Light spotting. What could be the cause?

Resolved question:

Hey, I was wondering if I could ask you a question about my period. A couple of days a go, a white discharge was coming out and them my period happened. It started yesterday (5 days early) and it was just a brown discharge. It was barely there, spotting, barely got on the maxi pad. The today, it is the same thing, but with a little pink/reddish color added to it. Barely there, very light to spotting and I was just wondering what it could be. I couldn't find anything online and thought you could help

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

With reference to your query regarding problems during your period like irregular, heavy, painful, or no periods, we have to ascertain what are the factors or causes responsible. Usually women will have regular menstrual period around 28 days and they bleed for 3-7 days each cycle, but some women experience some problems. Pain during periods is common which is caused by contraction of womb to push the blood out. OTC painkillers will relieve some of them. But some of them bleed heavily than others, where you may require blood tests and scans like some forms of hormonal contraception, oral progesterone, NSAIDS or fibroids which can be removed by surgery. In some others, may have irregular bleeding i.e. period lasts from 2-7 days (average will be 5 days). These periods are common during puberty and just before menopause or if there is hormonal imbalance. Some women may experience absent periods that indicates underlying health problem in association with weight loss, stress or strenuous exercise. If there is white discharge during the period, you better get in touch with your G.P, he may send a vaginal swab to find out what is causing vaginal discharge (white) whether it is due to fungus or something else and will advise you accordingly. Sometimes you may notice only spotting which may be due to usage of low dose birth control pill or it may be due to polyp or may be due to rapid surge of ovulation and decline in estrogen bicycle. Hence you better contact your G.P. or the Gynecologist for advice.

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