
07/25/2025
Sis, not all bleeding is your actual period.
It’s easy to confuse spotting with a regular menstrual cycle — especially when it happens unexpectedly. But your body may be trying to tell you something different.
Here’s how to tell the difference between spotting and a period:
🔴 FLOW
Spotting: Light bleeding — just a few drops or smears
Period: Heavier flow, usually requires pads or tampons
🗓️ DURATION
Spotting: Lasts 1–2 days, often irregular
Period: Usually lasts 2–7 days
📊 PATTERN
Spotting: Can happen randomly between cycles, after ovulation, or due to birth control
Period: Comes in a predictable pattern, typically every 21–35 days
🎨 COLOR
Spotting: Often brown, pink, or dark red
Period: Starts bright red, gets darker as days pass
😵💫 SYMPTOMS
Spotting: Usually has no cramps or PMS symptoms
Period: Comes with bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, and mood shifts
So what causes spotting?
It might be due to implantation, ovulation, birth control changes, stress, or hormonal imbalance. But if it happens often, lasts longer than a couple of days, or shows up with pain — it's smart to see your doctor.
You know your body best. But it’s okay to pause, track, and ask questions when something feels off.
Your cycle is your body’s report card — pay attention to it, support it, and talk about it. No shame. Just facts.
Follow HER STRUGGLE for more real-talk about periods, hormones, and the daily realities of womanhood.