Q: Spotting Right Before Period

gberg1331 · June 2011

So...what kind of flow do you count as your period? I get spotting for a few days before what I consider my period. Does anyone else experience this? Do you count those days as period or just spotting? Does it matter?

blindvictory · June 2011

Once you have red flow that is heavy enough to need a pad or tampon, it's your period. Otherwise just mark it as spotting.

Mrs.B6302007 · June 2011

Don't count those. The first day that you have actual red flow and need full protection is day one.

EFC: record them as spotting but not AF

kgp_061910 · June 2011

blindvictory:
Once you have red flow that is heavy enough to need a pad or tampon, it's your period. Otherwise just mark it as spotting.

Yes This

adamstodrake · June 2011

I believe it does matter because a full on period wouold start your next cycle, effecting your previous cycle's LP. It may not be an issue though un less you have a short LP to begin with though. Personally, I do usually have a day or two of spotting before and after my actual period. Last month though I did not. When you have to use a tampon or pad with red flow, then that is what I consider to be my period and mark it as menses in FF.

radical.edward4th@gmail.com · June 2011

I've been having that for the past year! I'll get that nasty brown spotting for 3-4 days, then have a normal red flow for another 3-4 days, and then spot again for a day or 2 after that. It sucks.

megemoney · June 2011

I usually get a couple days of brown creamy CM before my period. I mark it as spotting on my chart, but I also have a custom "brown CM" box that I mark as well so I can tell the difference. I sometimes also get some dark brownish-reddish spotting that I mark as just spotting. I have a custom "red spotting" box and a "heavy spotting" box that I will use as well.

My full flow is different and usually more red so I mark it as menses accordingly.

It does matter because spotting does not count as CD1. To get accurate information, you need to be accurate with your charting. Fertility Friend's tutorials have good information on this!!

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gberg1331 · June 2011

many thanks for your responses!

zaramarie81 · June 2011

Just fyi, brown or black spotting or spotting for 3+ days before your full flow could indicate a hormonal imbalance (such as low progesterone). May want to talk to your doctor if you see that kind of pattern.

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