I have been having a brown discharge starting from the day i come off my period. This has been occuring for the last 7-12 months. My period cycle has changed also. I used to be on my period for 6 or 7 days, now during the last eight or so months it's changed to being on my period for 3 days, the first day being quite light, followed by a full week, with this odd brown dicharge. Sometimes it smells distinctive, slightly acidic, but not every time. Twice i've noticed small black lines in the brown substance. I came off my contraceptive pill, having tried 3 different kinds, roughly 2-3 years ago. So i don't think thats connected. Also, i have been quite stressed for over a year on and off due to alot of bad circumstances and family difficulties, so that may have something to do with it. I still get pretty bad cramps during my cycle, alternating between each month. Your reply's are greatly appreciated, I'm not sure whether this is normal or something to be concerned about. thank you x