Spotting

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Spotting indicates that something, in the woman's body, does not work properly: the gears that regulate the female genital system are jammed and the woman has to run for cover because, as we will analyze in the course of the article, spotting could be an alarm bell for major pathologies.

of blood, between one menstruation and the next, should never be underestimated. Women of childbearing age are the target of spotting, a disorder that can occur in the days preceding menstruation, during ovulation or in the immediate post cycle period ovarian.
Furthermore, it is estimated that about 10% of women who use the contraceptive pill suffer from spotting: more precisely, the disorder occurs in the first two to three months of taking the progestin, since the body still has to adapt to contraceptive therapy. . This topic will be dealt with in more detail in the next paragraph.

, of the patch or spiral, complain of spotting in the very first months of use. In the initial stages of therapy, it is considered almost normal that the woman may suffer from spotting, since the body has to adapt to the modulation of estrogens and progestogens; when the uterine losses persist for a few months, it would be advisable to consult a doctor, because, probably, the dosage of hormones is not suitable for the "woman's body. Typically, spotting occurs when the estrogen-progestin dosage of the pill is too low, so the body interprets the low hormonal level as the time to menstruate (sometimes the spotting is very abundant, so much so as to be confused with a pseudo menstruation): the correction of estrogen therapy will redeem the troublesome condition.
Sometimes, the spotting that lasts beyond the first few months of taking the contraceptive does not depend so much on the dosage that is too low, but rather on the frequency of irregular intake of the same: many women who take the pill forget to take one (or even more of one), increasing the risk of spotting and - above all - of unexpected pregnancy.
As for the copper IUD, it is estimated that about 10-15% of women who use it suffer from spotting, mainly due to incorrect insertion: the IUD must be inserted deeply into the uterus by an expert gynecologist, since , when introduced incorrectly, it could easily create spotting, pain during intercourse and diminish the contraceptive effect.

: the gynecologist will choose the most suitable choice for the recovery of the problem.

, spotting can occur as a result of organic and dysfunctional factors:

Causes of an organic nature

Causes of a dysfunctional nature

Cancerous / precancerous forms: fibroids, polyps, cervical cancer;
Ovarian cysts;
Dysfunctions affecting the thyroid gland;
Vaginitis / vaginosis;
Ectopia of the cervix;
Endometriosis;
Premature menopause.

Obesity, bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders;
Crash diets;
Diabetes, hypercholesterolemia;
Premenopausal period;
Inadequate insertion of the contraceptive coil;
Stress (due to hormonal modulations).

Smoking and incorrect eating habits could also affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle and cause spotting.

, the color of the leaks becomes darker.

: if the doctor deems it appropriate, the woman will be prescribed tests such as blood tests (coagulation, hormone dosage, blood count), trans-vaginal ultrasound, pap test, cervical biopsy, colposcopy, pelvic ultrasound.

certainly represents an "excellent preventive measure against spotting: the diet should be balanced, free of excesses, varied, rich in essential fatty acids (in which the precursors of estrogen, female hormones are present), iron (essential in case of anemia) and magnesium (particularly indicated for reducing stress and for controlling premenstrual syndrome).
Women prone to spotting should eliminate (or in any case reduce) cigarettes, "enemies" of the regularity of the menstrual cycle.
Spotting can also be prevented by maintaining the ideal body weight, always relating it on the basis of age. In the rules of prevention of spotting, rest is certainly essential to reduce tension and relax the body: it is believed that a subject must sleep at least 7/8 hours for each night.
Still, sport, movement, physical exercise, or just walking, certainly help to combat spotting, because sport allows you to release stress and prevent cycle disorders, including uterine bleeding between periods. Yoga, Pilates and stretching are other motor activities that help harmonize body and soul, therefore, reduce stress and "protect" the cycle.
These preventive measures are effective in healthy women: it is clear that, when the patient is suffering from cancerous / precancerous forms, diet, sport and rest are no longer sufficient to combat spotting, since the disorder is caused by a real and own pathology that must be promptly treated.

Due to the oxidation of hemoglobin, the color of the discharge becomes darker and does not take on the typical bright red color of menstruation

Incidence of spotting

Target: women of childbearing age
10% of women who take the birth control pill suffer from spotting in the first months of contraceptive therapy
10-15% of women who use the IUD complain of spotting in the first few months

When does spotting occur

Spotting can occur in the days preceding menstruation, during ovulation, or in the immediate post-ovarian period.

Spotting and ovulation

Possible complication in the endometrium

Spotting and pill

The contraceptive pill could promote spotting in the first few months of taking it because: