If you’ve ever observed only light pink blood when you wipe but no period flow - you’ve experienced spotting. Nearly all women have experienced spotting instead of periods at least once in their lives. Spotting is when the flow is very light, often lighter than what one would consider ‘light flow’ during a regular period. It occurs due to several reasons, many of which can vary from person to person. Given that menstrual flow occurs because of an interplay of several factors, certain variations in flow every once in a while are no cause for concern. However, if you’ve experienced spotting instead of a period a little too often, it might be time to visit your doctor. 

Given that issues such as spotting also vary based on your age, it might be confusing for women to understand the exact reason behind it. We detail the various causes for spotting and what distinguishes spotting from regular period flow in the subsequent sections. Read on to know more! 

Spotting vs. Menstrual Flow

• Understanding the difference between spotting and menstrual flow is integral. In many instances, spotting occurs due to a normal variation of biological rhythm - attributed to a temporary irregularity in hormonal patterns in the body. 
• As the hormone levels stabilize, normal period flow resumes over time.
• That being said, it’s important to understand the core differences between spotting and a period so you can tell one from the other. 
• Spotting commonly entails extremely light flow, and barely requires any protection. Pantyliners are often the protection of choice when women experience spotting. 
• It entails very little blood discharge and is light pink in color. 
• Spotting has no set duration and can occur at any point in the cycle. An important distinguishing feature from a regular period is that the latter usually occurs during the end of a menstrual cycle. 
• Spotting occurs due to several causes, as opposed to a period. Periods occur when the wall of the uterine endometrium breaks down when the unfertilized egg is due for expulsion. 
• Spotting, coupled with other bodily symptoms, might warrant a physician consultation. The potential causes for spotting are discussed in the upcoming section.
• Conversely, periods have a significant flow that requires a pad, menstrual cup, or tampon for protection. 
• The flow is often dark brown, dark red, bright red, and in some cases pink in color. 
• As opposed to spotting, periods commonly occur only at the end of a cycle. They’re also accompanied by symptoms such as: 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Bloating 
• Mood swings 
• Breast tenderness 
• Anxiety 
• Body pains 
• Irregular bowel movements

Spotting But No Period: What’s the Cause?

Spotting can occur for a variety of reasons. While some are of concern and can arise from an underlying pathological condition, others are variations of normal physiological changes. Below are the prime causes of spotting instead of period flow:

• Ovulation

• While only a minority of women experience spotting during ovulation, it is still a phenomenon that can be worrisome to a few women. 
• The rupture of the follicle to release the egg can cause light spotting. 
• The spotting might be accompanied by short-lived, light cramps around the period of ovulation which falls right around the middle of the cycle. 
• Spotting during ovulation is a normal variation and does not arise from an underlying problem. However, it would be advisable to see a doctor in case the spotting is heavy during the middle of your cycle. 

• Pregnancy/Implantation

• Pregnancy is known to cause spotting. This often occurs around 2 weeks following your normal ovulation date. 
• Early stages of pregnancy can be noted by spotting as the newly fertilized egg digs into the endometrial wall of the uterus to attach itself. 
• This process can lead to spotting and is another normal variation seen during a regular physiological process. 
• However, it’s important to note that pregnancy spotting is also accompanied by a few other symptoms like morning sickness, tender breasts, tiredness, and frequent urination. 
• Taking a home pregnancy test can help you know if you’re pregnant. However, it’s wise to wait for at least a week after your expected period dates to take a home test to avoid false positives. You can also consult your doctor to help you get a more accurate test if you think you’re pregnant. 
• If you continue observing spotting instead of a period despite getting a negative pregnancy test, getting in touch with your gynecologist would be the best option. 

• Contraceptives

• Contraceptives, especially of the hormonal kind are capable of causing spotting in the initial months of administration. 
• This is common to oral pills, shots, and implants, as they all disturb the existing balance of hormones. 
• Spotting occurs with birth control due to the erratic estrogen levels - a hormone that is critical to the maintenance of the uterine wall. The disturbed levels of estrogen cause an irregular flow of the lining upon breakdown. 
• However, the hormones adjust to the new pattern over a few months, and the spotting ceases or follows a more predictable pattern. 
• However, if you notice spotting for the first time despite being on birth control for several months, you should see a doctor. 

• Menarche & Menopause 

• The commencement of periods, or menarche, is when the incidence of spotting instead of period flow is more common. 
• Erratic hormone levels are more common, and unstable estrogen levels lead to irregular flow. 
• Menarche commonly sets in between the ages of 10 and 15, and irregular periods during this period aren’t uncommon either. Period flow too can vary between each cycle. 
• However, these irregularities cease with time and assume a more predictable pattern. 
• Spotting is also prevalent when women approach menopause. For women who are close to menopausal age and are wondering why they see late period spotting only when they wipe, it must be known that this is a normal variation as one approaches menopause. 
• Incidences of spotting and irregular periods with heavy or light flow also become more prevalent. 
• Like the commencement of menarche, menopause too is a period of erratic hormonal levels. 

• Body Weight

• Both underweight and overweight women are at a higher risk of experiencing menstrual irregularities such as spotting. 
• Weight has a direct link with hormones and their secretion, any disturbance in weight can also throw off your body’s hormonal balance causing a disturbance in ovulation, and subsequently, the entire menstrual cycle. 
• Extremely intense exercise is also associated with menstrual disturbances. 
• Disturbances arising from working out too hard are linked to long-term health issues. Be sure to visit a physician if you think your exercise routine has impacted your menstrual cycle, or if you notice spotting or a missed period after starting a new exercise regimen. 
• You might also notice symptoms such as acne and hair loss if your period is impacted by weight changes. 

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

• PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries produce multiple follicles, but do not release them into the fallopian tube. 
• Normally, only one egg is released in each menstrual cycle. However, this normal process is impeded by high levels of androgens such as DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione.
• Spotting is among the many symptoms women with PCOS encounter. 
• Other symptoms include increased body hair growth, acne, weight gain, pelvic discomfort, and fertility issues.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any of the above symptoms along with spotting instead of a normal period. 

• Stress

• Stress is known to negatively impact the menstrual cycle, by disturbing the normal balance between hormonal levels. 
• Stress can arise from a range of factors which can include both physical and emotional causes. 
• Emotional trauma, work pressure, excessive physical strain, and mental health concerns can all lead to menstrual imbalance.
• Alongside spotting, women might also notice missed periods, excessively painful cramps during a period, and heavier flow when impacted by stress. 

• Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Sexually transmitted diseases can cause spotting as they affect the mucosal layers of the vagina and subsequently infect the reproductive tract. 
• They can result in spotting during any period of the cycle and are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge, sores or vesicles in the vulva, pelvic discomfort, painful intercourse & urination, burning during urination, and itching.
• STDs can be contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. 
• If you notice any of the above symptoms, taking an STD test like the ones offered by Lenco Laboratory can help diagnose the infection accurately. 
• An untreated STD can lead to a serious condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is an infection of the upper reproductive regions. 
• Speak to your doctor to know more about STDs and PID.

• Trauma

• Injuries to the vagina or cervix can lead to spotting. This is often due to abnormal bleeding. 
• Rough sexual intercourse, sexual abuse, or even an improper PAP test can cause spotting. 
• Visit the emergency room if the bleeding is heavy and accompanied by pain. 

• Miscarriage

• Though not all bleeding during pregnancy is a sign of miscarriage, about half of the women who experience it while pregnant suffer a miscarriage. 
• This is often confusing, as spotting also occurs during the implantation of the fetus. 
• Speak to your doctor if you notice spotting or bleeding during your pregnancy. 

• Cancer

• Although very rare, some women with cervical cancer have been known to experience spotting instead of period flow during the end of the cycle. 
• Cancer of the cervix and the uterus are known to cause this symptom. 
• Doctors will use tests such as PAP tests and biopsies to look for cervical cancer. 

Though spotting might occur due to several reasons, if you’re unsure about your cycle’s pattern or are experiencing frequent spotting, you should reach out to your doctor for appropriate care.