'Light blood loss either during or in between periods is called spotting. While this can be any colour, it can sometimes be light-pink due to the lighter nature of the bleeding' explains Dr Rosén. Several factors can cause spotting, including: Ovulation.
About 14 days after the start of your period, you ovulate and release an egg from the ovary. This spotting can last for one to two days and is typically light bleeding. It's possible to have spotting during ovulation, which is normal, although it should be discussed with your doctor.
If you have noticed different colors in your period blood, it's usually normal. In most cases, the color change relates to how long the blood has been in the uterus. Your flow will change how long the blood remains in your uterus. You may see bright red blood on your heaviest days and brown blood on your lightest days.
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.
Blood that occurs due to spotting may be red, pink, or brown. People with more advanced stages of endometriosis may have ovarian cysts. These cysts, also known as endometriomas or chocolate cysts, contain old blood. If the endometriomas rupture, they can leak dark brown, bloody fluid into the pelvis.
A hormonal imbalance may also cause your body not to know when to shed the lining. This can cause irregular bleeding (“spotting”) between your periods.
The two main hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone. An imbalance of these two hormones can cause irregular bleeding.
If you notice it only when wiping or can easily absorb any light bleeding with a pantyliner (or even just underwear), it's spotting. If you need a pad or tampon to absorb bleeding between periods, it generally wouldn't be considered spotting.
If you're bleeding but not on your menstrual period, it can be caused by several factors. Some reasons you may be bleeding could include infection, an underlying medical condition, medication or hormonal imbalance.
The change in hormones that occur during ovulation can cause light bleeding before your expected period. A hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation can also cause spotting in the middle of your cycle. If you experience that a lot and feel worried about it, consult your doctor.
Stress can lead to spotting between periods, but the hormonal changes that stress causes in your body don't stop there. In fact, stress is also a common cause of late or skipped menstrual periods. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can make a big difference for your overall well-being, menstrual regularity included.
Low levels of estrogen result in intermittent spotting that may be prolonged but is usually light in the amount of flow. High levels of estrogen for prolonged periods of time result in lengthy periods of amenorrhea followed by acute, often heavy, bleeding with excessive blood loss.
Pinkish colour is a sign of low estrogen levels. And if the period flow is lighter, it is also the sign of lower estrogen levels. There are studies that say if you have indulged in excessive exercising, it can lead to lower estrogen levels, which may impact your periods.
If you're concerned about bleeding or it lasts longer than a few months, you should seek medical advice. You may also bleed between periods if you: miss any combined pills. miss any progestogen-only pills.
Hormonal imbalances may cause spotting or bleeding between periods, which can cause brown discharge. Certain factors can change hormone levels and cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus. These include: medications that affect estrogen and progesterone.
When your period first starts the blood is bright red in appearance, but later in the cycle the color shifts to a dark red. This change in color is completely normal and accompanies rising estrogen levels in your blood.
Ovarian Cysts Can Cause Brown Vaginal Discharge
Some women are never aware that they have an ovarian cyst, for others, it can cause pelvic pain and irregular bleeding that can appear brown when discharged along with regular vaginal fluids.
A cyst may cause a sense of fullness with or without swelling in the lower abdomen. There can be a steady, dull pelvic pain or pain with intercourse. Sometimes a cyst will rupture, causing a sudden, sharp pain. A brownish vaginal discharge may occur.
The main difference between spotting and a period is the quantity of blood. Spotting may occur in early pregnancy, at the start of a period, or between periods. Period blood, even when light, is usually more consistent and lasts several days.
Spotting is usually red or pink in colour. It can also look brown, like old blood or like the bleeding at the start and end of your period. The amount of blood you lose when spotting is small – less than a light period bleed.