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Spotting vs Periods - What's the Difference?

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Over the course of a menstrual cycle, a woman gets her period, typically, for around three to seven days in a month. This is a normal and healthy bodily function that is considered routine and nothing to be alarmed about. However, some women may at time also experience some spotting outside of their period bleeding days. Note that this common among many women and not always a cause for concern. In most situations, it is simply shedding of the uterus to stay healthy. If you experience spotting, we'd recommend you use a __mini pad__ or a [panty liner](/panty-liners) to manage the discharge from spotting.

The important question, however, is how does one differentiate between spotting and menstruation? To better understand this distinction, we have listed a few pointers below.

- [Decoding the difference between spotting vs period](#link1)
- [Symptoms of a period](#link2)
- [Symptoms of spotting](#link3)
- [When is spotting likely to occur](#link4)
- [Managing spotting and periods](#link5)

Decoding the difference between spotting vs period

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Decoding the difference between spotting vs period</h2>

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- Spotting is usually characterized by very light bleeding. It is a light-coloured fluid that is discharged mid-cycle or between the days of menstrual periods
-	Menstrual period is the heavy flow that women experience to prepare for a possible pregnancy
-	Spotting can be triggered by several underlying causes. It must be specially brought to the notice of the medical practitioner if it happens during pregnancy
-	While menstruation usually happens around the same date every month (i.e., the menstrual cycle), spotting can happen unexpectedly


Spotting is usually characterized by very light bleeding. 

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Symptoms of a period

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Symptoms of a period</h2>

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Before and during your period, you will experience the following symptoms.
-	Cramps or ache in the abdomen and lower back 
-	Feeling heavier and bloated
-	Fatigue and nausea
-	Recurrent mood swings
-	Headache
-	Soreness in the breasts

To manage your period, use Always [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) for the best period protection. The [Always Ultra Thin pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) are an ideal fit as they are designed to have a Super Absorbent Core with InstantDry System that absorbs wetness in seconds. It also has a Clean and Dry top cover that ensures long-lasting dry comfort, even on heavy flow days. Made with Supreme Quality material and design, they offer for maximum safety and upto 100% comfortable protection.

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Symptoms of spotting</h2>

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Spotting can happen during your period or at other times of the month. Some of the signs of spotting include:
-	Itching around the vagina
-	Slight redness in the vagina
-	Pain during sexual intercourse
-	[Vaginal discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/what-is-vaginal-discharge) coupled with odour
-	Weight gain
-	[Irregular periods](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/what-causes-irregular-periods)


Spotting can happen during your period or at other times of the month.

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">When is spotting likely to occur</h2>

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You may experience spotting more recurrently during the following spans:
-	A few months before approaching menopause
-	When using birth control pills or switching between birth control pills
-	During pregnancy
-	Being affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome ([PCOS](/tips-and-advice-for-women/pcos/pcos-what-it-means-and-how-to-cope))
-	Being affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or vaginal tract infections


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Managing spotting and periods

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<h2 class="bluetext text19">Managing spotting and periods</h2>

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Now that you know the difference between spotting and periods, it is important to manage both these conditions differently and effectively. Use high-quality sanitary pads from ALWAYS to soak up the heavy period flow. You may also opt for [tampons](/tampons) if you wish. On the other hand, [pantyliners](/panty-liners) which also work as a [mini pad](/sanitary-pads) are your best bet for managing spotting as the flow is much lighter and does not require a thick absorption core.

Tracking your period cycle will help you understand if the bleeding is a result of menstruation or spotting. Use the [ALWAYS Period Tracker](/period-calculator) to keep tabs on your periods and evaluate what is normal for your body as you experience more period cycles. It will then be easier to tell if something is amiss down there. In such a case, you should consult your doctor immediately.


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Keep a track of your ovulation period with Always [Ovulation Calendar](/period-calculator) and Period Calculator.

Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

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__FAQs__<br><br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">1. What does spotting look like vs period?</h2>
<br>

If you’re confused about the difference between spotting and period, the biggest factor is the amount of blood. With a period, you will need a pad or tampon to manage the flow which will last for a good five to seven days, while with spotting it's very, very light enough to only be visible on your toilet paper or as pink or red spots on your underwear.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">2. How much bleeding is considered spotting?</h2>
<br>

It may be confusing to tell the difference with spotting vs period blood, and this may get even confusing if you have a light period. But one way you can know spotting vs light period is that with a period, the flow, albeit light, will last for the average five to seven days. Whereas with spotting, it will last maybe between a few hours to a day.
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">3. Does spotting mean your period is coming? </h2>
<br>

Spotting is any bleeding from the vagina that is not due to a period. Spotting is typically between periods, however, some refer to the spotting at the start of period as 'spotting' since it begins with light red or pinkish discharge. But the difference between spotting and period, is that a period lasts for five to seven days whereas with spotting, it will only last for a few hours to a day. 

Spotting Vs. Period - It can be hard to distinguish between spotting & periods. Spotting is lighter than a period, some causes of spotting are harmless whereas some may require medical attention.

Spotting vs Periods - What's the Difference?

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