Spotting

"Hello,
I am a 49 year old female.  I have been having irregular periods for about 1
year.  Last year  i had my fsh drawn 21.9 and i think my LH was about 22.  Last
aug i had a light period that lasted 2 weeks and every since my periods have
been normal in length but occurring every 2-3 months.  My last normal period was
in June and them on Aug 2 i started with very light spotting (some pink and
brown) none on pad just a scant amt when i wipe and this continues(on day 5)  My
breasts and nipples have been very sore for bout 2 weeks and i have some
light/mild cramping on the left side (ovary area).   I thought it was my normal period but
it has never developed.  Is this something i should be concerned  with?    Can i
watch it for a couple of weeks and see if it stops??  I did have a lot of stress
in July--hit by car and on got married.    I did have a normal pap in June.  My
last ultrasound was 2 years go--normal.  I also had a pelvic/abdominal CT
without contrast(allergic) because of accident in  July .  It was read as normal.  Would it show anything without the contrast???    Would it show if the ovaries were enlarged, etc.?  I am worried about ovarian CA.
Thanks so much!!"

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
spotting is not a symptom of ovarian cancer but it can be a symptom f cancer of the uterus. 25% of uterine cancers occur before the menopause. The leading symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding.
You need a biopsy of the lining of your uterus or a D&C (dilation and curettage)
please go see your gynecologist and ask for this biopsy.

best wishes

[sueboy]

Thanks so much. Actually the spotting lasted 5 days. I am thinking it was just a light period.  I have had no bleeding since and I am at 23 days.  I will def go see my gyn if it occurs again between periods.