Key Takeaways:
- Premenstrual spotting is light bleeding before your period starts.
- Hormonal imbalances, stress, and PCOS are common causes.
- You can reduce spotting by managing stress, eating well, and tracking your cycle.
- Natural remedies work for many, but consult a doctor if spotting continues.
- Know the signs when it’s time to worry and act early.
You see light bleeding a few days before your period. That’s premenstrual spotting.
It’s not your actual period. It’s just a few drops of blood—may be brown, pink, or dark red. You may notice it on toilet paper or your period underwear.
Now here’s the problem.
Many women ignore it or confuse it with the start of their period. But spotting has its own story. It can point to hormonal imbalance, stress, or any underlying health issues. When ignored, it may grow into irregular cycles or fertility trouble.
But, here comes the positive news - Spotting doesn’t always mean something serious. Once you understand why it happens, you can manage it better and stay in control.
We will understand why it happens and how to deal with it.
What is the reason for Premenstrual spotting?
Your body sends signals before your period starts. Spotting is one of them. But why does it happen?
Premenstrual spotting isn’t random. It’s your body reacting to changes—some natural, some not.
Let’s look at the most common causes.
- Low progesterone
- Ovulation bleeding
- Birth control pills
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS
- Thyroid imbalance
- STIs or vaginal infections
- Extreme stress or intense workouts
Low Progesterone
After ovulation, your body releases progesterone. This hormone is responsible for holding the uterine lining in place. When the levels of progesterone drop too early, the lining starts to break down. That causes spotting before your period.
Low progesterone levels in your body affects you more than your monthly cycle. You really feel tired, moody, or bloated. Some of the common signs also include breast tenderness, poor sleep, and anxiety.
A lot of women fail to pay attention and miss these early signals. But monthly spotting before your period can point to low progesterone.
You can get a simple blood test done to confirm it. With modern treatment, you can restore balance and reduce spotting.
Ovulation Bleeding
Ovulation happens during the middle of your monthly cycle. When the egg gets released, hormone levels swing quickly. This sudden change can cause light bleeding or spotting.
The blood is usually pink or light brown. It lasts for a day or two. Some women also feel mild cramps or notice clear stretchy discharge.
This type of spotting is harmless. But if it happens just close to your period, it can cause a lot of confusion. If you track your cycle, it helps you know if it’s linked to ovulation or not.
Birth control tablets
Do you know that birth control tablets also change your hormone levels?
Yes – these pills do.
Your body needs time to adjust. And in this phase, (be ready for the surprise!) you may notice spotting before your period.
This is common in the first three months. The bleeding is generally light and stops on its own. Skipping pills or taking them late can also trigger spotting. If you notice this indicator continuing for months, you should visit a doctor for a check-up.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Spotting before your period? PCOS could be the reason.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects how your ovaries work. It can stop ovulation or delay it, triggering irregular cycles and unexpected spotting. Your body starts to produce extra androgens, which disrupt the hormonal balance needed for a healthy menstrual cycle.
- Common signs of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods
- Facial hair or acne
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Dark patches on skin
If you notice your body signalling any of these with spotting, we would recommend you talk to your doctor.
Thyroid Imbalance
Your thyroid controls many body functions, including your menstrual cycle. When it doesn’t work properly, hormone levels go out of sync. This can lead to premenstrual spotting.
Both underactive and overactive thyroids can affect bleeding patterns. Feeling tired, gaining or losing weight, or hair thinning are few common symptoms.
Some women even feel cold all the time or face mood swings.
If you have these signs along with spotting, ask your doctor for a thyroid test. It’s quick and can explain a lot.
STIs or Vaginal infections
Sexually transmitted infections or vaginal infections can irritate your cervix. This can result in spotting that is light, and usually occurs before or after your period. You might also feel some itching, notice a bad smell, or see unusual discharge.
If you notice and observe these signs, get checked immediately.
Extreme Stress or Intense Workouts
Your body feels every bit of stress you take on. When stress builds, it affects hormone levels. That shift can cause spotting.
Heavy workouts do the same. They push your body too hard and disrupt ovulation.
The result? Irregular bleeding and unexpected spotting.
Keep an eye on these signs:
- Missed periods
- Constant fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings
- Sudden weight loss
We recommend you to manage your stress level and avoid overtraining to keep your cycle steady.

Spotting or Period? Here's How to differentiate
Spotting and periods are not the same. Knowing the difference helps you track your cycle better.
Here are a few ways you can tell:
- Duration: Spotting lasts 1–2 days. Periods last 4–7 days.
- Colour: Spotting is light brown or pink. Period blood is red.
- Flow level: Spotting is light. Periods have a steady flow.
- Symptoms: Spotting generally comes without causing any cramps. Periods often carry pain, bloating, and mood changes.
What are the treatment options for spotting?
Treatment depends on the cause. If hormones are the problem, your doctor may suggest birth control or progesterone supplements. For PCOS or thyroid issues, treating the root condition helps.
If you have any infections, then you need antibiotics. If stress triggers spotting, lifestyle changes work best.
Alternatively, you may try the following:
- Herbal teas like green tea or chamomile tea
- Iron-rich foods
- Gentle exercise and sleep balance
When should you be worried?
Spotting now and then is usually harmless.
But if it lasts more than three days, happens after sex, or appears with pain, fatigue, or unusual discharge, you should not ignore it anymore. These are the signs that may point to infections, fibroids, thyroid issues, or even early pregnancy problems.
If spotting becomes regular or if it disrupts your day-to-day routine, it’s time to see a doctor. Early checks can help you catch serious conditions before they grow worse.
Summary
Premenstrual spotting is common. It generally occurs a few days before your period. Hormonal changes, stress, or health issues can trigger spotting. It is lighter and shorter than a regular period. You can reduce it by handling your stress, eating well balanced diet, and by tracking your period cycle.
Treatment varies and usually depends on the root cause. Natural remedies help in some cases. However, we recommend you keep a watch for unusual symptoms and don’t ignore repeated spotting.
Talk to a doctor if it happens often.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q. Is it normal to have spotting before period?
Yes, it’s normal for many women to spot before their period. When the condition persists beyond three days or appears following each cycle, consulting your doctor becomes necessary.
Q. How to stop spotting immediately?
You can’t always stop spotting on the spot, but you can manage it. We recommend you try to rest, eat iron-rich foods, and reduce stress.
Q. Is spotting considered first day of period?
No, spotting isn’t counted as day one of your period. Your menstruation begins when the blood flow becomes sufficiently consistent. Your menstrual cycle does not start with light brown or pink spotting.
Q. How many days of spotting is okay?
The occurrence of spotting for one to two days generally poses no issues. When the condition persists beyond three days or appears following each cycle, consulting your doctor becomes necessary.
References:
Dasharathy SS, Mumford SL, Pollack AZ, Perkins NJ, Mattison DR, Wactawski-Wende J, Schisterman EF. Menstrual bleeding patterns among regularly menstruating women. Am J Epidemiol. 2012 Mar 15;175(6):536-45. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwr356. Epub 2012 Feb 20. PMID: 22350580; PMCID: PMC3299419. - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3299419/
Abnormal uterine bleeding patterns determined through menstrual tracking among participants in the Apple Women’s Health Study - https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00839-0/fulltext
Crawford NM, Pritchard DA, Herring AH, Steiner AZ. Prospective evaluation of the impact of intermenstrual bleeding on natural fertility. Fertil Steril. 2016 May;105(5):1294-1300. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.015. Epub 2016 Jan 25. PMID: 26820771; PMCID: PMC4853238. - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4853238/