Why do I get spotting instead of my regular period?

Doctor's Answer

Spotting is usually not a sign of something worrying, especially if it happens around your ovulation, or 1-2 days before or after your period.

The length of time for which you've had spotting for does not sound normal, and you should visit your GP/gynae to have it checked out.

Your doctor may need to perform a pregnancy/STD test or ultrasound scan, depending on your history. Off the top of my head, one possible cause of your spotting from what you've mentioned is switching/stopping your hormone pills.Hormone pills can cause irregular periods and spotting for a period of time (up to months), especially when you first start or stop using them.

Other factors that could cause spotting include:

Ovulation. During ovulation, which happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle, some women notice light spotting.

Pregnancy. About 20 percent of women have spotting during the first 3 months of their pregnancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is common in young women.

Uterine fibroids or cervical polyps. Both are non-cancerous growths.

Infections. An infection can sometimes make you spot.

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