Spotting before period

**Justwant2beamummy** · 12-05-2012 18:49

Hi, this might be TMI for some people!

So I stopped taking the pill over a year ago now, and within a month or so my periods became pretty regular. I started a "period diary" about 9 months ago and realized that I have a fairly regular cycle, ranging from 28-32 days, with a period that lasts between 5-7 days. This didn't really ring alarm bells for me because Ive never been one to run like clockwork, except for when I was on the pill for 2 years.

So we want to TTC this year, starting middle of the year. I've had my immunization boosters, started vitamins, had a pap smear etc and we are all good to go. However, my period for the last three cycles have been really weird. I have been getting the slight cramps as per usual, but then I just get really light spotting for about 4 days before my "real" period comes. When the actual bleeding starts it lasts for about 6 days. So this means my cycles are being pushed out longer.

To make me even more concerned, I have never had a positive OPK. I've been using the cheap fertility2family (I think that's what they're called??) ones.

I'm 24, healthy weight and have never had this before. I'm going to see a doctor, but I'd really appreciate some advice or reassurance from someone who has also experienced this. Thank you!

**Kazza78** · 12-05-2012 19:25

Hello. I came off the pill in march after 18 years. I had 5 days of brown spotting starting on day 28 then a 7 day period starting on day 33. Ive been told that they red blood is day 1 of period. I have also been told that spotting before is normal in some cycles.

I would be interested too from anyone with info.

**Justwant2beamummy** · 12-05-2012 19:30

Thanks for your reply. Are you trying to conceive, or had a successful conception in the past?

**Kazza78** · 12-05-2012 19:35

Yes in second cycle now. Find out in a week if pregnant this time round.

**Justwant2beamummy** · 12-05-2012 19:52

Have you ever used OPK's?

**Kazza78** · 12-05-2012 19:59

No. We are just going with the flow at the moment.

**cindye** · 12-05-2012 20:04

I had the same thing happen when TTC my DS, but I was still breastfeeding, so I think that was affecting my hormone levels.
I used OPK's for several months and they showed positives for ovulation, but I was still having the spotting.
The month I got pregnant I was using OPK's and didn't get a positive the whole month, even though I used them more than once a day from about day 10 in my cycle. When the spotting started I called to make an appointment with my GP about getting blood tests done to check my hormone levels. A few days later the spotting stopped, so I did a pregnancy test which was positive.
You can have a blood test done on a particular day of your cycle (day 21?) that can check if you've ovulated. I think spotting can be a sign of low progesterone.

**Justwant2beamummy** · 13-05-2012 13:43

Bump

**Shell T** · 27-06-2012 23:46

Just in case you still check this...
I'm 27, TTC for 8 months, after being on the pill for a loooong time. Also have PCOS.
I've had 3 periods in the 8 months and spot for about a week before AF every time. I mentioned it to my specialist and he insists it shouldn't affect our chances of TTC. He said I may also have mild Endometriosis.
We'll see...

**Justwant2beamummy** · 28-06-2012 06:08

Originally Posted by Shell T

Just in case you still check this...
I'm 27, TTC for 8 months, after being on the pill for a loooong time. Also have PCOS.
I've had 3 periods in the 8 months and spot for about a week before AF every time. I mentioned it to my specialist and he insists it shouldn't affect our chances of TTC. He said I may also have mild Endometriosis.
We'll see...

Thanks Shell

the spotting has stopped now. I have been seeing an acupuncturist regularly and it has worked wonders!