real period - #6629

A real period is the shedding of the uterine lining, typically occurring after ovulation if fertilization doesn’t happen. It tends to involve heavier bleeding, often with cramping and clotting, and can last 3-7 days. Spotting, on the other hand, is lighter bleeding that doesn’t require a tampon or pad and can occur outside of the usual cycle, like during ovulation or when starting or stopping birth control. The light bleeding you experience before your period could just be the beginning of your cycle, but if it’s irregular or feels different from your usual cycle, it might be helpful to track it. Birth control can indeed affect the flow, color, and duration of bleeding, and older women may notice changes in menstrual flow as they approach perimenopause. To track a real period versus spotting, monitoring your cycle with a calendar or an app can help. If ovulation occurs, you’ll often experience changes like increased cervical mucus or mild cramping, which can indicate that the bleeding is a true period.