It’s typically different from the bleeding during your period, which tends to be heavier and more consistent.
This article will discuss the symptoms of spotting and menstrual periods and the causes of spotting.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How Do You Know If Its Spotting or Your Period?
Verywell / Jessica Olah
It may also be called a menstrual period, menstrual cycle, or menses.
During this time, blood flows from thevagina.
Menstruation normally stops during pregnancy.
But this doesn’t always mean it is something to worry about.
Spotting is light bleeding that comes from the vagina.
It may appear as a few spots of blood on your underwear.
This will not require the use of sanitary protection like a pad, panty liner, or tampon.
Typical traits associated with spotting include:
What Causes Spotting?
This is known as implantation bleeding.
The spotting may bebrownish, pink, or red and is not heavy.
This is a nonviable pregnancy that must be treated to prevent potentially severe (even fatal) complications.
An ectopic pregnancy may cause pregnancy symptoms like a missed period or tender breasts.
People with PCOS may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding like spotting due to a lack of ovulation.
Hormonal Birth Control Methods
Birth control pills and other forms ofhormonal contraceptioncan cause side effects.
Among these side effects is spotting, also referred to asbreakthrough bleeding.
This most commonly happens in the first few months of starting a new form of hormonal birth control.
Spotting may stop after this time.
Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Uterine fibroidsare growths of the uterus.
They are not cancerous and may not cause symptoms.
They may also cause spotting.
During ovulation,some light spotting may occur.
This is not a cause for concern.
If a person partially breastfeeds, their periods may return as soon as three weeks following birth.
When breastfeeding time is reduced and periods begin to return, this may start as light spotting.
Bleeding can range from a brown discharge and light spotting to heavy bleeding and clots.
This can come and go.
Perimenopause
Perimenopausecan occur from ages 45 to 55.
During this time, the ovaries become smaller and make less estrogen.
It is normal to have spotting during this time.
See your healthcare provider if spotting persists, gets worse, or happens repeatedly.
Unlike menstrual bleeding, it typically does not require the use of a pad or tampon.
If you are concerned about spotting, speak with your healthcare provider.
University of Michigan Health.Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - What are the symptoms of PMS?
MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Bleeding during pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.
UCLA Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of the birth control pill?
Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.Uterine fibroids & abnormal bleeding.
Columbia University Urving Medical Center.Uterine polyps.
Health Direct.Periods while breastfeeding.
Seattle Children’s.Genital injury - female.
National Health Service.Symptoms - miscarriage.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer.
Pregnancy Birth and Baby.STIs and pregnancy.
Mount Sinai.Vaginal bleeding between periods.
