How to know if it's a period or bleeding?

Not every vaginal bleeding is a period. Sometimes spotting or bleeding can happen at other times, and it’s important to know the difference. Understanding the signs can help you determine whether what you’re experiencing is normal menstruation or something that needs attention.

1. Timing Matters

  • Period: Usually occurs every 21–35 days for most women, and the timing is relatively predictable.

  • Abnormal bleeding: Can happen between periods, after sex, or after menopause, which may signal hormonal issues or other health concerns.

2. Flow and Color

  • Period blood: Typically bright to dark red; may have small clots; flow starts heavier and gradually lightens over 3–7 days.

  • Other bleeding: Spotting or bleeding outside your period may be pink, brown, or bright red and often lighter in flow.

3. Accompanying Symptoms

  • Period: Often comes with cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, or mood swings.

  • Other bleeding: May not have the usual period symptoms; sometimes associated with pain, itching, unusual discharge, or odor (which could indicate infection or other issues).

4. Situational Causes

  • Pregnancy-related bleeding: Implantation bleeding can occur 6–12 days after ovulation, usually light pink or brown.

  • Hormonal changes: Stress, weight changes, or starting/stopping birth control can cause unexpected bleeding.

  • Medical conditions: Fibroids, polyps, infections, thyroid issues, or more serious conditions can cause irregular bleeding.

5. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

  • Bleeding is very heavy or prolonged outside your period.

  • You experience severe pain, dizziness, or unusual discharge.

  • Bleeding occurs after menopause or consistently between cycles.

✅ Summary

  • Periods are regular, predictable, and often come with PMS symptoms.

  • Other bleeding can happen outside your cycle, may be light or unusual in color, and could be caused by pregnancy, hormones, or medical conditions.

Understanding your cycle and tracking your periods can help you notice patterns and detect anything unusual early.

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