A menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 15 to 45 days, according to research, during which a woman usually has her period for anywhere between three to seven days.
However, there can be times during a woman’s cycle where she experiences bleeding that isn’t quite a period. It can happen at any time — right before you get your period, mid-cycle or even after period bleeding. We call this spotting, and if you aren’t sure of the difference between this occurrence and your actual period, here’s what you need to know.
What is Spotting?
Spotting can occur at various times throughout your cycle and even when you initially get pregnant.
Several things can cause spotting, including stress, an infection, changing your birth control medication, a hormone imbalance, polyps and fibroids, both of which are abnormal, often benign, growths that can develop in a woman’s reproductive system. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, ovulation, transitioning to menopause and even cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer also can cause spotting.
How to Tell the Difference Between Spotting and Your Period
The biggest difference between spotting and your period is the amount of blood. A period can last for several days and require a tampon or pad to control your flow. However, spotting produces much less blood and doesn’t typically require the use of these products.
When the bleeding occurs, also, is a good indicator of whether it’s your period or spotting. Most women generally have an idea of when their period will come and how long it’ll last, so if you notice bleeding off cycle but it’s not as heavy as your regular period, then it’s likely spotting. The color of the blood also is different. Blood produced during your period often is darker than the blood that appears when you’re spotting.
Another good indicator the bleeding may be due to spotting, is if you don’t have any other menstrual symptoms, like breast tenderness or cramping. If you normally have these symptoms right before your period, but they aren’t present during the time you notice some irregular bleeding, then it’s probably spotting.
Getting Treatment
If you spot bleed on a regular basis, you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor.
Your doctor will go over your symptoms and do a physical exam to assess you and likely will do other tests, such as a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, a pregnancy test or a vaginal or abdominal ultrasound to diagnose what is causing the irregular bleeding.
Once you get a diagnosis, you could be placed on an antibiotic if the cause is an infection or receive birth control or hormone therapy to regulate your cycle if the issue is a hormone imbalance. If you have polyps or fibroids, your doctor will need to perform surgery to remove these growths.
Every woman’s cycle varies, and you may occasionally experience spotting between periods.
However, if this becomes a regular occurrence, there could be an underlying health issue you need to address.
If you have irregular bleeding, don’t wait too long to see a doctor. Even if the cause of the spotting turns out to be something minor, getting timely medical treatment and care will help you resolve this issue.
Some of the frequently asked questions :
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Is it my period or spotting?” answer-0=”Spotting refers to any bleeding from the vagina that is not due to the monthly menstrual cycle. Spotting is any bleeding from the vagina that is not due to a woman’s monthly period. Some women also refer to the light bleeding before and after a period as spotting.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”Is period spotting a sign of pregnancy?” answer-1=”Pregnant women can have some light irregular bleeding during pregnancy, but it should not be like a “normal” period. … The irregular bleeding or spotting that can occur during pregnancy is often a dark brown or a light pinkish color. It should not be enough bleeding to fill pads or tampons over a few days.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”What is a scanty period?” answer-2=”Hypomenorrhea or hypomenorrhoea, also known as short or scanty periods, is extremely light menstrual blood flow. It is the opposite of hypermenorrhea which is more properly called menorrhagia.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”How many days of spotting before period is normal?” answer-3=”Spotting, or staining (doctors use the terms interchangeably), is a small amount of vaginal bleeding one to three days before a period, according to Brightman. Think: enough blood to leave a mark on light-colored panties, but not enough to necessitate a tampon.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”Can you take a pregnancy test while spotting?” answer-4=”Bleeding During Other Times During the Menstrual Cycle. Implantation bleeding can be confused with other periods of bleeding. … A pregnancy test will normally be positive shortly after implantation bleeding, but it still may take days.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h2″ question-5=”How many days does spotting last?” answer-5=”In most cases, implantation spotting only lasts from a few hours to a couple days, but some women report having implantation spotting for up to seven days. You may experience some light cramping and soreness during implantation. For this reason, women often mistake implantation spotting for their regular period.” image-5=”” headline-6=”h2″ question-6=”Why is there blood when I wipe but not on my pad?” answer-6=”Spotting is any light vaginal bleeding that happens when you’re not on your period — and by light, we mean a few drops. You might see a little bit of blood on your underwear or on the toilet paper when you wipe after peeing, but it won’t be enough blood that you’ll need a pad or tampon.” image-6=”” headline-7=”h2″ question-7=”How do you treat spotting?” answer-7=”Spotting may be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. Your doctor may recommend that you try birth control pills to regulate your hormones. They may prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection or a medication to treat fibroids, for example. In some cases, you may need surgery.” image-7=”” headline-8=”h2″ question-8=”When should I go to the doctor for spotting between periods?” answer-8=”If you experience any abnormal bleeding, it is advisable to report it to your doctor. Intermenstrual bleeding can occur for numerous different reasons. In many cases, where it occurs unaccompanied by other symptoms, the cause may be benign; and abnormal bleeding may pass without the need for treatment.” image-8=”” headline-9=”h2″ question-9=”Why am I spotting but no period?” answer-9=”Lack of ovulation If a fertilized egg doesn’t implant into the uterus, hormone levels drop and signal the body to have a period. Whenever normal ovulation is interrupted, the menstrual cycle may become irregular. … You can still have periods without ovulation. They may look like spotting or a very light flow.” image-9=”” headline-10=”h2″ question-10=”How much bleeding is considered spotting?” answer-10=”Symptoms of spotting Spotting usually is much lighter bleeding than normal menstrual bleeding. Unlike a normal period, it usually is so light that a pad or tampon is not required. Spotting may be red or brown in color and occurs when you are not having your regular period.” image-10=”” headline-11=”h2″ question-11=”Does spotting count as a period day?” answer-11=”Menstruation: Days 1 – 5 Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period, meaning the first day of full flow (spotting doesn’t count). During this time, the uterus sheds its lining from the previous cycle.” image-11=”” headline-12=”h2″ question-12=”What is spotting a sign of?” answer-12=”Spotting may be red or brown in color and occurs when you are not having your regular period. Spotting may not have any symptoms associated with it, but if it happens as a result of a medical condition, you may have other symptoms like: Heavy bleeding during the menstrual period. Irregular periods.” image-12=”” headline-13=”h2″ question-13=”Can stress bring on spotting?” answer-13=”Stress can cause all kinds of changes in your body, including fluctuations in your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience vaginal spotting due to high levels of physical or emotional stress.” image-13=”” headline-14=”h2″ question-14=”What does Brown spotting mean?” answer-14=”It’s likely spotting, which refers to very light bleeding that happens outside of your usual menstrual cycle. … Spotting can range in color from light pink to dark brown. Brown spotting gets its color from old blood, which can start making its way out of your body one to two weeks before the start of your period.” image-14=”” count=”15″ html=”true” css_class=””]
Source : healthline
