Spotting: Is It Normal?

Females undergo tons of bodily changes after hitting puberty. While some are normal, others could be a cause for concern. This article will discuss the common concern of vaginal spotting, its normal, the root cause, and if you must be worried about this health condition.

What is Spotting?

Spotting is a light form of vaginal discharge or light bleeding. As the name suggests, pink or brown spots can be seen. One might have occasional spotting during the ovulation period, after sex, or sometimes between period pads. There are many reasons you may have spotting. Usually, it is a common occurrence, and there is nothing to worry about. However, this post will tell you when you must see a doctor. After going through them, if you still feel the need, do not hesitate to visit an ob-gyn or a doctor to know more about your menstrual health.

Differences Between Spotting & Period

There are many distinctions between spot, period, and light bleeding. The menstrual flow is usually heavy, with a color between red to dark brown. It looks darker and blackish at the end of the period cycle. As for the spotting, medically, it takes place one or two days before and after the menstruation cycle. It is usually light pink or brown.

If the spotting persists, understand that it is a sign of ovulation or other changes in your body.

Remember that women usually experience spotting occasionally, and there is nothing to worry about. They, sometimes, do not need to be investigated. But, if your period is accompanied by heavy cramping and blood clots, a deeper look into the issue is necessary.

Worried About Spotting Before Period?

As we mentioned, spotting before the period or spotting during ovulation is common. So, unless you have the following symptoms, you do not need to feel anxious.

• Perpetual lower abdomen pain & discomfort
• High temperature
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Here are the following causes why you may have been experiencing spotting.

• Birth-control pills: A hormone-based birth control contraceptive leads to a high chance that you may have been experiencing spotting before your period. Health experts say this happens to women whose uterus lining may be triggered by the hormones after using certain contraception. You should note that barrier contraceptives do not lead to spotting occurrences.
• Polyps: Polyp is a condition of having uterine fibroids, in which there is increased growth in the lining of the uterus. This condition induces heavy periods, spotting, and difficulty getting pregnant or conceiving.
• PCOD: PCOD is another lifestyle condition women face when they have more male hormones, like androgens. This is a significant reason why women face irregular periods and spotting.
• Cancerous Growth: In India, the number of women suffering from cervical cancer is huge. According to a report, 27% of cervical cancer cases are from India. Therefore, if you face any kind of extremeness in symptoms, it is best to rush to your healthcare provider.
• Perimenopause: This is a condition that women nearing menopause undergo. The uterus lining gets thicker, leading to spotting and other symptoms.

Other Causes:

• There have been instances when spotting has been detected as an indicator of pregnancy. It happens when implantation occurs on the uterus lining, approximately six days after egg fertilization.

• Another cause is the condition of sexually-transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia, which causes inflammation in the uterus. This, in turn, causes occasional spotting in women with the situation.

• Having an Intrauterine device (IUD) in the uterus may also be a reason why women may find themselves experiencing frequent spotting.

• The above cases may lead women to face extensive light bleeding and spotting. And at these times, we recommend you reach out to your healthcare provider.

How to take care of your health?

Spotting, if you understand technically, isn’t a condition. It is, basically, a symptom that indicates there are underlying conditions. As we mentioned, anything extensive isn’t good, as is this everyday occurrence of spots. You must understand when it occurs and how you can deal with it properly.

Below are a few tips on how to deal with spotting by making a few changes in your lifestyle. Well, they are mostly on how you can better your menstrual health and avoid conditions like spotting.

• Avoid heavy exercises. Speak to an expert if you wish to begin rigorous training and gymming.
• You should regulate and check your hormones. Choose a healthy diet and do not consume fatty food or junk food. It is best you decide what to put in your body so it isn’t vulnerable to conditions.
• Yoga is another method through which you can regulate all your bodily functions. Besides yoga, try to include healthy and organic food and supplements in your diet.
• Do not consume contraceptives regularly. Sometimes, contraceptives are why women go through spotting or light bleeding.

Even if you’re attempting to better your menstrual health with the above practices, you must see a healthcare provider who can guide you better through the treatment process. Try to avoid treating any serious symptoms on your own. At times, extensive tests need to be conducted to detect the right problem in the body.

Repad believes in empowering its women's community through sustainable menstrual hygiene and disseminating factual information regarding women’s health.

Repad is an eco-friendly and sustainable menstrual hygiene brand that manufactures and sells washable cloth pads that are very eco-friendly. Our goal is to revolutionize the world of menstrual hygiene in India, taking into account its social and environmental aspects.