Spotting Before Period: 6 Possible Causes and When to Worry

Spotting is quite common among menstruating women and in most cases, it is not a reason to worry. For instance, spotting is one of the first signs of pregnancy and experiencing spot bleeding during ovulation is a common phenomenon as well. But you may wonder, what is spotting and how do I know if it is spotting? Essentially, when you experience any light vaginal bleeding that is visible to you but it isn’t enough to soak through a sanitary pad, it is called spotting. Depending on many factors such as the reason of spotting, diet and others, the colour of the discharge while spotting can vary from light pink to maybe a dark red.

With spotting, it is always recommended that you stay prepared by having a period product at your disposal. You could opt to use mini pads, or if you have very light spotting you may prefer something compact like Always'panty liners. You can choose from a range of variants such as the Always Comfort Protect panty liners as they are designed to have a flexible and comfortable fit so you don’t feel a thing when you wear it. Its breathable design offers trusted dryness as well as long-lasting freshness. The liners are dermatologically tested to be gentle on your skin.

• Reasons for spotting before periods
  
  1. Early sign of pregnancy
  
  2. Hormone-based birth control
  
  3. Ovulation
  
  4. Perimenopause
  
  5. Injury or trauma
  
  6. Other Causes
  
  
• Difference between spotting and periods
• Know when to seek help

There are many reasons you could have spotting before your period. While most are negligible and don't warrantee any cause for concern, some may be serious. Here's a gist of the most common reasons for spotting before periods.

In the initial stages of conception, when a fertilised egg implants itself onto the inner lining of the uterus, some women experience light bleeding or spotting. This is known as implantation bleeding and is one of the earliest signs or conception.

Various forms of birth control such as hormonal contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, patches or implants can all cause some amount of bleeding or spotting in the first few months. It is known as breakthrough bleeding. If you use any of the above-mentioned birth control devices in an improper manner, that could also cause abnormal spotting.

Ovulation involves the release of a mature egg from the ovary, paving the way for potential fertilisation. While ovulation is often associated with various symptoms such as increase in cervical mucus or that has the consistency and look of egg whites, increased libido and pain or a dull ache on one side of the abdomen, some women may experience a phenomenon known as spot bleeding during ovulation.

Ovulating and spotting can occur simultaneously due to hormonal fluctuations associated with the ovulation process. Around the time of ovulation, estrogen levels surge, prompting the ovaries to release an egg. This hormonal shift can affect the uterine lining, leading to minor bleeding or spotting. The spotting may manifest as pink or brown discharge and is generally light in nature, distinguishing it from the more substantial flow of menstrual bleeding.

Some women may also report experiencing ovulation with cramps, which can be attributed to the same hormonal changes impacting the reproductive organs. These cramps are typically milder than menstrual cramps and are considered a normal part of the ovulatory process.

Other common signs such as egg white discharge after ovulation may also be observed. This discharge is associated with increased fertility and occurs as the body prepares for possible conception.

When you come closer to hitting menopause, there will be a sort of transitioning phase, also known as perimenopause. It is characterised by irregular or missed periods and some spotting.

If your vagina or cervix has undergone any sort of trauma or injury, then you may experience spotting before your period. The trauma could be caused by rough sex, incorrect use of tampon, or a pelvic exam.

Your spotting before a period could also be due to other reasons such as stress or a medical condition like Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, or even cervical cancer.

Irrespective of the reason, it is important that you stay prepared at all times. You can do this by always keeping a pack of Always Ultra Thin pads with you. These mini pads are safe and are made using Supreme Quality material. They are designed for maximum safety and offer upto 100% comfortable protection. The Clean and Dry top cover on the ultra thin pads ensure long-lasting dry comfort, even on heavy flow days.

Here’s how you can tell the difference between spotting and periods. When you have spotting, it will typically:

• Have a lighter flow as compared to your period that can soak an entire sanitary pad or tampon
• Have discharge that is pinkish, reddish or brown in colour and will be lighter than period blood
• Last for no more than a couple days, whereas your period lasts for about 4-7 days.

Here are some tell-tale signs that for you to make an appointment. Make sure to record any unusual symptoms you may notice. If along with your spotting, you notice the below, see a doctor:

• dizziness
• fever
• heavy bleeding
• abdominal or pelvic pain

If you do experience spotting before periods, don't panic. For all you know it could be temporary and would resolve itself. However, do make sure to mention it to your doctor in your routine check-ups. If you notice the spotting getting heavier, and more consistent, then it is recommended that you visit your doctor.

Read more about period symptoms, causes of irregular periods and what causes period pains.

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