Spotting before Menstruation

My period should be due any day now. It came around this time last month but it has been rather erratic this year. I have gone through some of my usual PMS symptoms this month. I generally experience a light spotting a few days prior the arrival of my period. There was some spotting the day before yesterday, however, it seemed a little darker than usual. The spotting yesterday and today was much lighter. Should I be concerned? I'm hoping menstruation will start soon.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
A small amount of spotting before the period actually starts is fairly normal and nothing to be concerned about.  If you begin to have lots of spotting for several days, or at mid cycle, it might be time to ask your doctor for an evaluation.  Sometimes ovulation becomes irregular which then causes the periods to become irregular in turn.  If the lining of the uterus is not sloughed thoroughly fairly regularly, it can build up and thicken, and then spotting may occur.  Polyps can also cause spotting.  Both problems can be diagnosed by ultrasound.
Hope this helps!
Dr B

[pineapple571]

Thank you, Dr. Brown. I appreciate your help.