Spotting Before Period? Here Are 15 Potential Causes

Light bleeding or ‘spotting’ outside of your normal period can be unsettling, especially if it happens unexpectedly or becomes a recurring issue. 

Most of the time, though, spotting before your period (or anytime during your cycle) is nothing to be concerned about. However, there are certain scenarios where spotting may indicate an underlying health concern in need of treatment. 

Read on to learn more about what spotting is, what can cause it, and when you should speak to your doctor about it. 

What Is Spotting?

Spotting is defined as any light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your monthly period. Approximately one-third of women will experience spotting at some point in their life. 

Spotting is typically light in volume; however, certain health issues (such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids) can cause heavier bleeding.

In most cases, spotting comes as a surprise. This is because, unlike your menstrual period, spotting does not typically follow a predictable pattern. Occasional spotting is not usually a cause for concern. However, if spotting becomes more regular, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue in need of treatment. 

When Spotting Happens in Your Cycle: What It Might Mean

Spotting can occur at any point during your menstrual cycle. If it occurs midway through your cycle (i.e. more than one week before your period is due to arrive), it’s unlikely to mean that your period has arrived early — unless you have irregular cycles. Instead, mid-cycle spotting is most likely to be caused by ovulation, hormonal birth control, or an underlying health condition. 

Spotting a few days before your period often indicates that your period has arrived earlier than usual. If your period does arrive early, it’s normal for it to be lighter than regular menstrual bleeding. As a result, an early period often resembles spotting more than regular menstrual bleeding. 

If you are TTC, spotting a few days before your period can also indicate implantation bleeding, especially if it is light pink or brown in color. 

Spotting vs. Period: Key Differences

So what’s the difference between spotting and your period? Here are a few key characteristics that set them apart. 

Reasons for Spotting Before Your Period

Whether it happens weeks or just a few days before your period is set to arrive, spotting can occur for a myriad of reasons. Because there are so many potential causes of spotting, you should always visit your doctor to discuss any abnormal vaginal bleeding. They can assess your symptoms, identify potential underlying causes, and provide tailored guidance on treatment based on your TTC goals. 

Hormonal Birth Control (and Copper IUDs)

The following hormonal contraceptives can cause spotting within the first three months of use: 

• Oral contraceptives (i.e. the pill)

• Copper IUDs

• Hormonal IUDs

• Injections

• Patches

• Rings

Doctors call this ‘breakthrough bleeding’, which is linked to changes in the uterine lining caused by hormonal disruptions stemming from your birth control. 

Barrier methods, like latex condoms, aren’t associated with spotting. However, the copper IUD may still cause bleeding even though it does not contain hormones. 

Skipping pills, or completely stopping the use of birth control pills, can also cause spotting to occur. This is normal and not a red flag. However, you should use hormonal birth control with caution, as taking or replacing birth control irregularly can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.

Ovulation

As estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise ahead of ovulation, it’s possible (although uncommon) to experience some light spotting. This is called ‘ovulation bleeding’. 

In addition to light ovulation bleeding, other signs of ovulation include:

• Breast tenderness

• Increased cervical mucus (often resembling raw egg whites)

• Increased libido

• Light cramping

To better understand if your spotting is connected to ovulation, it’s a good idea to start tracking your cycle and symptoms. This can be done in a cycle-tracking app (like the Mira App). 

For more advanced cycle tracking, you can also track your hormone levels directly with the Mira Monitor and Wands. With Mira, you can track:

• Estrogen metabolite (E3G)

• Progesterone metabolite (PdG)

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

When tracked over time, you can pinpoint when ovulation occurs. This enables you to identify potential spotting triggers and cycle irregularities. 

Implantation Bleeding

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is implantation bleeding or spotting, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the inner uterine lining. Implantation bleeding is completely normal and harmless, however, only around one-third of pregnant women experience it. 

If implantation bleeding does occur, it usually happens several days prior to your next menstrual period. It can range in color from a lighter pink to muddy brown, and the flow of blood is significantly lighter than a regular period and much shorter. 

If you are actively TTC, it’s important to be mindful of other early symptoms of pregnancy, including: 

• Breast tenderness

• Feeling nauseous

• Lower backache

• Mild headaches

• Missed period

• Tiredness and fatigue

If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to take a pregnancy test no sooner than the first day after your missed period. If you’re still unsure, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, and start taking a prenatal multivitamin to protect the health of your pregnancy. 

Pregnancy

Most people assume that bleeding during pregnancy is a bad sign. However, it’s surprisingly common to experience light spotting, particularly during the first trimester. In fact, an estimated 20% of women experience some spotting during the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy.

Spotting during pregnancy: what’s normal?

Besides implantation bleeding, it’s common for light spotting during pregnancy to occur following sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, and/or exercise. It may also be caused by a cervical polyp, which is more likely to bleed during pregnancy due to increased blood circulation in the pelvic area.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between bleeding and spotting during pregnancy. You should not see enough blood to need a pad or tampon, and you should not soak through a panty liner. Sometimes, heavy bleeding can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience heavy bleeding at any time during your pregnancy. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows on other organs and anatomical structures throughout the body. Similar to the endometrium, this tissue also bleeds each cycle, which can cause inflammation and pain. 

One of the main symptoms of endometriosis is heavy, painful periods and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms may include: 

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Constipation and/or diarrhea, especially during your period

• Nausea or vomiting, especially during your period

• Painful bowel movements, especially during your period

• Pain during sex

• Rectal bleeding, especially during your period

• Bleeding during urination

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the lining of the uterus. Fibroids can interfere with hormone levels and cause the uterine lining to stretch, leading to light bleeding and spotting. 

Other common symptoms of uterine fibroids include: 

• Back and/or abdominal pain

• Constipation

• Heavy and/or painful periods

• Painful intercourse

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition leading to hormone imbalance. This imbalance can cause ovulation and periods to become irregular, which in turn increases the likelihood of spotting between periods. 

In addition to spotting and irregular menstrual cycles, other symptoms of PCOS include:

• Acne

• Difficulty getting pregnant

• Excessive facial and body hair growth

• Thinning of the hair on the scalp

• Unexplained weight gain

Treatment for PCOS often aims to support hormone regulation. Common strategies include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Certain medications and PCOS supplements can also help. 

Medications

In addition to hormonal birth control, several other medications can cause spotting. 

Any medication that interferes with your hormone levels can lead to blood clotting, spotting, and/or other changes to your menstrual period. Some of the most common medications that can cause spotting include: 

• Aspirin and other blood thinners

• Chemotherapy

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Thyroid medication

• Corticosteroids

If you experience unexpected spotting while taking one of these medications, speak with your doctor. They can provide you with the very best guidance based on your medication and current medication(s). 

Cervical Cancer

In rare cases, spotting can be caused by cervical cancer. Although anyone can develop cervical cancer, those who have already reached menopause are at the greatest risk. 

Cervical cancer can cause brown spotting and irregular discharge that may have an odor. In some cases, it can also look watery and/or blood-tainted.

Vaginal Trauma

An injury to the vagina, known as vaginal trauma, can also cause spotting. 

Common causes of vaginal trauma are sexual activity and/or sexual assault. If you experience bleeding after a sexual assault, you should visit your healthcare provider to ensure there is no serious injury. You should also see a doctor if the bleeding is heavy, if there is blood in the urine, and/or if there is an object stuck in the vagina.

It’s normal to experience light bleeding after painful sex, especially if it was your first time. In this scenario, bleeding is usually not heavy and does not last very long. 

Vaginal trauma from sexual intercourse is often caused by a lack of lubrication. Engaging in plenty of foreplay while using a lubricant can make sex more comfortable, and in turn, prevent spotting from vaginal trauma. 

Vaginal trauma can also be caused by infections like candidiasis (yeast) in the vagina. These infections cause inflammation, which can make the area more sensitive and prone to bleeding, especially following sexual intercourse. Again, this bleeding is usually not heavy and will go away after treating the underlying infection. 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when a severe vaginal infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is left untreated and spreads to the upper reproductive organs. The best way to prevent PID is to promptly treat any and all vaginal infections with the correct medications.

Like STIs, PID may lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms of PID include:

• Abdominal pain

• Burning sensation while urinating

• Fever

• Sexual pain and/or bleeding

• Unusual, foul-smelling vaginal discharge

It’s important to seek treatment right away if you suspect you may have PID. The complications of PID can be severe and may include scarring in the pelvic area and/or infertility.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding and spotting. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause spotting to occur before your periods and after sexual intercourse. If left untreated, these STIs can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

Common symptoms of STIs include: 

• Abnormal bleeding during or after intercourse

• Fever and chills

• Heavy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Lower abdominal pain

If you suspect you may have an STI, seek treatment from your healthcare provider straight away to prevent complications. 

Stress

Psychological stress can also lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding and spotting. When the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response is triggered, it produces cortisol — i.e. the stress hormone. 

Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt ovulation, leading to spotting and menstrual cycle irregularities. By proactively managing your stress levels, you can help keep your hormone levels in balance. In turn, this promotes cycle regularity and helps to prevent spotting. 

Common strategies for maintaining balance and keeping stress levels low include exercising regularly, spending time with friends and family, engaging in creative activities, and letting go of non-essential responsibilities. Massages, warm baths, and fertility teas can also help. 

Perimenopause

As you enter perimenopause, your overall hormone patterns shift. This causes estrogen and progesterone levels to become unpredictable. As a result, the uterine lining thickens. This can lead to irregular bleeding, spotting, and/or heavier than normal menstrual periods. 

During this time, it can become difficult to predict when your period will start. In addition to spotting, you may also experience: 

• Anovulatory cycles

• Hot flashes

• Longer or shorter cycles than usual

• Sleep problems

• Vaginal dryness

While menopause is unavoidable, there are treatments and tools available that can help you manage your symptoms and feel more in control of your body. 

Mira’s own menopause tools — such as the Menopause Transitions Kit and Menopause Transitions Mode in the Mira App — can help you understand your hormone patterns and monitor your symptoms. We also recommend consulting with your doctor, especially if you are having difficulty managing your symptoms. They can provide further guidance on hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) and supplements that can help. 

Underactive Thyroid

An underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism) impairs estrogen detoxification and reduces the amounts of a hormone called globulin, which binds to sex hormones. As a result, estrogen levels may be too high, which can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and/or spotting.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Memory changes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Weight gain

The thyroid plays an important role in the functioning of many parts of the body, and it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you begin to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, speak with your doctor. They can test your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If your TSH levels are too low, you may be prescribed medication to replace them. 

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

If you are experiencing spotting and suspect it may be caused by implantation bleeding in early pregnancy, you should wait to take a pregnancy test no sooner than:

• 12 days after ovulation or 

• One day after the estimated start date of your next period.

This will help to ensure your test is as accurate as possible. If your result was negative, but you still suspect you might be pregnant, consider retesting to confirm.

When to Worry About Spotting

Final Thoughts

A range of factors can lead to spotting — some are completely harmless while others are more serious. 

Whether you’ve never experienced spotting before or you experience it regularly, it’s important to:

• Stay in tune with your body.

• Keep track of your spotting dates, patterns, and any other symptoms.

• Attend all regular checkups at your doctor’s office.

• Seek immediate help when something feels ‘off.’

This is the best way to prevent the development of any complications while also keeping your long-term reproductive health on track. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spotting for 4-5 days before your period normal?

No. Spotting usually only lasts for a day or two and should not be longer than your menstrual period. If this is a regular occurrence for you, speak with your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and help determine if an underlying condition is causing prolonged spotting. 

Why am I bleeding a week before my period?

Common causes of spotting or bleeding a week before your period include:

• Pregnancy (implantation bleeding)

• Breakthrough bleeding caused by hormonal birth control

• Fluctuating hormone levels due to stress, PCOS, or perimenopause

Other more serious, but less common, causes of bleeding before your period include vaginal trauma, endometriosis, STIs, PID, and certain medications. 

Why am I spotting two days before my period, and my period is late?

If you experienced spotting a few days before your period but your period never came, this could be caused by: 

• Pregnancy (implantation bleeding)

• Breakthrough bleeding caused by hormonal birth control

• Fluctuating hormone levels due to stress, PCOS, or perimenopause

Other more serious, but less common, causes of spotting before your period include vaginal trauma, endometriosis, STIs, PID, and certain medications.