Spotting isabnormal uterine bleedingthat occurs instead of your usual menstrual bleeding or between periods.
It may be light enough that you only notice it when you wipe.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Causes Spotting Instead of a Period?
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Four hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, regulate yourmenstrual periods.
Their levels routinely rise and fall throughout each monthly cycle.
Hormones prepare the uterus for pregnancy and release the blood-enriched uterine lining when an egg isnt fertilized.
The lining bleeds away, causing your monthly menstrual periods.
You may have light bleeding or spotting when the egg attaches to the uterine wall (implantation bleeding).
The cervix may bleed more easily in early pregnancy, causing spotting after sex.
Puberty
Thefirst menstrual periodis often very light with spots of reddish brown blood.
The spotting may last from two to seven days.
It’s also common to haveirregular periodsfor the first few years, which may cause spotting.
Most girls have their first menstrual period around the age of 12 or 13.
However, some may begin earlier and others later.
During this time, hormone production fluctuates, causing changes that affect your periods.
You may have spotting, lighter, shorter periods, or skip periods.
Perimenopause can also cause heavier periods.
Ovulation
Duringovulation, an egg breaks free of the ovary and enters the fallopian tube.
Ovulation bleeding tends to be very light and usually lasts only a day or two.
Health Conditions
Spotting can be associated with various health conditions that may need treatment.
However, there are some signs to indicate what is occurring.
Spotting is light, vaginal bleeding.
It can be either red, light brown, or dark brown.
There are several types of vaginal discharge:
Red discharge or bleeding is generally part of your menstrual cycle.
There may be a medical reason if it is very heavy or comes at an unusual time.
However, period changes may also indicate an underlying gynecological condition.
However, it is helpful to know your cycle.
Try marking the first day of your period on a calendar every month for six months.
Note regularity, light days, heavy days, and any spotting.
If something changes, you will be aware of it and can consult your healthcare provider if needed.
Summary
There are many reasons why you may be spotting instead of having a period.
Spotting can be a normal part of your body’s hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about spotting or period bleeding.
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