Every month, a woman experiences an intricate pattern of hormonal changes during her menstrual period, which typically lasts 3 to 7 days. Due to this women have spotting between period cycles. The spotting does not necessarily indicate any internal issues. But, one of the major causes of spotting is irregular or delayed menstrual cycles.
There are various causes of spotting (a type of dysfunctional uterine hemorrhage) in women based on their age. As per Harvard Health Education, ‘Lighter periods, or spotting between periods, may suggest an unstable endometrial lining.
So, exactly what does spotting before periods mean?
In this blog, we will discuss what causes spotting before periods, as well as when you should seek medical attention with your obstetrician and Gynecologist.
What is Spotting Before Period?
Spotting is defined as any mild bleeding from the vagina which is not associated with a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. During ovulation and menstruation, the uterine lining (endometrium) accumulates and subsequently sheds. Bleeding that occurs before the menstrual cycle or after menopause is known as typical uterine bleeding or “vaginal spotting.”
| According to research by NLM, approximately one-third of women will have abnormal uterine bleeding (Spotting) at some point in their lives, with abnormalities most common around menopause and perimenopause. A normal monthly period has a frequency of 24 to 38 days, lasts 2 to 7, and results in 5 to 80 milliliters of blood loss. |
Spotting has various reasons. It sometimes indicates medical conditions, but not always.
Continue reading to find out why you may be spotting before periods.
Top 10 Reasons for Spotting Before Periods
#1 Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a plausible reason for spotting before periods. About 15-25% of women experience light pink, red, or brown spotting during the first trimester or early pregnancy phase. Though spotting is normal, it is important to consult a doctor if spotting becomes heavy or is accompanied by pelvic pain.
#2 Birth Control
Use of various birth control pills, implants, injections or intrauterine devices (IUD) might lead to spotting before periods. Spotting usually increases within 3 to 6 months of using IUDs or the pills. The side effects of using birth control methods are normally not serious, but in a few cases it might trouble the patient, hence it is necessary to consult an OB-GYN.
#3 Few Medical Conditions
Some underlying health issues that affect hormone levels can cause spotting. This includes hypothyroidism, which happens when the thyroid gland releases insufficient hormones, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that interferes with ovulation. Once recognized, these problems can be addressed by medications that help control hormones and reduce spotting episodes.
#4 Ovulation
Ovulation is a time in the menstrual cycle when the ovaries produce an egg, which travels down a fallopian tube to the uterus. This procedure occurs approximately midway through a regular menstrual cycle and can occasionally result in spotting. The hormonal changes that occur during ovulation can also cause breast tenderness, increased cervical mucus, and bloating. Research suggests that less than 5% of women experience spotting during ovulation time.
#5 Perimenopause
Menopause is the moment in a person’s life when they no longer have periods. Menopause occurs when an individual undergoes at least 12 months without menstruation. Perimenopause is the period preceding menopause, which can continue for up to ten years. Hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, causing irregular spotting as well as changes in the duration and heaviness of a person’s menstruation.
#6 Stress
Physical and emotional stress can harm your health, including your menstrual cycle. Experts believe that high-stress levels can affect your cycle’s hormone control, resulting in spotting. Spotting between periods can also result from changes in habits, such as dieting or starting a new workout routine.
For period pain along with spotting, you can use a period pain relief device to avoid more stress induced due to pain.
#7 Ectopic Pregnancy or Miscarriage
If you are pregnant, heavy spotting and cramps may indicate a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. An implanted fertilized egg outside the uterus results in an ectopic pregnancy.
Other symptoms of a miscarriage include discomfort in the abdomen and fluid or tissue emerging from the vagina. Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include lower back pain and minor abdominal or pelvic pain.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare physician immediately to receive appropriate medical attention.
#8 Implantation bleeding
After the ovaries produce an egg during the ovulation it can get fertilized by a sperm and travel along one of your uterine tubes before attaching to the uterine lining. This is known as implantation, and it officially signifies the beginning of a pregnancy.
While there is not much medical verification, some women report spotting and cramps around the time they believe implantation occurred. However, because everyone is different, you may not have the same experience.
#9 Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in or on the uterus. Fibroids are quite common; 20-80% of all women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, with the majority of scenarios appearing in women in their 40s and early 50s. Though some women exhibit no symptoms, fibroids may result in spotting between cycles. Fibroids might also result in longer with heavier periods.
#10 Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a problem in which the uterine lining grows outside rather than inside. It is quite painful, especially throughout the menstrual cycle, and it can result in spotting between periods.
When to Visit a Doctor in Case of Spotting Before Periods?
Depending on the underlying cause, there are several methods to treat spotting. To regulate your hormones, your doctor might advise you with birth control pills. If you have an infection, they might recommend antibiotics, if you have fibroids, they might suggest surgery.
If a person simply has spotting and no period, or if the spotting occurs frequently during the menstrual cycle or after intercourse, they should consult with a doctor. It is especially advisable to seek medical attention if either of the following indications accompany the spotting:
- An unusual smell
- Vaginal Irritation
- Abdominal or Pelvic pain
- Bloody mucus
- An unexpected fever/Fatigue
Conclusion
There are several reasons why you can get spotting before your period. While certain factors require immediate medical attention, others are comparatively safe.
In most cases, spotting before your period is not harmful. It can be a symptom of an impending pregnancy, the result of hormone fluctuations, implantation bleeding, polyps, or some other medical issue.
Vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your menstrual cycle is common, but it may indicate a pregnancy or other medical issue. If you are experiencing spotting, especially after going through menopause, it is preferable to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
It is also advisable to consume foods rich in vitamin C and iron. Red meat, seafood, eggs, beans, and leafy vegetables are foods high in iron. Broccoli, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are among the foods rich in Vitamin C.
