Generally, if you have light bleeding that occurs at the beginning of your period, you should consider that part of your period, not spotting. However, if it's very, very light—you only see a little on your toilet paper—that would be considered spotting.
Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period, meaning the first day of full flow (spotting doesn't count). During this time, the uterus sheds its lining from the previous cycle.
You may experience spotting instead of a period for a number of reasons, including pregnancy, menopause, ovulation, stress, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other medical conditions, trauma, smoking, and taking birth control pills can also cause spotting. Spotting is not like menstrual flow.
The biggest difference between spotting and your period is the amount of blood. A period can last for several days and require a tampon or pad to control your flow. However, spotting produces much less blood and doesn't typically require the use of these products.
The following may indicate a light period: a period that is shorter in duration than is usual for the individual. fewer pad or tampon changes than usual. no usual heavy flow for the first 1–2 days but a consistent, light flow.
Most people notice spotting as a few drops of blood on their underwear or toilet paper when wiping. In most cases, spotting should not cause concern. Often, hormonal changes due to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger it.
Although it can feel like a lot more at times, the total amount of blood lost during one period is usually about 60 milliliters (around 2.7 ounces). That's about one-and-a-half shot glasses full.
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. The cycle isn't the same for everyone. Menstrual bleeding might happen every 21 to 35 days and last 2 to 7 days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.
“When the uterus is deprived of oxygen, it releases chemicals that may trigger the pain such as prostaglandins which increases uterine contractions. This type of period pain usually occurs during the second day of your period and is termed as Dysmenorrhea,” adds the expert.
Over time, free bleeding also has a positive effect on the period itself. By menstruating without the use of strange prodcuts inside the body, menstruation is given back its naturalness. Less menstrual pain and a shortened menstrual period, for example, are health benefits of free bleeding.
If you notice on heavy days of your period that blood seems extra-thick, and can sometimes form a jelly-like glob, these are menstrual clots, a mix of blood and tissue released from your uterus during your period. They can vary in size and color, and usually, they are nothing to worry about.
It could be a sign of pregnancy.
Unusually light periods or spotting could also indicate an ectopic pregnancy (when an egg implants somewhere other than the uterus), which can be very dangerous. When in doubt, take a pregnancy test.
Common causes of blood in urine include: a bladder infection (such as cystitis) – which typically also causes a burning pain when you urinate. a kidney infection – which may also cause a high temperature and pain in the side of your tummy.
Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown.
Generally bleeding during pregnancy is uncommon, so what you had was probably just a light, short period. But if you've had unprotected sex since your last period, and the bleeding was very light and different than your normal period, taking a pregnancy test is definitely a good idea.
Vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of early pregnancy. About 1 in 4 people experience spotting during early pregnancy, usually in gestational weeks 5 and 8 — this is about 1 to 4 weeks after someone expects their period (1). This bleeding can sometimes be confused with a light period (2).
Thin and Watery
But if your blood becomes thinner or watery or you experience a watery discharge of any color, it could be a symptom of anemia or a tumor. If your period blood gets thinner over two or three cycles, talk to your doctor about being tested for nutritional deficiencies or a fallopian tumor.
Circulating estrogen: A decrease in circulating estrogen can also lead to light periods. “Estrogen plumps up the endometrium, so if estrogen is low, that lining doesn't plump up and results in less bleeding,” says Twogood.
Color: Menstrual bleeding is typically a bright to dark red, and will look like what you typically experience during your monthly period. Implantation bleeding is a much lighter hue, typically a very light pink or light rust color.
Healthy cardio and workout routines can help lighten your period. Exercising also alleviates cramps and bloating because it pumps you up with happy chemicals and lessens water retention. Working out may also reduce the length of your period because stronger muscles help your cycle function faster.