Period and spotting: what is the difference and when should you worry?

Period and spotting are not the same and you need to know the difference to make sure you can catch early signs of infections, hormonal issues and even pregnancy. 

It can be a little unnerving when you notice spotting or unexpected bleeding. Your mind can jump to all sorts of places! But the truth is, there are many reasons this can happen, and most of them are not cause for panic. Our bodies are complex, amazing, and sometimes they just do unexpected things.

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First, identify your period

Your period, or menstruation, is the monthly bleeding that occurs every 21 to 35 days as part of the menstrual cycle. It can start as brown but evolves to a full red color and it goes from light bleeding to a heavier consistency for up to 7 days.  

You can identify your period because it rarely comes alone. It can be accompanied by cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, fatigue, acne and changes in appetite. You will likely need to use period products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.

Spotting refers to light vaginal bleeding that happens outside of your regular period. It's usually much lighter than a period and doesn't last as long, since the spots can appear and be gone in hours or 2 days. The color can vary: it might be pink, red, or brown. 

When you have hormonal changes

Spotting can be a sign of ovulation, caused by the drop in estrogen and rise in progesterone levels. When estrogen drops, the uterine lining may become unstable and cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding, which can also happen when starting or changing your birth control.

When our bodies transition towards menopause, periods can become unpredictable, and spotting between flows is pretty common.

Read - Why is my period late?

The thyroid, a little gland in the neck, produces hormones that affect many body functions, including menstrual cycles. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can sometimes cause irregular bleeding.

Also, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that involves hormonal imbalances, which can definitely show up as spotting.

When is implantation bleeding?

But spotting also has a major meaning, when it is an implantation bleeding. This can happen 10 or 14 days after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and a few days before your expected period. 

Many people mistake this as a light period, and then they do not realize they are pregnant, so if you had unprotected sex or notice this kind of bleeding, you can take a pregnancy test the day you expect your regular period. 

Implantation bleeding is not an indicator of pregnancy problems and not every pregnant person experiences it. 

Infections can cause spotting

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea can cause cervicitis, an inflammation or infection of the cervix that results in irregular bleeding and other symptoms like fluid coming from the vagina and pelvic pain.

Read - Unseen Risks: 5 Sexually Transmitted Infections You Could Have Without Symptoms

Spotting is also a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, so make sure to visit your doctor to check. 

Bumps can make you bleed

Finding out you have a growth can sound scary, but these are often non-cancerous, quite common and can cause spotting or heavy periods. 

The fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus, while polyps can develop on the cervix and endometrium. Finally, adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow into the muscular wall.

Stress, changes in exercise routine, or even certain medications can sometimes lead to spotting.

So, when should you be concerned?

While many causes of irregular bleeding are not serious, it is important to be aware that it can be a sign of cancer or precancerous conditions in the reproductive organs (cervical, endometrial/uterine, ovarian, or vaginal cancers) or endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the uterine lining that can sometimes become cancerous). 

Read - Symptoms of HPV: how to know you have it and how to treat it

This is why getting checked out by a healthcare provider when you have unusual bleeding is so important. Early detection makes a huge difference.

It's crucial to listen to your body and know when to seek medical advice. Here's when spotting might warrant a trip to the doctor:

• If you're post-menopausal: Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be checked out by a doctor.

• If you're pregnant: While implantation bleeding can be normal, any other bleeding during pregnancy requires medical attention.

• If you have heavy or prolonged spotting: If you're soaking through pads or tampons more often than usual, or if the spotting lasts for more than a few days, it's best to consult a healthcare provider.

• If you have spotting between periods that is accompanied by pain: if the spotting is accompanied by pain, it is best to consult with a medical professional.

• If you experience other symptoms: Spotting alongside other symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or pain during intercourse should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

By learning the difference between a typical period and spotting, recognizing potential causes, and knowing when to seek medical advice, you are claiming agency over your health. Don't ever hesitate to listen to your intuition or advocate for yourself in healthcare settings. 

Your reproductive health is a vital part of your overall well-being, and staying informed is your right, and here at Aya Contigo, we are willing to be your companion on that journey. 

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