What is “spotting”? What causes spotting between periods?

Spotting between periods can feel confusing - "is is my period?" - especially when your cycle is usually predictable. Is it something to worry about? Is your period starting early? Or is your body just doing something... random?

Here’s what spotting actually is, and what it can reveal about your hormones, health, and cycle.

First, what is spotting?

"Spotting" is what you may have caused you to wonder "why there is blood on the toilet paper when my period isn't due for another 2 weeks?"

- the light vaginal bleeding that happens outside of your regular menstrual period.

It's not like your period, it's usually very light in flow, pink or brown in colour, and shorter in duration than a true period. You might notice it only when wiping, or as light staining on underwear.

It’s different from breakthrough bleeding (which can be heavier and more persistent), and it shouldn’t be confused with your actual bleed.

Common causes of spotting between periods:

1. Ovulation spotting

Some women experience light spotting around ovulation - mid-cycle (days 12–16).

This happens when the ovary releases an egg, causing a small hormonal shift or a brief dip in oestrogen, which may lead to minor bleeding. It’s usually nothing to worry about and is considered normal for some.

2. Hormonal fluctuations

If oestrogen and progesterone levels are imbalanced (either due to stress, diet changes, coming off hormonal contraception, or an underlying condition) it can cause spotting.

For example, low progesterone (often due to delayed or weak ovulation) may cause the uterine lining to shed slightly before your period fully starts.

3. Starting or stopping birth control

Hormonal contraception (like the pill, patch, or hormonal IUD) can cause spotting, especially during the first few months of use, or when you come off it. The body is adjusting to synthetic hormones, or recalibrating without them, which can lead to irregular bleeding or random non-period spotting episodes.

4. Implantation bleeding

If you’re sexually active and pregnancy is possible, light spotting may occur 6–12 days after ovulation as a fertilised egg implants in the uterine lining. It’s usually pinkish and brief - but if in doubt, take a pregnancy test.

5. Stress, over-doing it, and lifestyle factors

High stress, overtraining, under-eating, travel, and poor sleep can all disrupt the delicate hormone balance that regulates your cycle. This may delay ovulation, or cause a mid-cycle oestrogen drop, both of which can lead to spotting.

(similar to point 2.)

6. Infections or medical conditions

Spotting can sometimes signal an infection (like a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis), thyroid dysfunction, fibroids, endometriosis, or polyps. Though these will typically come with other symptoms like pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, or consistently irregular cycles. So if spotting is accompanied by pain, odour, itching, or becomes frequent, it’s time to speak to your GP or a gynaecologist.

When to be concerned

Occasional spotting, especially around ovulation or due to a known stressor, isn’t typically a cause for concern (as the reason or cause, is likely to be due to ovulation or the stressor).

But if spotting is frequent, persistent, or accompanied by pain, or if your cycles have become consistently irregular, it’s worth investigating further.

NB: If anything within your cycle causes pain, discomfort, or is persistent & frequently abnormal for you / uncomfortable, this is your body's way of speaking to you, & telling you there's something up. (YOUR BODY WOULDN'T INTENTIONALLY HURT YOU - WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THAT OTHER THAN TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?) So get whatever that is checked out or keep an eye on it & do your own research.

Bottom line?

Spotting between periods is common, and in many cases, benign. But it’s also your body communicating with you. Track when spotting occurs (mid-cycle? pre-period? post-sex?) to help you understand what’s going on hormonally and whether it’s worth a deeper look.

Remember: you don’t need to guess. Your cycle and it's health, regularity, comfort & flow symptoms are vital signs, and you deserve to understand what it’s telling you.