What is spotting?

In the well-orchestrated process of the menstrual cycle, disruptions can often occur. And suddenly the well-oiled machine goes off track. Light bleeding can appear well outside the period itself. This is known as spotting or intermenstrual bleeding. We use the term spotting for any bleeding that occurs outside your period. 

Spotting is the light bleeding you may experience outside your actual period.

We’ve already talked together about period underwear for managing light menstrual flow and spotting, as well as irregular periods and menstrual cycle disorders. However, we’ve never yet dedicated an article to intermenstrual bleeding.

What does spotting mean? What are the different reasons that can explain spotting? Should you be worried or is it actually normal? To learn everything about spotting, this is the place!

The word spotting comes from English and literally means “spots.” It refers to the spots you may find in your underwear due to your menstrual discharge. More specifically, spotting describes the discharge and bleeding that can occur outside your period.

A quick reminder: in a well‑regulated menstrual cycle of around 28 days, your period occurs right at the beginning and lasts between 4 and 7 days. After your period, you go through the follicular phase, then ovulation, then the luteal phase.

The bleeding we’re talking about here—spotting—is therefore not related to your period but happens at another time in the menstrual cycle. It’s definitely surprising and unsettling the first time it happens.

Spotting is defined, above all, by its very low abundance. These surprise bleedings are very light, almost anecdotal. That's why we recommend the menstrual thong or the very thin light flow menstrual panty to absorb them and handle them calmly.

Bleeding outside of your period is nothing unusual. It happens to many women. However, these symptoms can have different names.

The term “metrorrhagia” refers to bleeding outside of your period due to missed contraception. Most often, it’s caused by forgetting to take a hormonal pill. In other cases, we talk about metrorrhagia when the bleeding is due to a hormonal imbalance or certain conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Because spotting is usually quite light — very small amounts that leave only a faint mark in your underwear — you may also come across the term “pink discharge.” Pink discharge can appear after sex, around ovulation or in the first weeks of pregnancy.

In any case, if you tend to have this type of discharge, we recommend avoiding disposable panty liners. These sanitary products may be ultra-thin and convenient, but they are still polluting (wrappers, plastic backing, etc.) and not the safest choice for your health.

Indeed, just like with tampons and sanitary pads, the composition of panty liners has been criticised: harmful substances, petrochemical derivatives, chlorine, pesticides, etc. For your health and intimate area, always choose organic period products with a clear and transparent composition. 

In most cases, spotting is not alarming. It’s simply a new way your body is reacting due to a hormonal imbalance. If spotting remains occasional and rare, there’s no need for major concern. In which situations is it neither surprising nor worrying to experience spotting or intermenstrual bleeding?

During ovulation (the day in the middle of your menstrual cycle when the oocyte is released from your ovary), you may experience very light spotting. This is ovulation spotting. It’s nothing serious. On the contrary, it helps you pinpoint the exact date of your ovulation and can be useful if you’re trying to conceive. That way, you know exactly which days you’re fertile. To be sure, don’t hesitate to calculate your cycle.

It’s especially when you start a new form of birth control (IUD, pill, etc.) that you may notice some light discharge and spotting. There’s no need to worry if this spotting disappears on its own after a few days. If it continues, see a doctor, because that’s not normal.

It’s also not unusual to notice spotting at the start of pregnancy. These light discharges are usually harmless and disappear by the end of the first trimester. However, at the slightest doubt or pain, don’t hesitate to see a doctor, your gynecologist or your midwife to make sure everything is fine. Because light bleeding during pregnancy can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Spotting or intermenstrual bleeding can also be a warning sign. Your body may be experiencing a deeper issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Always pay attention to the signals and listen to your body. It matters.

If the spotting is recurrent, or if it’s accompanied by pain or other symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor quickly. Spotting can occur for all sorts of medical reasons:

• STIs, Sexually Transmitted Infections,
• endometriosis,
• ectopic pregnancy,
• uterine fibroids,
• uterine polyp,
• ovarian cysts,
• uterine cancer.

If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional. It’s always very important to listen to your body so you can catch any potential infections or more serious illnesses early.

In any case, you can always count on our Mia light-flow panty and our Chloé light-flow tanga to keep you dry and protected. These two period panty styles are perfect for absorbing spotting, light bleeding and everyday discharge.

Thin, discreet, absorbent and organic, these very pretty black lace panties have everything going for them. They’re lined in Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton. They’re therefore ultra soft as well as very comfortable. They’re a real pleasure to wear and slip on. With one of our menstrual thongs, you feel pretty and sexy, safe and finally at ease. You no longer stain your regular, everyday underwear. 

The Chloé thong is available from size XS to XXL, while the Mia brief is available from size XS to XL. At Louloucup, the more period panties you add to your cart, the more you save. Our menstrual thongs already have a mini price of €28.90, and this price goes down with our sliding scale.

With 5 period products of your choice in your cart, your menstrual thong drops from €28.90 to €22.90, so don’t hesitate to order your new washable, reusable period products for calmer, more eco-friendly periods.