Bleeding before period
This infographics by the team from medplux.com explain the possible reasons why women spot just before their period. Spotting before period is reasonably common and in most women, it’s likely due to hormone imbalance or pregnancy. In most cases, light bleeding before the next menstruation is normal and may mean pregnancy or due to hypothalamic dysfunction.
Bleeding Before Your Period Could be Due to These 6 Causes:
- You started a pill
Birth control pills are commonly used to prevent pregnancy. During the first few weeks and months, while you start taking a pill, you may experience spotting in-between your period. - Implantation bleeding or pregnancy
Spotting can occur a week or some days before a period is due. When this happens and you’ve not been using contraception, it is likely due to implantation bleeding (pregnancy) rather than a menstrual period. Implantation bleeding occurs after embryo burrows into your womb. This bleeding is short-lived and lasts for 1-2 days with mild cramps. - Delayed ovulation
Delayed ovulation can occur due to stress or long time medical problems like diabetes or hypertension. - Chronic stress
During physical or psychological stress, cortisol levels increase. Increased level of cortisol results in early spotting or period. - Vaginal infections
Vaginal infections in young women can cause bleeding any time within your menstrual cycle and before your period. Symptoms of vaginal infections are persistent vaginal itching, smelly vagina, pain during sex and bleeding after sexual intercourse. - Other causes
Rarely, spotting is due to more serious conditions such as; uterine polyps, fibroids, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer.
Other causes for bleeding before period are drugs like birth control medications, emergency contraception, stress, uterine fibroids, and sex. If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle or if blood clots form, contact your doctor.
Further Reading: Signs of Period Coming Soon
