Spotting before periods

[windsor22]

Hi
We're TTC, cycle #6. I'm a bit worried about my cycles. My luteal phase is quite short (10-12 days) however this is not including spotting which I seem to consistently get around 9-10 DPO. Sometimes I'll have a day of no bleeding before AF, others the spotting gets gradually heavier and eventually is AF.
I'm aware spotting can be a sign of implantation so you can imagine the upset and torment this causes 😔
I've messaged my GP for advice and was just expecting a phone call/message but I've been invited for a face to face apt in a couple of weeks so now I'm really anxious as I feel like there must be a cause for some concern.
Does anyone else have spotting before periods? I've read it can be caused by the body not producing enough progesterone but don't know what the implications are of this.
Any other experiences or advice appreciated.
Thank you

I could have written this 11 years ago (in fact I did and I bet I can still find the post on here!) Short luteal phase, spotting, worrying about low progesterone. It took about 7 cycles but I got pregnant - just been to my 10 year olds parents evening! And their two younger siblings who I subsequently had (and got pregnant with much quicker - the third one was just one attempt 😳) . So try not to worry too much as I’m sure all will be fine. I still have spotting before periods now. I think it is normal for some people. I did use an ovulation monitor thing for my first to give me a good idea of when I was ovulating.

it’s worth getting stuff checked out, but honestly, try not to panic as it was all fine for me… good luck!

Just remembered that I also had acupuncture to try and help lengthen my luteal phase - unsure if it helped but I wanted to try different stuff. The month got pregnant there was no spotting at all.

I've had between 2 to 4 days of spotting before my proper period comes for about a year. Got pregnant first try in January, and that ended in a MMC in March. Got pregnant again this month, so I assume the spotting has no effect on fertility. My cycles were irregular since the MMC as well.

The spotting actually made me test early as I was expecting to start spotting but didn't. No spotting at all when I've been pregnant and implantation bleeds are not that common, so when you get it just assume it's your period coming soon unfortunately.

Sending baby dust!

hi, thank you for sharing your experience, I am sorry to hear about your MMC. Wishing lots of luck for the rest of your pregnancy <3

thanks so much for sharing! That's so lovely xx

I have a 12 day LP but spotting from 9/10dpo and got pregnant last cycle but unfortunately it didn’t stick. I did have my daughter 7 years ago though. So I don’t think the spotting necessarily causes an issue with fertility. My GP won’t take my spotting seriously. I did have day 21 tests (on 6dpo so day 20) and my progesterone was pretty high but it was the same cycle as I was pregnant but doubt I had fully implanted at 6dpo as that’s really rare so no idea why I spot but didn’t stop me getting pregnant and hopefully won’t again

Could have written this myself! Currently 9dpo and spotting. Had a blood test which showed low progesterone. Have an appointment on Monday to find out more. Maybe yours is a similar story!

Hi - sorry I missed this. How did you get on?
My GP has suggested I have baseline bloods CD 2-5. I don't know whether to count the spotting as day 1 or to start counting from the first full flow day?
Xx

Hello, I wanted to respond/ follow your post as seems v similar to what’s going on for me. I have been trying to conceive for 4 months and last month had 7 days spotting - thought it was implantation bleeding and then period came. This month, I started spotting earlier than last (at 10 DPO) and period is due next week. I had implantation bleeding with previous 2 pregnancies but was fortunate enough to conceive on 2 cycle with both. Since son was born my periods have become irregular and all feels a bit different… I had a scan last month and he said everything looked normal so not sure what this is. I’ll update and will look to see how you get on. Good luck 🤞

Hi OP, this seems very similar to me too. I'm 35 and have been TTC number 1 for a full 12 months now since having my Mirena out. No idea what my cycles were like before then (been on some kind of hormonal contraception since 16), but ever since I start spotting on about day 21 of a 25 day cycle, LP is 10-12 days. I know what you mean about the torment 😔

A few months in I saw my GP as I was a bit worried, but they didn't seem concerned. At my suggestion I was sent for progesterone testing on d18 (7d before end of cycle, probably 5dpo) and levels confirmed ovulation and were totally fine. Subsequently sent for a more extensive hormone panel (FSH, prolactin, oestradiol etc), most likely to keep me quiet, but they were also fine. The GP's said everything looks good and that spotting is just one of those things for some people - she doesn't think it will affect fertility at all. Hopefully that gives you some reassurance.

But... No BFP for me yet, unfortunately, and not really any idea why. Each month the spotting starts I could cry, especially as it feels time may be running out and I am kicking myself for delaying until 35. Going to ask for a referral to a fertility consultant if still no success by the end of the year. Never expected to find myself here tbh.

Good luck xx

Hi all. I just found this post as I've been having a similar issue. TTC for over a year - we got pregnant the first month of trying (even with the spotting) but it unfortunately ended in an early miscarriage. I never had any spotting before we started trying to conceive so I can't help but feel it's related as it happens like clock work every month.

I wondered if anyone got to the bottom of what was causing the spotting, and if you managed to find a resolution? I would really appreciate any advice or insights anyone has. It's been such a hard and painful journey so far.