Premenstrual Spotting

Hi girls,

Have noticed since having Aidan that almost every cycle, about 3 days before AF is due I get very light brown spotting (brown on the liner but sometimes red when I wipe). Now that I am TTC #2 I have been thinking about it more and whether it is a sign of anything wrong? My sister mentioned to me awhile back that she gets it to, so I wonder if it means something?

Wondering if you have premenstrual spotting, consider it common, or know if it can be a sign of anything 'not quite right'. Before Aidan I was every 29 days on the dot, after Aidan and b/f my cycles range from 29 - 37 days. Have always suffered from cramps during AF but naprogesic seems to do the trick. I think that just about covers my full AF history!

Thanks for your thoughts.

I have always had premenstrual spotting and was diagnosed eventually with endometriosis. Sometimes, endo causes infertility (as it did in my case) but many endo sufferers do conceive and give birth to babies without trouble.

It may not be endo but it is worth bearing in mind that spotting is a key symptom of endo. I notice you mentioned having pain bad enough to use Naprogesic ... that would also make me suspicious.

The only way to have endo diagnosed definitively is by laparoscopy. If it is found during that procedure, it can be removed.

As I said, if that's what you have, you may not have trouble conceiving but if you do, it is worth consulting a gynaecologist to have it checked out.

Kind regards,

Mel

Edited to add: I forgot to say that endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus is present in other places in the body, usually around the reproductive organs and bowel. During menstruation, the lining bleeds, causing pain and possibly leading to adhesions in the abdominal area.

Since coming off the pill, I get a tiny bit of spotting about 1-2 days before AF arrives. TBH as I'm not regular I think it's nice I get a bit of warning! I didn't get it pre-pill, nor on the pill. Even on the pill I had a couple of times just in the last year when I was "late" - two days in one case, which freaked me - and I don't seem to have any other problems, just long and irregular cycles.

Melbo, I am interested in hearing more about your experiences. I have always had pre-menstrual spotting (or as much as i can remember - i wasn't really paying much attention till ttc!), usually for around 6 days before af, occasionally more. i was thinking it might be due to a prog-def, but my gp measured my prog last cycle and said it was good. it is only recently that i have discovered the possible link to endo. i am seeing a specialist next week, so we'll see how that goes. eek!

Edited to add:
Whoops - just noticed that this thread was from 15 June *last year*, rather than the 15 June earlier this month!! (i found this thread through a google search rather than on the site.) umm...?

that's ok Sambo, you can reply to it as long as it has not been *closed* and it still appears to be open....
I'm interested in this thread too as i am waiting for AF to arrive now 6 days late approx and i've had some light brown discharge when i wiped on the tissue yesterday and since then nothing and it's been 24hrs so no idea what it could be....normally when AF arrives i just get red blood (sorry TMI!) and fair amount all at once!!!

Renstar, 6 days late, are you usually regular? any chance you could be pg?

Prior to my m/c for many years I had spotting before my AF for a few days. So far no reason has been found for this. I had read that low progesterone can cause it but my progesterone results have come back fine.

Hey Sambo, AF arrived today (CD33, and about 6 days late!) so what a relief, at least now I know!!! :)
Good luck to you for a BFP very soon!!

Renstar, i'm glad af stopped taunting you! goodluck for your wedding prep! i was in two minds before my wedding - i wanted to get cracking with trying for a baby, but at the same time i didn't want to feel nauseous on my wedding day.

satya, i think sometimes spotting is just unexplained, or a natural variation. mine is really bothering me though, because i spot for so long i am worried it will interfere with implantation. plus i just want to know what the deal is! it sounds like a sign of *something*.