menstrual period: the follicular phase

Secretions:

This phase begins just after your period, usually between day 6 and day 9 of your cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period).

Your discharge is often almost non-existent. The vagina is a little dry, the endometrium is rebuilding.

If there are any, the secretions are not very abundant, rather dry or slightly sticky.

👉 Texture: Absence of discharge or very clear and scanty secretions
👉 Tips: Don't confuse the absence of discharge with a problem! It's completely normal.

Internal changes:

This is a hormonal period of rebuilding and ramping up. The body, after shedding the endometrium (menstrual blood) through the vagina, is getting back on track to potentially ovulate.

Estrogen levels are skyrocketing. 📈

The endometrium (the uterine lining) is rebuilt.

Ovarian follicles (future eggs) begin to mature under the influence of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

The cervix remains closed and dry at first, then gradually opens.

In terms of sensations:

Energy returning: we are coming out of the premenstrual hormonal drop, so a lot of women feel more lucid, more in shape, as if after a big reset . 📈

Mental clarity: Rising estrogen promotes concentration, memory, and inner calm. This is often a good time for decision-making, organizing, and reflection. 🧠

Less sensitive to pain: estrogen has a mild analgesic effect → some women are more physically resistant and recover better. 🌵

Increased sociability: mood is lighter, PMS irritability has vanished, and libido can start to show its face . 👀

Skin and hair are often brighter: the natural glow is slowly starting to return (thanks to estrogen). 💁♀️

During this phase, you can:

✔️ Start projects or plan.
✔️ Get into regular physical activity.
✔️ Reconnect with yourself (journaling, meditation, intentions).
✔️ Get a head start on work if possible.
✔️ Make love if you want to (you are generally more receptive to stimulation).

Pre-ovulatory period

This period only lasts a few days and is usually between day 10 and day 13 of the cycle.

This is the period just before ovulation (or reproductive peak).

Secretions:

The discharge becomes creamy, opaque, white or yellowish.

👉 Texture: white, creamy, a little sticky
👉 Sensation: constant humidity, slippery
👉 Tips: You can do the “finger test” with your cervical mucus = take a little discharge between two fingers, spread them apart. If it “flows” slightly, you are approaching ovulation.

Internal changes:

It's a bit like prime time in the cycle: your estrogen is at its peak , FSH continues to stimulate the ovaries, and an egg is preparing for imminent ovulation. The ground is fertile (literally and figuratively).

Estrogen surge: “boost” effect throughout the body.

Increase in LH ( luteinizing hormone) which triggers ovulation.

The cervix opens, softens and lets sperm pass through.

Body temperature is still low (it will rise just after ovulation).

In terms of sensations:

Peak mental and physical energy: You feel strong, productive, and magnetic. This is the most sociable and outgoing phase of the cycle. 🔋

Libido at its peak: thanks to Mother Nature, the desire to get closer, explore, or connect can be more intense. Many women also report increased sexual pleasure, more fluid, more “obvious.” It is also possible to feel more any stimulation or bodily sensation, especially around the vagina. ❤️🔥

More self-confidence: Estrogen also acts on neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin). You are often more radiant, more assertive, less self-judgmental. ✨

Less pain: the body is flexible, ready to receive or produce. It's a good time for demanding sports activities, or to try a new yoga pose or... pleasure. 😏

Communication ++: Perfect for meetings, important discussions, brainstorming sessions, or seduction phases. You are clear, quick, and generally more patient. 💬

During this phase, you can:

✔️Launch a presentation, negotiate, create a connection

✔️Feel attractive, reconnect with your image

✔️Try new pleasures (intimate or not)

✔️Enjoy abundant natural lubrication

✔️ Trust yourself: in your choices, in your vitality, in your ability to succeed

Ovulation

Ovulation most often occurs between days 14 and 16 of the female cycle. Ovulation is the fireworks of the cycle. The moment when a mature egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey to the fallopian tubes, potentially awaiting fertilization. It's the defining moment, the physiological turning point of the female cycle.

Secretions:

This is when the discharge becomes most abundant and typical. It resembles raw egg white: stringy, elastic, translucent. It is nature that facilitates the egg/sperm encounter. 🫶

👉 Texture: very fluid, elastic, transparent
👉 Quantity: often ++
👉 Tips: This texture is a strong indicator of fertility. If you're tracking your cycle with a view to conceiving, now's the time. If you want to avoid it, be extra careful.

Internal changes:

Burst of LH ( luteinizing hormone ) which triggers ovulation.

The ovarian follicle releases the egg : this phase only lasts 24 hours (but sperm can survive up to 5 days...).

Estrogen is still high , but is slowly starting to come down.

The body begins to produce progesterone (which prepares for the luteal phase).

In terms of sensations:

Feeling of inner power: For many women, this is the phase where we feel aligned, in harmony with ourselves. The mind is sharp, the body is ready, the desire is there. 💪

Natural Charisma ++: It's hormonal! Pheromones are on full blast, your skin is brighter, your voice slightly higher, and many women feel (and are) perceived as more attractive. ✨

Libido in fusion: If you feel a stronger, more animalistic, or more connection-focused sexual urge, that's normal. Biologically, this is when the body "proposes." 🔥

Mild pain or pinching on one side of the lower abdomen (also called “mittelschmerz” in German): this can happen at the exact moment the egg is released. ⚡️

Greater tolerance for pain and frustration: this is a good time to do sports, try a new activity, dare to take on projects. 🙂

During this phase, you can:

✔️ Start a project or a meeting

✔️ Cultivate your self-image, your sensuality, your confidence

✔️ Explore your pleasure unrestrained (libido at its peak)

✔️ Plan important or challenging things

The Luteal Phase (after ovulation)

Phase 4 generally runs from day 17 to day 28 and therefore until the end of the menstrual cycle! Just after the ovulatory period, the body switches into a phase of withdrawal and transformation. The emptied follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which begins to secrete a large amount of progesterone. This hormone's main mission is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

The discharge decreases in quantity. It may become thicker, stickier, sometimes yellow or even disappear a few days before your period.

👉 Texture: pasty, creamy or almost absent
👉 Color: white or slightly yellowish
👉 Tips: This is also often the time when PMS starts. If you're prone to mood swings, pain, or digestive issues, your secretions can alert you even before symptoms begin.

Internal changes:

Rise in progesterone → calming, sedative hormone, which encourages withdrawal, introspection, cocooning.

Estrogen is slowly coming down .

Body temperature rises slightly (we often feel warmer).

If no fertilization → sudden hormonal drop a few days before menstruation... and this is where PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can enter the scene. 🎭

And there… we have good news!

This phase is particularly interesting to observe to anticipate your premenstrual syndrome. This is also where the SPM treatment by Puissante comes in : a natural supplement designed to relieve hormonal symptoms and bring more gentleness to this period.

In terms of sensations:

Need to slow down : this is often a time of fatigue, even hypersensitivity. The “go, go, go” energy gives way to a desire to rest, sort things out, and take stock of yourself. It’s natural, normal, and not a system glitch. 🐢

Emotional fluctuations: We can feel irritated, anxious, vulnerable. It's also the time when we question ourselves a lot. ("Why am I doing this job?", "Do I still like it?", "Why does this friend annoy me so much?"). 🎡

Decreased libido or more intimate sensuality : less fire, but often more tenderness, a need for slowness, warmth. 🧸

Slower digestion, bloating: Because of progesterone, everything slows down. Including transit. 🎈

Hyperconnection to the body: Some women feel everything, very strongly. An itchy detail, a misplaced remark, a pair of jeans that are too tight... everything becomes more intense. 🌶️

During this phase, you can:

✔️ Cocooner, slow down, sort things out (in your closets, in your relationships, in your thoughts)

✔️ Take care of yourself gently (warm bath, reading, cuddles, no screens, etc.)

✔️ Reconnect with your deep feelings , your inner truth

✔️ Write, dream, do nothing, have a good cry if necessary

✔️ Anticipate pain or energy drops (hello PMS cure ❤️)

What's normal... and what's not (normal versus abnormal discharge)

Because we have been taught too often to be ashamed of our losses, we have become accustomed to not talking about them, neither among ourselves, nor with family, nor to a health professional.

We're telling you today: it's normal to have daily discharge! Looking at it and talking about it could actually prevent so much unpleasantness. 💧
Below, our tips for identifying what warrants a consultation (and perhaps treatment). Although, as you may have guessed, at Puissante, we strongly encourage you to speak up if you have the slightest doubt! 🔍

Normal secretions: 👌

• Odorless or slightly acidic.
  

• White, transparent or slightly yellowish.
  

• No itching or pain.
  

• Variable in quantity depending on the phases of the cycle.
  
  

Abnormal secretions, to monitor: 👀

• Strong, fishy or putrid odor.
  

• Green, gray or brownish color.
  

• Unusual foamy, lumpy, or runny texture.
  

• Itching, burning, pain, heavy, abnormal discharge or any other signs of infection or unusual discharge
  

• Presence of blood outside of menstruation.
  
  

These signs may indicate an infection (mycosis, bacterial vaginosis, STI) or a hormonal imbalance (hypoestrogenism, vaginal dryness linked to menopause , etc.).

In these cases, make an appointment with a gynecologist , doctor or midwife. Do not self-diagnose. 🙅♀️

Focus on vaginal dryness

As you can see, observing your underwear can give us a lot of clues about how our body is functioning properly (white discharge, menstruation, etc.), but can also help us detect possible vaginal dryness! 🌵

Besides, just because you notice a loss of vaginal fluid doesn't mean you don't suffer from dryness. A vagina can both produce fluid via its glands and also suffer from intimate dryness . The signs can sometimes resemble those of an infection (signs of redness or itching, various discomforts during sexual intercourse and/or outside of sexual intercourse, etc.). 💡
In this case, do not hesitate to:

• use an intimate balm as long-term vulva care, or even daily if necessary.

• use a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse to supplement the natural production of cyprine.

If you have any doubts about the cause of your aches or pains, we can't remind you enough: you should seek the medical advice of a healthcare professional (gynecologist, doctor, midwife). If it's easier for you, consult a female professional, write down your symptoms on paper, and be factual: we're talking about health here, not judgment! 🫶

Our advice for starting your monitoring

Now that you have the theory, what about the practice? The goal: keep an eye open, observe, and take notes without adding to your “to-do list” and your “mental to-do list.” 🧘
Here are our tips for ensuring smooth, easy and, above all, pressure-free monitoring :

• Keep a menstrual cycle journal and record each month the dates of your period, your feelings, your symptoms, your state of mind and your observations (unusual texture, smell or appearance of the fluid).

• use an application specialized in tracking the female cycle such as Flo , Clue , Glow or My cycle period .

• Use your phone's Note app to create a dedicated menstrual cycle space!

• if necessary or in case of doubt: take a photo of the losses so that you can ask for advice and keep the date in mind

Vaginal secretion is a superpower that we have too often been taught to ignore. And yet, this discharge says a lot about our health , our fertility, our menstrual cycle, our hormones, our microbiota. 💬

Knowing how to observe them also means knowing when to consult, when to act, and above all, when to reassure yourself. It's an act of health!

So, whether you're curious, PMS, postpartum, or in the middle of menopause : reconnect with what your body is telling you. Maybe it's time to trade taboo for knowledge . 🙏

And if you need a boost navigating your luteal phase , consider the Powerful PMS Treatment , designed to help you experience your cycles with more comfort, balance, and power.

So don't forget to observe your vulva, love it and take care of it every day! ❤️

Lexicon :

• Vaginal secretions → what the vulva produces, continuously

• Cervical mucus → particularly linked to ovulation, mucus secreted by the glands in the uterus

• Vaginal flora → set of protective microorganisms

• Bacterial vaginosis → bacterial imbalance caused by an imbalance of microorganisms in the vagina and a disruption of the flora

• Mycosis → fungal infection

• Cyprine → liquid secreted by the vulva during sexual arousal. Cyprine is also known as “wetness”