When To Call The Doctor
While you should feel free to call your doctor anytime you have a health-related question or concern, its helpful to know when spotting is a cause for real concern. Here are some circumstances when itd be smart to call your doctor: If you are pregnant or think you may be If you have consistent spotting If you have had unprotected sex and start spotting If you have any pain or cramping around the time of spotting If you are on any kind of medication that you think could be causing spotting
Spotting Before Your Period: 12 Possible Reasons
Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
Many people experience spotting before their period, which can signal one of many different things.
We endure a lot of changes throughout our cycle from mood swings, to bloating and changes in energy levels, our cycles sure keep us on our toes!
Some of us may even experience changes in our period flow. Many people experience spotting before their period, which can signal one of many different things. Keep reading to learn 12 possible reasons you may be spotting before your period.
How Do I Know If Im Spotting Before A Period
First and foremost, lets define spotting so were all on the same page. Spotting refers to any light bleeding that occurs outside your normal period flow. So if your period was supposed to start on say a Monday, you may experience some drops of blood starting on the Saturday or Sunday before.
Typically, spotting is so light that its not nearly enough to soak a pad or pantiliner, although still noticeable. You also may only notice it when you wipe.
While spotting can be bright red, similar to your typical flow, it often is pinker or sometimes brown. It can be a little different for anyone!
Regardless, if you notice light bleeding leading up to your full on period flow, wed consider this spotting.
Also Check: Can You Get Period Cramps While Pregnant
Spotting Vs Discharge Vs Regular Cycle
It can be difficult to know if you are experiencing spotting, discharge, or bleeding as part of your regular menstrual cycle. But there are some signs to indicate what is occurring.
Spotting is light, vaginal bleeding. It can be either red, light brown, or a dark brown.
There are several types of vaginal discharge, including:
- Pink discharge can mean cervical bleeding or be linked to pregnancy when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
- White discharge can be healthy but can also be a sign of a yeast infection.
- Gray discharge can be a sign of an infection called bacterial vaginosis.
- Yellow or green discharge can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection .
Red discharge or bleeding is generally part of your menstrual cycle. If it is very heavy or comes at an unusual time, there may be a medical reason for it. Contact your healthcare provider if your period seems out of the ordinary or particularly painful.
Get In Tune With Yourself
Lots of things about your period like how often you get it, how long it lasts, and how heavy your flow is can be different for every woman. Some of them can offer clues to whats going on in your body. Pay attention to whats normal and healthy for you so you can pick up on early signs of trouble.
Recommended Reading: Can I Have A Period While Pregnant
You Have An Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, also known as eccyesis or tubal pregnancy, is a complication in pregnancy where the embryo forms and attaches outside the uterus. In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg occurs in one of the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot end normally. The fertilized egg has no chance for survival, and the growing tissues might destroy some reproductive parts. It can lead to extensive blood loss and can be life threatening for the mother. In the beginning, an ectopic pregnancy might not show any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually the same as any pregnancy, such as missed period, tenderness in the breasts, and nausea. However, spotting and light vaginal bleeding and pain in your pelvis and abdomen are the first signs of an ectopic pregnancy. See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis, vaginal bleeding, extreme lightheadedness, fainting, and shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancies can occur for a few reasons, including inflammation, infection, fertility issues, structural concerns in your body, contraceptives, and smoking.
What Is Spotting And When Is It Normal
The term spotting usually refers to light bleeding that occurs outside of your normal period. You might have spotting a week before your period, after sex, or even during ovulation. But how do you distinguish between spotting before your period and the menstrual bleeding itself? What are the most common spotting causes? Lets get into more detail.
Many people find their period inconvenient, or worse, and look forward to the day of the month when they stop bleeding. But have you ever noticed a little bit of blood when you werent expecting it?
Spotting is a common occurrence and usually nothing to worry about. In this article, well explain more about why it happens and when you might need to visit a health care provider. Most cases are harmless and require no medical intervention, but some cases will necessitate expert investigation and possible treatment.
Join Flo as we cover the most common reasons for spotting between periods.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Make Your Period Stop
Spotting More Than A Week Before Your Period
If spotting occurs more than a week before your period is due to arrive, it is unlikely to mean that your period has arrived early . Unless it happens regularly during each cycle, spotting in the middle of your cycle may indicate an abnormal cause. This type of spotting can be caused by ovulation, which is more likely if it occurs at the same point during each cycle hormonal birth control or, less likely, another more serious health condition.
What Does Spotting Before Your Period Mean
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists spotting between your periods is considered abnormal uterine bleeding . It doesn’t matter if you’re spotting 5 days before your period, spotting 2 days before your period, or even spotting 2 weeks before your period. Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as any bleeding from the uterus in a woman that is not pregnant that varies from what is normal.
Abnormal uterine bleeding also includes bleeding or spotting after sex, heavy bleeding during your period, and menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days.
You May Like: What Can Cause Bleeding Between Periods
What Age Is Menarche
Youll likely get your period between ages 11 and 14. In the U.S., most people experience menarche around 12 and 12 ½. Another way to predict when youll get your period is to think back to when you noticed changes in your breasts . Menarche usually happens 2 to 2 to 2 ½ years after your breasts begin to develop.
You can get your period as early as 9 or as late as 15. Many factors influence when menarche begins, but its common to get your period at around the same time your mother or birthing parent did.
Does Spotting Before Your Period Mean You Could Be Pregnant
Spotting in the luteal phase is not an early sign of pregnancy, unfortunately. Its just a consequence of changing hormone levels in the cycle. Theres a lot of talk in online forums about implantation bleeding, which supposedly occurs as the embryo is attaching to the uterine wall.
But luteal phase spotting doesnt have anything to do with implantation, and should not be considered an implantation symptom. Actually, cycles that end in pregnancy are less likely to have bleeding in the luteal phase than cycles that dont.
Read Also: When Does Your Period Start After Birth
My Spotting Or Bleeding Stars A Few Days After My Period Finishes
Sometimes your period seems like it has completely finished. You throw your pads and tampons in the back of the cupboard and celebrate, only to find blood on your underwear a day or more later. Whats going on?
Periods that stop and start are actually really common and often not a sign of a serious underlying issue. I wrote a full blog post on stop and start periods where I covered the 6 key causes and what to do about it. Read the blog here.
Is Spotting Before Your Period Normal
Although spotting is a very common occurrence, it can still be worrying for many people. Particularly if youre used to having a regular period, it can be a bit of a shock to find a small amount of blood in your underwear.
But before you start to worry, just remember that most cases of spotting are completely normal, harmless, and wont require any further investigations or treatment. If you do need to visit a health care provider, seeking expert advice as soon as possible will make sure you get to the bottom of the issue and receive treatment if necessary.
You May Like: What To Eat During Your Period
How To Determine Your Due Date
When you find out youâre pregnant, youâre probably wondering when youâll meet your new baby! For an estimate, try our Due Date Calculator, where you can simply enter the first day of your last menstrual period or the date of conception.
Healthcare providers use the LMP method to determine your estimated due date. Due dates are typically calculated as 280 days starting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Remember, when generating a due date this way, you arenât technically pregnant during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy.And, again, this is why you probably wonât feel those highly anticipated very early signs of pregnancy in weeks 1, 2, or 3. But once you start to notice themâand take a pregnancy test or confirm youâre pregnant with your healthcare providerâyou can calculate your due date!
Read Also: Primosiston To Stop Period
You Have A Slow Thyroid Or Low Thyroid Levels
Hormonal imbalances are one of the primary reasons for vaginal spotting before your period. One of the reasons a woman might be producing too much estrogen is due to a thyroid issue. A slow thyroid can create changes and imbalances in your metabolism, sense of body temperature, and period, but is rarely life threatening. Low thyroid hormones can cause other scarier symptoms such as constant fatigue, irregular body temperature, significant weight gain, hair loss, and neck pain. A doctor should address these symptoms as soon as possible. But rest assured, they are normal and usually treatable with medicine.
Also Check: How To Not Get Your Period Without Birth Control
When Should I See A Doctor
You should see a doctor if you have unexplained spotting between periods. Although it may be nothing to worry about and may go away on its own, it could also be a sign of something serious.
If you dont already have a doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area.
Record when your spotting occurs as well as any other symptoms you experience so you can share the information with a doctor.
See a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to spotting:
What Is Spotting Between Periods
A normal menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days, followed by menstrual bleeding that usually lasts for about 4-7 days. It doesnt have to be exactly 28 days interval but can range from 21 to 35 days. Young girls may experience their periods somewhere from 21 to 45 days or more apart. Women in their 40s will frequently have less frequent menstrual cycle. Some women experience menstrual cycles for longer times, some women experience less.
Read Also: Signs Your Getting Your First Period
How Does Spotting Differ From Light Period Bleeding
Sometimes people describe light bleeding that occurs at the beginning or end of their period as spotting.
It can be hard to differentiate spotting from menstrual bleeding by just looking at the amount. Generally, if you have light bleeding that occurs within two days of your period, you should consider that part of your period, not spotting . However, if itâs very, very lightâlike you only see a little on your toilet paperâthat probably could be considered spotting.
For example, if you have light bleeding on Sunday, no bleeding on Monday, and bleed enough to require a tampon on Tuesday, you should consider Sunday the start of your period.
Spotting On The Birth Control Pill: Should You Be Worried
Having breakthrough bleeding is quite common if youre taking birth control pills.
The reasons for spotting while on birth control vary from person to person and also depend on the type of pills you use.
If you have just started taking the pill, you may bleed between periods as your body adjusts to the changing hormone levels. Spotting between periods should stop after a few months and is not dangerous.
Skipping a pill or two can also lead to spotting. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Remember that its important to take oral contraceptives consistently and correctly in order for them to be effective at preventing pregnancy.
Read Also: Why Am I Bleeding 2 Weeks After My Last Period
The Difference Between Spotting And Bleeding
Spotting is any light vaginal bleeding which you experience in between your monthly period. You are experiencing spotting when you notice a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear. The quantity is not usually enough to fill a pant liner. Bleeding on the other hand, is a heavier form of blood flow. When you are bleeding, you will need a pant liner or pad to prevent the blood from soaking your clothes.
*Using the traffic light colors, we have determined if the cause is low, medium, or high risk. Use this measure as a reference, but consult your doctor when making health decisions.
You Bleed Through A Pad Or Tampon In An Hour Or Less Your Period Lasts Longer Than Seven Days Or Both
The medical term for an exceedingly heavy or long period is menorrhagia. Menorrhagia affects more than 10 million American women each year, or about one in five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
These are basically periods that would fit right into a scary movie, but some people dont even realize this kind of bleeding isnt normal. One of the biggest problems is someone being so used to heavy bleeding that she underplays the amount, Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. Shell come in and say her periods arent too bad, then say she has to change her tampon every hour.
One huge sign you may be dealing with menorrhagia: Passing period clots larger than a quarter, according to the CDC. While thats technically a good sign that your bodys clotting mechanism is trying to prevent you from losing too much blood, it also indicates that youre still passing much more blood than you should, as SELF previously reported. Even if your clots arent that big, soaking through a tampon or pad in an hour or less is a tip-off that your bleeding is too heavy and intense. Bleeding for more than seven days is another period problem that points at menorrhagia, the CDC notes.
You May Like: What Can Cause Your Period To Be Late
Signs And Symptoms Of Spotting Before Your Period
Spotting between periods is always a cause of at least some concern. Spotting between periods is itself considered a symptom. But if it accompanies other menstrual symptoms, this could be a sign of a larger issue. Even if the underlying cause turns out to be normal, youll want to have it tested and diagnosed. Symptoms that may accompany spotting include:
- Very heavy or frequent bleeding
Whether youve gone through menopause is also an important factor to consider. Postmenopausal women see an increase of 10% in their overall cancer risk, and bleeding is one of the signs that doctors look for. Cancer seldom causes spotting between periods in premenopausal women.
I Think I Had My First Period How Can I Be Sure
I had my first period a couple of days ago. At least I think it was my period because I had a red-brown smudge that lasted for a day and a half. The problem is, it lasted for such a short time that I’m not sure if it was my period or not. I am really confused!
Lots of girls expect their blood to be bright red during their periods. But it’s completely normal for menstrual blood to be brownish. It’s also perfectly normal for some girls to have their first period for just 2 or 3 days. Many girls will have a very light flow the first few times they get their period, while others have more.
How long your period lasts and how often it comes might change during the first couple of years of menstruation. Thats because your body might make different amounts of hormones from one menstrual cycle to the next. Other things can affect periods too, such as nutrition, exercise, and medicines. If you have any concerns about your period, talk to your doctor.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Your Stomach Stop Hurting From Period