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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Delayed Menstruation And Spotting?

This past weekend I went to the bathroom (urinate) and noticed some redish pink blood in the toilet and on the toilet paper. It was a week before my expected period. It was also much lighter in color than a normal period. It was only a few drops of blood, so I sat back down and wiped again to ensure I hadn t gotten my period. I wiped once more and had one drop of blood of blood on the toilet paper, but have not had anymore since. My urination was not painful. The blood seems to be coming from my vagina and not my urethra. I have never experienced spotting in my period. I am curious if this sounds like implantation bleeding, or if It could be something else.
Sat, 22 Apr 2023
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Delayed menstruation and spotting can be caused by various factors. One possible cause of spotting before your expected period is implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, which can cause some light spotting. However, implantation bleeding typically occurs around the time of your expected period, and not a week before.

Another possible cause of delayed menstruation and spotting is hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular periods or spotting between periods. Stress, weight changes, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all contribute to hormonal imbalances.

In addition, certain medications, such as birth control pills or blood thinners, can also cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

It is also possible that the spotting could be caused by an infection or injury to the cervix or vagina. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections can cause bleeding or spotting.

If you are experiencing unusual spotting or delayed menstruation, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment if necessary. They may perform a physical exam, order lab tests, or recommend imaging studies to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Delayed Menstruation And Spotting?

Hi, Delayed menstruation and spotting can be caused by various factors. One possible cause of spotting before your expected period is implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, which can cause some light spotting. However, implantation bleeding typically occurs around the time of your expected period, and not a week before. Another possible cause of delayed menstruation and spotting is hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular periods or spotting between periods. Stress, weight changes, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. In addition, certain medications, such as birth control pills or blood thinners, can also cause irregular bleeding or spotting. It is also possible that the spotting could be caused by an infection or injury to the cervix or vagina. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections can cause bleeding or spotting. If you are experiencing unusual spotting or delayed menstruation, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment if necessary. They may perform a physical exam, order lab tests, or recommend imaging studies to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician