Spotting before period is a common occurrence and is generally harmless. It refers to the light vaginal bleeding and is not attributed to the regular menstrual cycle. Spotting is common when one is pregnant or starts taking birth control pills.
Spotting before periods is related to the ovulation pattern of one’s body. The spotting period generally lasts for 1 to 2 days. However, depending on underlying health conditions, the span can get stretched. Besides indicating hormonal fluctuations, it can also indicate infections and vaginal bleeding, and perimenopausal spotting. We’ve talked about the different reasons behind spotting and ways you can manage it.
Different Causes of Spotting Before Period
Mentioned below are some of the main reasons why you see spotting before period:
1. Pregnancy
Spotting is considered an early sign of pregnancy. This light spotting before periods is referred to as implantation bleeding. Many women see spotting in their first trimester. This happens when the fertilised egg gets attached to the uterine lining and it occurs before or at the time you are expecting the period.
Implantation bleeding is much lighter than that of menstrual flow. You do not have to undergo any treatment for implantation bleeding. In case you experience pelvic pain or see heavy flow, go to a doctor.
2. Ovulation
One of the major causes of spotting is ovulation. It triggers hormonal changes, which can result in spotting outside regular periods. This light spotting before period usually occurs for 14 days before menstruation. You can even see it during the mid-cycle. During this period, the progesterone level starts rising, and hence, it is common to experience spotting. If you notice sporadic bleeding during this phase, it is concerning, and you must take the doctor’s suggestion.
| Do You Know? Spotting can also result from trauma. Spotting can be seen as a side effect of injury caused to your vagina or cervix. The injury can be from accidents, sexual abuse, medical procedures, etc. |
3. Birth Control Pill
Taking hormonal birth pills is also a major reason behind spotting between periods. This is referred to as breakthrough bleeding. Spotting can occur in case you skip doses or change the type of birth control medication. Even if you take birth control over a long time, you will see spotting.
The presence of synthetic hormones in the pills regulates the menstrual cycle. Relying on other hormonal contraceptives like injections, pills, or IUDs, you can see spotting as the body tries to cope with the hormonal changes.
How to Treat Spotting?
Here, we have discussed some of the ways by which you can prevent consistent spotting:
1. Regulate Your Hormones
Following a nutrient-rich diet and maintaining weight lowers the possibility of hormonal imbalance. Also, avoid eating junk food, try to stick to organic food, and include vegetables and grains in your diet. A healthy lifestyle can help in regulating the hormones.
2. Follow a Proper Diet
Try to have foods that are rich in iron like spinach, bananas, etc. Also include foods that are loaded with vitamin C. You can also have aloe vera, as it has the power to manage hormones and regulate periods
3. Avoid Doing Heavy Exercises
You can avoid persistent signs of spotting before periods to some extent by avoiding doing intense workouts. Heavy exercises exert pressure in the pelvic region, which results in discharges and spotting. Instead, you can practise yoga and meditation to lower your stress levels.
In some cases, doctors might ask to alter the method of contraception or suggest a different birth control pill.
| Expert’s Tip If, with time the spotting is getting heavier or you are getting an unusual odour and you are facing vaginal irritation and discomfort, or you have a family history of reproductive cancer. Then, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible. |
Conclusion
Menstrual cycles and spotting are ruled by hormones. Spotting before period can also occur during ectopic pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, miscarriage, endometriosis, etc. In rare scenarios, spotting can also be a symptom of cervical cancer.
So, there is no reason for you to take spotting before the period lightly. Usually, it is a common occurrence and a few home remedies, along with mild prescribed drugs, can cure this issue. But in all other cases, you must consult a doctor without any delays or hesitation.
