is brown spotting the same as a period?

Question

If you have brown spotting for 4 to 5 days can it be classed as a period. I have been on some sites that say you can and others that say you should only count red flow. This has happened the last 2 months should I be worried or is it due 2 dodgy hormones, also I have read it could be sign of pregnancy which would be a bit unlikely due to having pcos. Please give your opinions thanx

I would like to add that I eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg and have lost two stone in weight recently through healthy eating and exercise and im only about 7lbs overweight and I haven't had any worries or stresses at the moment

Answer 1

Hello there AnnieBell,

Spotting is not, strictly speaking, classed as a normal 'period'. It is just that - spotting. It is not unusual or abnormal to go through that, and I dont think it is easy for you to assume that it is either a period, or that you may be pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, first thing to do would be to check that out right away - whether be it through a home pregnancy test from the chemist's, or at a doctor's through a urine sample or blood test.

When pregnancy is ruled out, next thing to do is to mark those days of spotting, and when your real periods last came. As you say, it may be due to Polycystic Ovarian Sydrome (PCOS), which has symptoms of irregular periods and sporadic spotting in place of regular periods.

If you are trying to conceive, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor, or if you prefer, you can give it another couple of months to see if your periods regularize. In the meantime, I suggest you pay attention to your eating habits and your lifestyle. Are you stressed these days? Any particular momentous event that may have 'blocked' your cycle? Heavy workload? Or are you simply not relaxed these days, or eating enough?

Try to work through the various areas in your life, not forgetting your emotional life, and see where you can strike a balance. It might also just be you've put on a little weight, or haven't been getting that regular exercise lately, which can trigger off the symptoms of PCOs. .......These are little suggestions from me, as I've also experienced what you have experienced, and doctors haven't exactly helped me from a medical point of view, unless you want to induce pregnancy.

Good luck, and hope all is sorted out in good time. In the meantime, take good care of yourself.

Answer 2

Since this was 2 weeks ago and you have a neg pregnancy test, I would say it is likely you were ovulating. Often a woman will have brown spotting when the egg bursts out of the ovary. Brown spotting is for sure old blood, and by the time the blood comes out it has turned brown. Wait a few more days and see if your period comes, if not do another PG test as it should show up positive by then if you were indeed ovulationg. I would say the spotting was unlikely implant bleeding as HCG should show up 3 days after that and you said it has been 2 weeks. The third thing is that it could be your period, and possible that you just did not have a thick lining this month to shed. So many possiblities!!

Answer 3

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is brown spotting the same as a period?
If you have brown spotting for 4 to 5 days can it be classed as a period. I have been on some sites that say you can and others that say you should only count red flow. This has happened the last 2 months should I be worried or is it due 2 dodgy hormones, also I have read it could be sign of...

Answer 4

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I had spotting at nine weeks and freaked out. I went straight to the ER and it turned out to be nothing. In the first trimester there are so many reasons to spot. Unless you are in severe pain or the blood is bright red, then its probably nothing. WHen I found out I was pregnant I had NO symptoms, just my regular sore boobs that I always get when my period is due and few small menstrual cramps that didnt last long. You'll be feeling some weird pulling, pinching feelings for awhile now because your body is moving things around, stretching, and adjusting for your baby. Congratulations

Answer 5

I was always told (by my midwife) that brown spotting is old blood so I wouldn't worry. It can start of brown and then turn red (which is what happens to me) but everyone is different.

If you're that concerned then just get it checked with your doctor to be on the safe side - just for peace of mind if nothing else.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I would definitely not count it as a period. It sounds like it could be implantation bleeding, but if you don't think you are pregnant then I would definitely call your doctor and schedule an appointment to see what is going on. There could be an underlying medical problem that would need to be checked out.

Answer 7

Go to your doctor honey, I don't want to worry you but it could be sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Brown blood is old blood. One of the signs of ectopic is 'prune juice' bleeding/spotting. If you aren't in any pain then don't worry but get to your doc sooner rather than later. Keep an eye out for shoulder tip pain, severe cramping in either side and feeling light headed or fainting. Other sign could be diarrhoea and vomiting. Good luck xx

Answer 8

Spotting isnt a period, although you can spot instead of having a period, and continue into your next cycle.

Answer 9

it can be a period. if you are stressed out or your hormones are out of wack then it can cause you to have a weird period. if your pregnant and getting this then you need to see your doctor because thats not a good thing. if your concerned or your having any weird pains call your doc and ask , better to be safe than sorry!!

Answer 10

It could be due to low progesterone levels which is what controls the lining to shed. I would go to the doc and have it checked out. its completely normal and nothing to worry about. You may just have to be put on progesterone therapy!

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!