What is Spotting in Periods and What are the Causes of Spotting
Every month of the year, a woman goes through a complex series of hormonal changes during her periods. The menstrual cycle of a woman lasts for about 3–7 days depending from person to person. Except when undergoing your period and experiencing light and unusual vaginal bleeding, that is called “Spotting”. Don’t worry, it is not a disease, and many women go through it. Delay in the cycle and irregularities can be a common cause of Spotting. Depending on age, there are various reasons and causes of unusual bleeding.
Mostly your body skips or delay periods when there is an imbalance of progesterone and oestrogen hormones, which results in light Spotting from your vagina. Don’t confuse your real period with Spotting. If the Spotting occurs quite frequently, then go for medical tests like a blood test, thyroid test, urine test, a complete blood count (CBC), or pregnancy tests. If that does not answer your queries, then try applying for hormonal tests which might detect tumours, fibroids or infections in the uterus if any.
Causes of Spotting
Various factors like excessive exercise, stress and obesity can result in abnormal bleeding. There are even more reasons for unusual bleeding. A female sex hormone called progesterone manages the monthly cycle. Other common causes are:
1) If you are consuming birth control (hormone-based) pills, then there are chances of spotting in the initial 3–4 months. In medical terms, this is called “breakthrough bleeding”.
2) Inflammation in the uterus due to Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia (Sexually Transmitted Disease) can cause Spotting. It is a harmful disease that requires immediate medical attention.
3) Internal disorders like liver disease, kidney disease, blood clotting or infection of pelvic organs.
4) There are non-cancerous tumours that tend to grow and develop inside the uterus called fibroids and polyps.
5) Polycystic ovarian syndrome is ordinarily known as PCOS causes irregular functioning of your ovaries. It is commonly and often experienced among teenagers. In this case, the eggs are not regularly released as they should, and because of that fluid-filled follicles circle the eggs. Thus, causing irregular cycles and Spotting.
6) Intrauterine devices (also known as IUD) may boost your possibilities of Spotting or heavy periods.
7) Women in their late 40s and early 50s experience menopause. Menopause in layman’s term is the ending of a woman’s menstrual cycle that signifies the end of pregnancy In a woman’s life. The time just before menopause is called perimenopause. In this situation, the uterus lining becomes thicker, and your monthly schedule becomes unpredictable, leading to Spotting.
So, in conclusion, period spotting is a common issue that women endure until they are actively menstruating. As stated, if the symptoms persist, it should be brought to notice, diagnosed and treated at the right time.
