It can be confusing when your periods are off the calendar. You may have a lot of questions. Imagine that your periods are delayed and, to make things even more confusing, spotting is only visible when you wipe. No clear answers, no proper flow. Quora was the forum where one such internet user, also confused, sought answers. The question read: “My period is late but I’m spotting.” I only notice when I wipe. What’s going on? Is there a change in your cycle? You don’t have your period? Is this something to be concerned about? Are you pregnant? Is this a sign? We decided to dig deeper to solve the mystery. Dr Kaishreen Khan explains that it could be because your uterus lining “shedding very light” or that something is delaying your normal period. “It is your body’s message that something has changed in this cycle.” DISCLAIMER : This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with. Don’t ignore severe abdominal pain, especially if it is one-sided. It could be an ectopic pregnancies (Image: Pexels). “Yes, it could,” Dr Khan confirms. This is called “Implantation Bleeding.” It is a very subtle spotting that lasts for 1-2 days around your period due date. Stress, sudden weight changes, travel or poor sleep are all factors that can disrupt the cycle. Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid issues, birth control changes, perimenopause or even intense exercise may also be to blame. ‘I am 24 years old now and still haven’t got my period yet, like never ever. If bleeding starts after a few weeks, it is often a delayed period. “That usually means that your period started late and lightly.” In fact, it is quite common for periods to start with spotting. If the bleeding looks like your normal period and lasts for 3-7 days, then it’s probably normal. When to test and when not to worry “Take a home-pregnancy test if your cycle is 8-10 days late using first-morning urination,” says Dr Khan. If the test is negative and your period continues to be late, you should “repeat” it after a week. Story continues below this advertisement. You should also consult a doctor if it keeps happening. Consult your gynecologist when this happens more than twice in a row or if you are trying to conceive. Certain symptoms require immediate attention. Dr Khan warns that severe abdominal pain, especially if it is one-sided, could indicate an ectopic pregnancies. Other warning signs include “sudden, heavy bleeding, clots or dizziness,” pain during sex, or foul-smelling discharge, as well as fever and pelvic pain. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.
