Light Spotting Before Period
Is Light Spotting Before Your Period Dangerous?
Light spotting before your period is typically nothing to be worried about. In fact, the large majority of females experience it occasionally or even regularly. It is understandable that if you have never experienced it before, you could feel alarmed or even quite annoyed if it happens at an inconvenient time.
What Exactly Is Spotting?
Spotting is characterized by a very small amount of blood being passed through the vagina. It is often such a small amount that it won't even reach your clothing and you may just notice it after you urinate. The blood can be rusty brown, pink-tinged mucus or even bright red. For some, it is a one time brief occurrence while it can last hours or days for others. Spotting is never meant to be considered the first day of your period. Menstruation begins the first day of full bleeding.
What Is Considered Normal?
Light spotting before your period that is present right around the middle of your menstrual cycle and occurs anywhere from 10 to 14 days before your start date is happening because of ovulation. This is actually considered an excellent sign of fertility. This usually occurs because the egg pushes its way through or it can be because the estrogen levels in your body have risen. When this happens, the uterus sheds a small amount of lining which results in light spotting.
Some women experience a bit of spotting a week before their cycle which only lasts less than a day and is also considered normal. This is thought to be because of implantation which happens when a fertilized egg burrows itself into your uterine lining. Keep in mind though that spotting at this time that persists more than a day is not due to implantation.
How To Get Rid Of Spotting
While light spotting before your period is generally not a cause for concern, there are a few things that you can do to eliminate it.
- Doctor – The easiest way to get to the root of the problem is by visiting your doctor. They will be able to evaluate what exactly is going on with your body. While it can be completely normal, it can also symbolize hormone imbalances, miscarriage, infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Specific organ conditions such as endometriosis can be an underlying cause as well.
- Birth Control – If you are taking the pill, you need to do so consistently. Ideally, you will even take it at the exact same time everyday. This is actually the most common cause of light spotting before your period. Also, keep in mind that if you stop taking the pill, you will experience a lot of spotting and irregularities for awhile until your body adjusts.
- Aspirin – You will want to stop taking any type of medication that may cause spotting. Aspirin is often to blame. To really evaluate if this is indeed the cause of your spotting, you will need to stop taking the aspirin for at least two months.
- Pregnancy Test – Spotting is a popular pregnancy symptom, especially if it is one week prior to the day you normally start your period. If you think there is a chance you may be pregnant, you need to take a pregnancy test at home or go see a doctor.
- Intercourse – It is not uncommon to experience light spotting before your period if you all of a sudden have intercourse after being abstinent for awhile.
- Weight Loss – Have you been on a diet or exercising more than normal lately? Weight loss can really screw your menstruation cycle up which can be mistaken to be spotting. Keep in mind that losing more than a few pounds per week is unhealthy.
- Stress – Never underestimate what stress, anxiety or lack of sleep will do to your system. Learn to take time to yourself everyday. If you think that you can't squeeze in five minutes of meditation daily then you need to just pencil it somewhere in your planner and settle for no excuses.