Light bleeding when you're not expecting your period is something healthdirect, Australia's free government health information service, addresses directly. Its guide to menstruation says light bleeding at other times in the cycle is possible, and that this is often harmless but should be checked by your doctor.
That still leaves the everyday question: what's the difference between periods and spotting, and how can you tell which one you're having? Here's a simple comparison using Australian health sources.
Quick answer: A period is your regular bleed, usually 3 to 7 days long and arriving every 21 to 35 days, heavier at the start then lighter. Spotting is light bleeding at other times in your cycle. healthdirect says it is often harmless, but bleeding between periods should still be checked by a doctor.
How can I tell the difference between spotting and my period?
Start with timing, because a period follows your cycle and spotting happens outside it. healthdirect says periods usually come 21 to 35 days apart and most people bleed for 3 to 7 days, with a heavier flow at the start that becomes lighter. Blood can range from bright red to dark brown. Light bleeding that turns up mid-cycle, or days after your period ends, is more likely to be spotting.
| Period | Spotting | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Every 21 to 35 days | Between periods |
| Length | Usually 3 to 7 days | Varies |
| Flow | Heavier at the start, then lighter | Light |
Is it normal to spot around ovulation?
It can be. Jean Hailes for Women's Health says light spotting or pain around ovulation can happen, and ovulation usually falls about two weeks before your next period. Jean Hailes adds that if this spotting lasts longer than 3 days, it's a good idea to see your doctor.
Why am I spotting instead of having a period?
There are several possible reasons, and some need a check-up. The healthdirect page on vaginal bleeding calls bleeding between periods intermenstrual bleeding and lists causes including:
- hormone changes and the start of perimenopause;
- hormonal contraception and some other medicines;
- polyps or fibroids in the uterus;
- sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HPV, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease;
- pregnancy-related causes, including ectopic pregnancy or a threatened miscarriage;
- blood clotting problems or injury;
- less commonly, cervical or endometrial cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
Can you have spotting on the first day of your period?
Yes, Jean Hailes notes that some people have only spotting on their first day rather than a full flow, and this is considered normal. If it is followed by your usual period at the expected time, it is simply the start of your bleed rather than bleeding between periods.
When to see a GP
healthdirect advises seeing a doctor if you have bleeding:
- between periods;
- after sex, at any age;
- after menopause;
- when you think you might be pregnant.
It also suggests seeing a doctor for heavy periods, unusual discharge, fever or pain with your period. healthdirect's menstruation guide adds periods that last more than 8 days, or come less than 3 weeks or more than 2 months apart. In an emergency call triple zero (000); for 24/7 advice from a registered nurse, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Frequently asked questions
Is brown blood spotting or a period?
It could be either. healthdirect says period blood can range from bright red to dark brown, and Jean Hailes says bleeding often turns dark brown towards the end of a period. Brown blood near your period is usually part of it. Brown or red bleeding well between periods is spotting and should be checked.
Can the pill cause spotting?
Yes. healthdirect lists hormonal contraception among the medicines that can cause vaginal bleeding outside a period. Spotting can have other causes too, such as polyps, infections or pregnancy, so mention it to your GP or a sexual health clinic rather than assuming the pill is responsible, especially if it keeps happening.
Is spotting a sign of pregnancy?
Bleeding can happen in pregnancy, and healthdirect lists ectopic pregnancy and threatened miscarriage among its possible causes, so it isn't something to guess about. If there's any chance you are pregnant, take a test and see your doctor. healthdirect specifically advises seeing a doctor about bleeding when you think you might be pregnant.
How long is too long for spotting?
For spotting around ovulation, Jean Hailes suggests seeing your doctor if it lasts longer than 3 days. More broadly, healthdirect says any bleeding between periods should be checked, even if it's light. Keeping a note of the dates and how much you bleed will help your GP work out what's going on.
Learn more about your cycle in understanding your menstrual cycle.
When your period arrives, the Lunette period cup lets you see your flow against its measuring lines, handy if you're keeping a cycle diary. Lunette suggests Size 1 for light to medium flow and Size 2 for heavier periods; the menstrual cup size guide explains the difference.
This is general health information, not personal medical advice. Please talk to your GP about any bleeding that worries you.
