Stay up to date with our latest news...
Stay up to date with our latest news...
Written by
Stacy Miller
As women, our bodies go through many changes during the month, which can often be confusing. Hormonal fluctuations throughout our menstrual cycle cause a range of symptoms, and it’s not always easy to pinpoint why they occur. One common question women have is whether they’re experiencing spotting or period blood. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between spotting and period blood so you can better understand how your body works.
Understanding the difference between a period or spotting can be challenging, especially if you have an infrequent or abnormal menstrual cycle. Women who routinely get their period every 24 to 38 days can usually tell when their period is starting since it comes around the same time each month. However, those with lighter bleeding may think they are experiencing spotting instead of period bleeding. So, what’s the difference?
Your period is a normal part of your menstrual cycle. After ovulation, if a fertilized egg doesn’t implant into the uterus, your body sheds the uterine lining. This process is called menstruation, or your period, and you’ll experience light to heavy bleeding. Spotting refers to a few drops of blood that a panty liner can catch, but it is not enough to soak through a pad or tampon. It can start a few days before your period or conclude it; however, it is also possible to experience spotting in the middle of your cycle. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate spotting vs. light period, but try to judge the amount of bloody discharge you see.
Knowing how to tell the difference between spotting and light period bleeding will help you track your cycle and get accurate predictions if you’re using period-tracking apps.
Another question we hear is, “Is spotting considered a period?” The short answer is not necessarily, as spotting can happen in the middle of the cycle as well. However, it can precede or conclude your period. The first day of your period usually involves a full flow of bleeding, requiring a tampon or pad.
Although the flow can vary from light to heavy, it’s consistent and ongoing. Since spotting can be inconsistent and doesn’t require feminine hygiene products, it’s not considered the first day of your period.
Although it can sometimes be alarming to experience bloody vaginal discharge when you’re not on your period, it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons you may experience it when you’re not on your period, including the following.
Hormonal birth control contains estrogen and progestin, two vital reproductive hormones in females. They work to suppress two key hormones that cause ovulation: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. It can take your body time to adjust to these hormones, and you may see light spotting, which is why some women may question, “Is it spotting or period bleeding?” as their bodies acclimate.
If you’re questioning, “Why am I bleeding when I’m not on my period?” breakthrough bleeding may be to blame. Right before ovulation, the follicle explodes, releasing a mature egg. When this occurs, you may be confused as to whether you’re experiencing spotting or a light period, but the answer is time. Ovulation spotting happens approximately in the middle of your cycle, it is light, lasting around a day, and doesn’t require a tampon or pad.
If you experience spotting for more than one or two days before your period begins or ends, it could be due to structural changes in your cervix or uterus. These changes may include cervical polyps, vaginal ulcers or warts.
If you’re trying to conceive and have noticed light blood, you may be wondering, “I have spotting instead of period, can I be pregnant?” Implantation bleeding is common as the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. While you may not get your spotting during early pregnancy, it may be normal. However, you should seek medical advice if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test and the bleeding becomes heavy or if you’re concerned.
Some sexually transmitted infections can cause spotting. If you are having sex or recently changed partners and suspect you may have an STI, it’s a good idea to get a sexual health checkup to be sure.
In general, yes, if it happens a few days before and right after your period. However, if you’re using a period tracking app or tracking periods in Hormona, log spotting as spotting and period bleeding as light, medium, or heavy bleeding.
While wondering, “Is it normal to spot before your period?” is one thing, what happens when your bleeding is prolonged?
Knowing the difference between your period vs. spotting may help you realize you’re getting more than one period during the month. But what can cause multiple periods?
Teenagers can experience pretty extensive hormone fluctuations as their bodies mature. These changes can cause longer or shorter menstrual cycles and more frequent periods. In fact, it takes around two to three years for you to establish a normal period pattern.
As your body enters perimenopause, the rise in estrogen can trigger longer or shorter cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, and even skipped periods. Around the mid-40s to early 50s, it can be hard to distinguish spotting vs. period blood. You’ll remain in perimenopause until you’ve had 12 consecutive months of no periods, at which time you enter postmenopause.
How do you know what’s the difference between spotting and a period when you have a thyroid condition? Since the thyroid helps control your menstrual cycle, it can be hard to tell. There are two conditions that can cause bleeding.
Too little thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism and can cause long and heavy periods, as well as no periods for more than 3 months. It may also create symptoms like:
Too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism and can cause light, irregular bleeding. Additional symptoms include:
Uterine fibroids or polyps can disrupt the uterine lining and cause irregular bleeding by shedding the endometrium, putting pressure on the uterine lining, and causing extra blood vessel growth. Because of this, they can make your periods heavier. Fibroid symptoms include:
In rare cases, vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of cervical cancer. Regular screening is essential for early diagnosis.
If you notice bleeding two times per month and are wondering, “Can you spot before your period?” you may be experiencing multiple periods due to one of the above causes.
Now that you know how to identify a light period vs. spotting, it’s time to discuss when to consult a healthcare provider. While occasional spotting is not a cause for concern, if you experience heavy bleeding between periods, spotting after menopause, fever, severe pain, or dizziness, you should call your doctor.
So, what is the difference between spotting and period bleeding? Spotting doesn’t require tampons or pads, as the amount of bloody discharge is not enough to soak it, while your period commonly starts with light bleeding that requires a tampon or a pad. Understanding how your hormones impact your body can remove fear and help you take control of your health. The Hormona App is the revolutionary hormone tracker designed for women, by women. It provides tools and insights to help you understand your body better and feel your best.
Spotting is light, sporadic vaginal bleeding that’s usually red, brown, or pink. It can show as a few spots on your underwear or small drops when wiping. A period is ongoing bleeding that lasts 3 to 5 days, soaking through pads or tampons.
No, spotting days don’t count as periods, but it commonly happens one or two days before and after periods.
Yes, there are numerous reasons for spotting outside of pregnancy, including hormonal birth control, perimenopause, and puberty.
Yes, one or two days of spotting are normal.
With spotting, you’ll experience minimal bleeding, only a few drops that last no more than two days.
-
Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
What does spotting before your period look like? Spotting is a few drops of blood on your underwear that are not enough to soak a pad. It’s typically brown, light pink, or red and may only be noticeable on a
Postpartum hormonal changes: What are they? Postpartum hormonal changes occur when your body experiences shifting hormone levels after birth. After your baby is born, the doctor removes the afterbirth or placenta, which sends signals to your body that you’re no
What is ovulation fatigue? As women, we can get numerous symptoms throughout our menstrual cycles. One question we’re asked is, “Why do you get tired during ovulation?” For some, the answer could be ovulation fatigue. Ovulation fatigue is when you
Hormona© 2025, All Rights Reserved
