Spotting before period is a common event that happens to many women. If that happened to you, it is understandable that you are concerned and have many questions about your physical and emotional health. This phenomenon can occur for numerous reasons, one of the most common being hormonal imbalances. However, these changes can happen due to stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors, too. 

Speaking with your doctor if you are bleeding between periods or experiencing heavy spotting is crucial. At Comprehensive OBGYN of the Palm Beaches, we understand your concerns. That is why we offer the most up-to-date gynecologic care in Loxahatchee, FL, where you can feel comfortable and let our team of experts take care of you. We encourage you to read our blog post and find out the possible reasons why you might be experiencing period spotting.

What Is Spotting?

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This term is used to describe lighter or heavier bleeding that occurs outside of your usual menstrual cycle. The symptoms include a small amount of blood, ranging from light pink to dark brown. You may notice it on your underwear or toilet paper after wiping. If this is a problem for you or you feel uncomfortable, use a panty liner for protection. Period spotting can happen for many reasons, but to find out about yours, it is necessary to visit your gynecologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Spotting before period can be a confusing and annoying issue for many women. While it may be easy to think that hormonal imbalance may have caused it, there can be several underlying causes of period spotting that aren’t related to hormones. 

  1. Ovulation 

In this phase of your cycle, an egg is released from the ovaries so that it can be fertilized later on. In some women, this process can cause light bleeding or spotting, which is called ovulation spotting. It is characterized by a small amount of pink or red blood that occurs during the days you are ovulating. 

Other signs of ovulation include increased libido, transparent or whitish vaginal discharge, tender breasts, bloating, and sometimes cramping in the lower abdomen. It is a good idea to monitor these symptoms every month to be sure that you are ovulating. 

  1. Pregnancy

Spotting in the gestational period might seem concerning, but it is actually common. In some cases, when the egg is fertilized and implanted in the uterus, it causes light bleeding, which is usually red, brown, or pink. However, heavier bleeding during pregnancy in combination with pelvic pain can also reveal complications such as miscarriage, problems with the placenta, or ectopic pregnancy. 

Your gynecologist will monitor your symptoms and conduct an ultrasound and all the required tests to make sure you and your baby have the best possible outcome.

  1. Birth Control

Many women report spotting as a side effect of birth control. Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch, or ring alter the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. These hormonal fluctuations may cause some unexpected changes to your menstrual cycle, including spotting or irregular bleeding. Non-hormonal birth control options, such as the copper IUD, may also cause the same issue. 

Fortunately, bleeding between periods due to birth control is common and usually harmless and will probably improve over time. Just make sure you give your body enough time to adjust to this method. If the bleeding persists and is causing pain, make sure to visit your gynecologist as soon as possible. 

  1. Sexually Transmitted Infections

These types of diseases cause various uncomfortable symptoms for many women, such as smelly discharge, painful urination, pain in the pelvic area, and itchy vagina. However, some can even cause heavy spotting or bleeding between periods. STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia cause inflammation of the cervix, which can result in spotting. Syphilis and herpes can both cause genital sores and lesions that also contribute to bleeding before period. For these and other reasons, it is crucial to practice safe sex and get tested regularly for STIs to prevent and catch any potential problems promptly. 

If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms in combination with irregular bleeding, make sure to visit your healthcare provider to get the proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of such infections can help you avoid complications and reduce the risk of spreading them to others. 

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A hormonal disorder that affects childbearing women of all ages is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is characterized by numerous small cysts in the ovaries and is accompanied by symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, acne, infertility, cramping, and excessive hair growth due to high amounts of androgens in the body. Bleeding between periods is a common sign of PCOS, too. 

Several treatment options are available, including birth control, insulin medications, and lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise. Managing PCOS can help improve symptoms and reduce your risk of diabetes or heart disease in the future. 

  1. Perimenopause

This is a transitional period leading up to menopause when a woman’s body stops producing enough estrogen. Spotting before period is a common symptom of perimenopause, along with mood changes, hot flashes, irregular periods, and sleep troubles.

  1. Uterine and Cervical Polyps

Polyps are growths that can develop on the uterine lining or cervix. They are usually benign and can cause spotting or abnormal bleeding as one of the symptoms. Uterine polyps are more common among women who are perimenopausal, while cervical polyps are common in those who are still menstruating. Other symptoms include heavy menstrual flow or bleeding after sexual intercourse. Treatment may involve removing them in the surgeon’s office, although they may resolve on their own in some cases. 

  1. Fibroids

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Fibroids are noncancerous changes that can develop in the uterus. They usually do not trigger any symptoms but can lead to bleeding between periods and heavy spotting. You may also experience other signs of fibroids, such as pain or uncomfortable pressure in your lower back and pelvis. If these growths get large enough, they can cause constipation and the need to urinate more frequently. 

Your gynecologist will recommend medication to manage these symptoms or surgery to remove the fibroids. Early detection can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life. 

  1. Trauma

If you experienced any trauma to your pelvic area, from injury, surgery, or sexual abuse, you might be experiencing spotting as a symptom. All of these can cause damage to the delicate tissues and blood vessels in the pelvis, which leads to bleeding before period. Other symptoms may include discomfort and pain during penetration, pain in the pelvic region, and trouble urinating. 

If you have experienced a traumatic event such as sexual assault, we encourage you to contact a professional to get support and guidance to manage the physical and emotional effects. 

  1. Cancer

Heavy spotting can also be a sign of tumors in the reproductive organs, such as uterine or ovarian cancer. These usually come with other symptoms like abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and difficulty with bladder or bowel function. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, you must speak with your doctor as soon as possible to get the correct diagnosis and see the next step. 

Early detection of this health condition can improve the outcome and make your life better. Fortunately, spotting is usually not a sign of cancer, but you should still talk to your gynecologist about it. 

Give Us a Call Today

Do you want to better your life and bid farewell to uncomfortable spotting issues once and for all? To get started immediately, contact Comprehensive OB-GYN of the Palm Beaches, Florida, and schedule an appointment.