Top 6 Causes of Spotting before Period: Know What Is Normal and What’s not

What’s the first thing that comes to a woman’s mind when she notices slight spotting before period? As a rule, she thinks this is a sign of underlying problems and complications of the reproductive organs. Is that really so? There is no single answer to this question: reasons may be very different, and vary from case to case. An important thing to mention is that in most cases such spotting is safe. So, what conditions may lead to spotting before menstruation?

Do You Take any Drugs?

Recently scientists have come to a conclusion that some drugs and medications can be one of the spotting triggers. How is that? The thing is they possess blood thinning quality. When the blood is thin it can come through the vagina as light pink or even brown spotting.

Birth control drugs are said to be responsible for the condition in most cases. Sometimes this is the adverse effect that appears after the intake of pills. Most specialists suggest to stop taking contraceptive pills and observe whether the spotting remains. If it does, then it may be either the after effect or a sign of a more serious condition that requires doctor’s consultation.

Pregnancy & Miscarriage as Primer Triggers

Spotting before period is experienced during the first 2 months of pregnancy. The only thing every woman should take into account is the fact this spotting can be a sign of both normal and ectopic pregnancy, which can be a life-threatening condition.

An impending miscarriage is sometimes accompanied by spotting. Unfortunately, not all pregnant women suspect their pregnancy during the first weeks, so when they notice spotting, they consider this to be the beginning of period and not miscarriage.

A Rare Sign of Ovulation

For most women ovulation remains unnoticeable, but some experience light spotting for a few days after it. Generally this sign of spotting is a normal ovulation byproduct. Why does it occur in rare cases? Because in most cases ovulation discharge is white, not pink or brown.

If you have any doubts as to the abnormality of the ovulation discharge you’ve experienced, you’d better consult a gynecologist to be on the safe side.

Can Stress Lead to Spotting?

Yes, it can. Not all women know that stress always has a great impact on ovulation: the period can either come earlier or a woman can experience breakthrough bleeding. Normally, this is a usual case for those women, who are going through a rather serious crisis.

Spotting before Period Caused by Weigh Loss/Gain

Changes in diet plans lead to a number of complications with period. In most cases, changes in body weight result in bleeding. It is less likely when a woman gains weight, but is more likely when she loses an amount of weight over a very short period of time.

To avoid possible spotting each woman should:

1. avoid poor nutrition
2. exercise less
3. avoid fast diet changes
4. consume less caffeine

Possible Diseases and Disorders

That’s not a secret that diseases and disorders they lead to always influence the amount, color, consistency and odor of vaginal discharges. To such health issues belong:

• endometriosis – condition that is accompanied by abnormal growth of uterine tissues. The growth is influenced by the decreased levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body. A woman experiences bleeding, which is very similar to slight spotting;
• STDs can also lead to premenstrual spotting. Such discharges tend to change in smell and color and are accompanied by swelling, itching, as well as burning sensation;
• cervical, uterine or ovarian cancers trigger spotting in women. In this case a patient should undergo tests to define whether there are any abnormal growths;
• ovarian cysts cause bleeding, when the sacs rapture rather than dissolving. Cysts can go away on their own after 2-3 menstrual cycles, but when they are present, they can lead not only to bleeding, but also to abdominal pain, rather painful periods and bloating.

When to Consult a Doctor?

In case you experience heavy spotting between periods, you are to seek for immediate medical help. Of course, spotting can be pretty normal, but it is important to consult a professional to be on the safe side.

A professional will explain vaginal bleeding. However, there are cases when causes can’t be identified and the treatment can become pretty challenging. A doctor will give guidance before the situation becomes worse.

If spotting before period is observed for 2-3 days, this is a sign of problem that shouldn’t be left neglected.