Have you ever encountered light period bleeding before or after the menstrual cycle? It is common and is known as spotting. Spotting is often accompanied by light-period bleeding, completely different from your monthly period bleeding. While periods involve a heavier blood flow lasting for days, spotting is lighter and usually only shows up as a few drops. There are various situations in which women might experience spotting. While it is rarely a cause for alarm, understanding the difference between spotting and normal periods is important to know if it is problematic or not. Here is everything you need to know about spotting vs periods.

What is spotting?

Spotting refers to light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of a regular menstrual period. Also, the term “vaginal bleeding” refers to any non-menstrual bleeding that happens outside of normal menses in menstruating individuals, as found in a study published in the StatPearls Journal. “Spotting is typically much lighter than menstrual bleeding and can appear as small amounts of pink, red, or brown vaginal discharge. It can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle and is often not heavy enough to require the use of a tampon or pad,” says gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Pratibha Singhal.

Symptoms of spotting

Here are some common symptoms of spotting, as explained by the expert.

1. Light bleeding: The bleeding is lighter than a regular period and often just enough to notice on toilet paper or underwear.
2. Colour of vaginal discharge: The vaginal discharge may be pink, red, or brown.
3. Duration: Spotting usually lasts for a few hours to a few days.
4. Timing: It can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle, not necessarily during the regular period days.
5. Volume: It is generally light and may not require a tampon or pad, though a panty liner might be used for convenience.
6. Mild cramping: Some women may experience slight cramping similar to menstrual cramps.
7. Breast tenderness: Hormonal fluctuations that cause spotting may also lead to breast tenderness.
8. Ovulation pain: Mild pain or discomfort on one side of the abdomen around the time of ovulation.

Causes of spotting

Here are some common causes of spotting:

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1. Implantation bleeding

Many women might experience spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding or vaginal bleeding is a common cause of spotting. This occurs early in pregnancy when a fertilised egg adheres to the uterine wall (known as implantation), as found in a study published in the Annals of Epidemiology Journal. A woman may confuse this minimal implantation bleeding for a menstrual period and hence fail to realise she is pregnant.

2. Pregnancy spotting

“Pregnancy spotting is light vaginal bleeding with small amounts of blood that range in colour from light pink to light rust, as opposed to period blood, which is bright to dark red. It is mostly caused by implantation, however, it can occur at any moment throughout pregnancy,” explains the expert. Pregnancy spotting, unlike period blood, is free of clots and does not last for an extended time. It typically happens 10 to 14 days after conception and lasts a few hours to several days.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in females of reproductive age. It is characterised by two or more of the following: irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, as per a study published in the StatPearls Journal. PCOS is a common disorder in which numerous cysts develop in the ovaries. It can make it harder to conceive and may cause spotting.

4. Perimenopause

Perimenopause can occur between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, your body is slowly getting ready to stop having periods which also leads to the ovaries shrinking and producing less oestrogen. Some women may also experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness that can make sex uncomfortable, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and spotting, as found in a study published in the Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal.

5. Certain infections

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other infections can cause irregular bleeding. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

What are periods?

Periods, also known as menstruation, are the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. This natural biological process is part of the menstrual cycle, which prepares the body for pregnancy each month, as found in a study published in the Medicine Plus Journal.

Symptoms of periods

Periods, or menstruation, involve a variety of symptoms that can vary from one woman to another. Common symptoms include:

1. Menstrual bleeding: Blood flow from the vagina, typically lasts 3 to 7 days. The amount of bleeding can range from light to heavy.
2. Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the lower back and thighs. Cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus as it sheds its lining.
3. Bloating: Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen due to hormonal changes and fluid retention.
4. Breast tenderness: Swelling, tenderness, or pain in the breasts caused by hormonal fluctuations.
5. Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness. Hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing mood.
6. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or low in energy.
7. Headaches or migraines: Some women experience headaches or migraines related to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle.
8. Digestive issues: Diarrhoea, constipation, or nausea can occur due to the influence of hormones on the digestive system.
9. Lower back pain: Pain or discomfort in the lower back, often accompanying abdominal cramps.

Also Read: 11 ways to control period mood swings and ease PMS

Causes of periods

Periods, or menstruation, are part of the menstrual cycle, a natural process regulated by the interplay of hormones and physiological changes in the reproductive system. The primary causes and mechanisms behind periods include:

1. Hormonal regulation

Oestrogen and progesterone are two major hormones that play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. “Oestrogen helps build up the uterine lining (endometrium), while progesterone maintains it. If pregnancy does not occur, the levels of these hormones drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining,” explains the expert.

2. Ovulation

Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from the ovary (ovulation). If the egg is not fertilised by sperm, it disintegrates and the menstrual cycle progresses to the shedding phase, as found in a study published in the StatPearls.

3. Uterine lining shedding

“Each month, the body prepares for potential pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If fertilisation does not occur, the lining is not needed and is shed through the vagina as menstrual blood,” explains the expert.

Spotting vs periods: What is the difference?

Here are some differences between spotting and periods:

1. Flow volume

Periods are often characterised by moderate to heavy flow that lasts several days. Spotting, on the other hand, is characterised by a considerably lighter flow, frequently consisting of only a small amount of blood, and can remain for a much shorter time.

2. Colour and consistency

Period blood is typically bright red and may contain some clots. Spotting blood is typically lighter in colour, ranging from pink to brown, and has a thinner consistency.

3. Duration

Periods endure an average of three to seven days. Spotting happens intermittently and can continue anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

4. Symptoms

Menstrual cramps, bloating, and mood fluctuations are common symptoms associated with periods. Spotting usually happens without any noticeable symptoms, however it may be linked to hormonal changes.

5. Causes

Periods are the normal loss of the uterine lining in the absence of pregnancy. Spotting can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including hormonal changes, pregnancy implantation, or underlying health issues.