This spotting is called implantation bleeding because doctors think that it happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding typically occurs 1—2 weeks after conception, which is often around the time that a person would expect to start their period.
Although implantation bleeding is usually lighter than menstrual flow, some women may mistake it for a very light period. Women who think that they might be pregnant may wish to consult a doctor or take a home pregnancy test.
The birth control pill is a form of hormonal contraception that works by preventing ovulation and making the cervix and uterus less favorable for fertilization. When an individual starts taking birth control pills, they may experience some spotting before their period for the first few months. This bleeding does not mean that the pill is not working. Ovulation is when the ovaries release an egg, which travels down a fallopian tube and becomes available for fertilization.
The hormonal shifts that occur around the time of ovulation can also lead to breast tenderness, increased cervical mucus, and bloating. Some periods may be shorter and lighter than others during this stage. Sexual intercourse can irritate the delicate tissues of the vagina, which can sometimes cause a small amount of bleeding.
If this bleeding occurs regularly, a person may wish to consider using a vaginal lubricant to reduce the risk of tissue trauma during sex. A person should see a doctor or gynecologist if bleeding after sex becomes heavy or causes concern. An individual reaches menopause when they have gone at least 12 months without a period. Perimenopause is the transition to menopause, and it can last for up to 10 years. In rare instances, spotting before a period can be a symptom of cervical cancer , which is cancer that develops in the cervix, the area between the vagina and the uterus.
Other symptoms of cervical cancer include :. Spotting is a small amount of blood shed during the menstrual cycle, but not enough to be considered a period. The average period typically involves 2—3 tablespoons of menstrual blood shed over 4—5 days. Spotting involves significantly less blood. Sometimes it signals the start of a period, but spotting may occur throughout the cycle.
Spotting can also be an early indicator of pregnancy, a sign of stress, or a symptom of several health issues. It is not unusual for people to have spotting when taking birth control pills, especially in the first few months of use. A person may, for example, have spotting if they are taking progestin-only pills or pills that provide the same amounts of hormones every day. Learn more about the side effects of birth control pills here. Spotting during the first trimester is not rare and does not necessarily point to a problem.
Also, some people have implantation bleeding when the fertilized egg embeds in the lining of the uterus, and this can look like spotting. Mental and physical stress can alter the release of hormones and affect the menstrual regulatory pathways. This might lead to spotting. If stress becomes hard to manage, consider contacting a doctor. A treatment plan might involve medication, stress management techniques, or a combination. Several years before menopause, spotting and other menstrual irregularities may occur.
After the first symptoms, it may take about 4 years for the body to transition to menopause. After a person has entered menopause, they should contact a doctor about any bleeding or spotting. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, and its hormones play an important role in regulating several bodily processes, including menstruation. Without treatment, this may lead to heart issues, weak bones, and infertility.
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg into the fallopian tube. This event typically happens around day 14 of a day menstrual cycle. Once ovulation occurs, the body produces more progesterone to prepare for possible pregnancy. Whenever normal ovulation is interrupted, the menstrual cycle may become irregular. Occasional anovulation is caused by weight, age, and stress. Long-term anovulation may be a sign of conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS.
You can still have periods without ovulation. They may look like spotting or a very light flow. Irregular periods is a symptom of PCOS. This condition is caused by hormones called androgens that can interrupt ovulation. Instead of developing and releasing one egg each cycle, the ovaries may develop multiple follicles but not release them. When this happens, you may experience light breakthrough bleeding or spotting instead of a true period.
An estimated 1 in 8 women may develop a thyroid condition at some point. One of the main symptoms is irregular menstrual cycles. When too much or too little thyroid hormone is released in the body, you may spot or have only a light period. Periods can also become heavy or stop. Light periods or spotting instead of a period is also a sign of excess stress. This stress can be physical, meaning: too much exercise, strict dieting, or severe illness.
It can also be emotional, which may be due to big life events, such as divorce, a death in the family, or an important work deadline. If you think stress is impacting your cycle, consider trying to find more ways to relax.
Engaging in regular activity may help, such as:. Hormones in different birth control methods, like the pill, patch, or shot, may cause spotting instead of a normal period. Estrogen helps to stabilize the lining in the uterus. This symptom is more common in the months after you first start using it.
Spotting can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy 7. This is a pregnancy that is growing somewhere other than the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. If you experience symptoms of spotting and suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, seek immediate medical help. Spotting can also be caused by infections and physical changes in the reproductive tract, or hormonal imbalances. Physical conditions that can cause spotting episodes include fibroids abnormal growth of muscle tissue on your uterus , uterine or cervical polyps abnormal growths on your cervix or the inside of your uterus and endometriosis 8.
Pelvic inflammatory disease PID , which happens when certain pelvic infections like STIs go untreated, can also be another culprit for unscheduled spotting. Other symptoms of PID can include pain in the lower abdomen, unusual vaginal discharge , and fever 9.
Urinary tract infections UTIs can cause bleeding from the urethra where you pee from, between your clitoris and vagina.
Pain while urinating, paired with a small amount of blood on the toilet paper, might be signs of a UTI Consistently spotting after penetrative vaginal intercourse is not considered normal. Bleeding after sex postcoital spotting is often caused by an issue with the cervix or polyps Some people may experience spotting after their first intercourse experience, which is normal.
Spotting can also occur around the time of ovulation. Spotting a few days before the period starts, in the late luteal phase , might suggest low progesterone especially if your luteal phase is unusually short 13 , but more research is needed.
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