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What Causes Premenstrual Spotting?
Question: I have always had very consistent periods with no PMT cramps/pains/bloating etc beforehand. For the last 12 months or so, I begin spotting about 8 days before my period is due. It isn't always every one of the 8 days, quite often can be spotting for 2/3 days, day off, then spotting again. it is enough that I need to wear sanitary towels. The cycle of spotting itself is regular just like periods, but I have never had this before.
I have never been pregnant, not taking any contraceptives. My GP did blood tests to check for signs of menopause - but said there was no evidence.
Due to previous sexual assault, I have a fear of pap/smear tests and have only ever had one done at the age of 20. I am too scared to go to doctor about this in case that is what they suggest doing. Is there anyway to diagnose this without one?
I have never been pregnant, not taking any contraceptives. My GP did blood tests to check for signs of menopause - but said there was no evidence.
Due to previous sexual assault, I have a fear of pap/smear tests and have only ever had one done at the age of 20. I am too scared to go to doctor about this in case that is what they suggest doing. Is there anyway to diagnose this without one?
Brief Answer:
This spotting appears to be due to incomplete or absent ovulation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
There are several reasons for premenstrual spotting.
The most common reason being hormonal imbalance Probably you are not ovulating regularly. The low progesterone level may be causing this spotting. Since you do not have pain, foul smelling discharge or heavy menstrual flow and it is cyclical, I feel in your case hormonal imbalance is the cause of premenstrual spotting. I don’t see any alarming signs.
When did you last check your thyroid hormones? If it has been more than six months, you need to check it. Disturbances in thyroid hormone levels can also cause this spotting.
It can be due to infection. But you did not mention anything about vaginal discharge or pain. So I do not think it is the cause in your case.
Rarely spotting can be due to cancer cervix/ uterus. But in that case the spotting is erratic. cancer uterus occurs in older age women. It is not cyclical as it is in your case. Are you sexually active? If not then it is extremely unlikely to be due to cervical cancer. But one should always get things clarified. There is no blood test to diagnose cervical cancer. You need to have pap smear.
I do appreciate your concerns regarding having a pap smear test. If I may advise you, one should not live in the past. Just forget it. Life is beautiful. Live in the present. This internal examination with pap smear is important for your health. It helps us to clarify things. So please take an appointment with your GP and get the pap smear done.
I hope this helps. If you have any further queries, do write to me through Healthcare Magic. i will be happy to answer.
This spotting appears to be due to incomplete or absent ovulation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
There are several reasons for premenstrual spotting.
The most common reason being hormonal imbalance Probably you are not ovulating regularly. The low progesterone level may be causing this spotting. Since you do not have pain, foul smelling discharge or heavy menstrual flow and it is cyclical, I feel in your case hormonal imbalance is the cause of premenstrual spotting. I don’t see any alarming signs.
When did you last check your thyroid hormones? If it has been more than six months, you need to check it. Disturbances in thyroid hormone levels can also cause this spotting.
It can be due to infection. But you did not mention anything about vaginal discharge or pain. So I do not think it is the cause in your case.
Rarely spotting can be due to cancer cervix/ uterus. But in that case the spotting is erratic. cancer uterus occurs in older age women. It is not cyclical as it is in your case. Are you sexually active? If not then it is extremely unlikely to be due to cervical cancer. But one should always get things clarified. There is no blood test to diagnose cervical cancer. You need to have pap smear.
I do appreciate your concerns regarding having a pap smear test. If I may advise you, one should not live in the past. Just forget it. Life is beautiful. Live in the present. This internal examination with pap smear is important for your health. It helps us to clarify things. So please take an appointment with your GP and get the pap smear done.
I hope this helps. If you have any further queries, do write to me through Healthcare Magic. i will be happy to answer.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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