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Spotting Before Periods? Causes, Prevention & When to See a Doctor!

Are you spotting before your period? Read about what spotting or bleeding between periods is, and how LovLuk® is here to guide and help you!

Illustration of a pad with blood on it

Introduction

Every month, a woman undergoes a complex series of hormonal changes during her menstrual cycle, which normally lasts between 3 to 7 days. If you experience any light, abnormal vaginal bleeding outside your period, it could be a case of 'Spotting.' This bleeding doesn't necessarily indicate a disease. Irregularities and a delayed menstrual cycle can be common causes of spotting.

Depending on a woman's age, different reasons contribute to dysfunctional uterine bleeding. An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body can delay or skip your periods, causing light spotting at times. Full-proof protection like wearing a pad or a tampon is not required. Spotting should not be confused with your regular period. Blood tests, thyroid tests, urine tests, a complete blood count (CBC), and pregnancy tests can help diagnose the cause of recurrent spotting. If your body doesn't respond to hormonal treatments, check for other possible causes with your doctor, such as fibroids, tumors, or infections in the uterus. Following up on hormonal prescriptions is essential to regulate your periods. If medications do not help, you may need a hysteroscopy procedure, which involves examining the uterus to identify the cause of bleeding.

Causes of Spotting Before Periods

Several factors can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding, including obesity, excessive workouts, and stress. Some other common causes include:

  • Low progesterone levels can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, known as spotting before periods.
  • Taking hormone-based birth control pills may lead to spotting during the first three months of use, medically known as 'breakthrough bleeding.'
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia can cause inflammation in the uterus.
  • Blood clotting disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, or infections of pelvic organs.
  • Development of fibroids or polyps, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus lining.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOD) causes improper ovary function, leading to irregular periods and spotting.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase your chances of spotting or heavy periods.
  • Perimenopause and menopause can cause unpredictable period schedules, leading to spotting.
  • Early pregnancy spotting occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining, known as implantation bleeding.

How to Prevent Spotting?

Spotting is not a disease but a symptom that may indicate underlying conditions. If spotting is persistent, accompanied by cramping, foul odor, or unusual color, consider these prevention tips:

  • Regulate Your Hormones: Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet to reduce hormonal imbalances. Avoid junk food and consume nutrient-rich greens and grains.
  • Avoid Heavy Exercise: Intense workouts can cause pelvic exertion, leading to spotting and abnormal discharge.
  • Limit Birth Control Usage: Overuse of birth control pills can lead to irregular spotting and even stop periods temporarily.
  • Increase Iron Intake: Include iron-rich foods like bananas, beans, and spinach to maintain healthy menstrual flow.
  • Try Home Remedies: Yoga and meditation help relieve stress, a major cause of hormonal imbalance. Herbal teas with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, or cumin can help regulate the menstrual cycle.

If spotting continues, consider consulting a doctor and undergoing tests such as blood tests, hormonal tests, or thyroid function tests for a proper diagnosis. A pelvic MRI may be needed to check for fibroids or cancer development.

When to Visit a Doctor for Spotting?

Light spotting before or after a period is usually not a concern. However, seek medical attention if you experience:

  • More than one period in a month.
  • Dizziness or light-headedness.
  • Spotting after menopause.
  • Severe lower abdominal pain and cramping.
  • Nausea and fever with light periods.
  • Sonography results showing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Spotting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

These symptoms may indicate an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Takeaway Thoughts on Spotting

Regular menstrual cycles indicate a woman's reproductive health. Any significant changes, such as frequent spotting or heavy bleeding, should not be ignored. While overthinking can add to stress, timely consultation with a doctor is essential.

General tips to manage menstrual irregularities:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to menstrual irregularities and future health risks.
  • Avoid Over-Reliance on Medications: Spotting may resolve on its own; unnecessary medication use can cause side effects.
  • Stay Active: Regular exercise, even light walking, helps regulate hormone production.
  • Track Your Periods: Use a period tracker app to monitor cycle changes and abnormalities.

Spotting is common, but if symptoms persist, seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.