Anyone ever get to the bottom of pre-period spotting?

[hopelesslydevotedtottc]

I have regular periods but I always spot before - sometimes a couple of days, sometimes a week, this month I spotted for 9 days (!) before AF arrived. Doctors say this is normal (and my day 21 bloods are fine) but I’m convinced this might be what is stopping me conceiving. Anyone ever been in a similar position and worked out the cause?

@hopelesslydevotedtottc i have read that it can be from low progesterone which is quite common. It’s the drop of this hormone the causes your period. But if the docs have said you have normal progesterone levels then I guess it can’t be that

@4LeafCloverBaby yes I had wondered if it was low progesterone - I’m wondering if I’m ovulating but then my levels aren’t sustaining for long enough? So they are okay 7dpo or so and then drop too suddenly? My BBT has been a bit all over the place last couple of months - rises for 7 or 8 days and then slowly drops for 7 or so days before af x

@hopelesslydevotedtottc That does make sense then as it’s the progesterone release from the corpus luteum that raises you BBT & keeps it raised

@hopelesslydevotedtottc I have similar issues- regular cycles (range from 26-28days). For a few months I’ve been spotting before period- up to 5 days before my AF day. But like you my progesterone levels are good (well, according to Proov PdG tests)!
It’s so annoying trying to work out our bodies- I’m really not sure the reasoning but just wanted to comment to let you know you’re not alone in this matter. Sending you lots of luck and baby dust ✨

I have this - there was a thread about a year ago of loads of us with the same issue and we were all actively TTC.

Anyway based on that thread no one really had any trouble conceiving in the end - it took a bit longer but I think we all got there!

It took me 3 months and I had spotting the month I conceived so I was convinced it hadn’t worked.

@hopelesslydevotedtottc I’ve also had this the last 4/5 cycles, but only since an early loss. I have a scan booked in next week as apparently it can be due to polyps or other endometrial abnormalities.
Great news that you know your progesterone is at a good level- my doctor won’t test mine 😩 will update if I find anything interesting out from the scan! X

It's genuinely very normal to spot ahead of your period, from what I understand

@MissEmily5 it’s so frustrating isn’t it! I swear I’ve only had the spotting since ttc as well - every time I get my hopes up it might be implantation bleeding but nope it never is!

@Mushroo that’s reassuring to know. I’ve been ttc for 14/15 months now and never had a bfp, but all tests and scans etc have come back normal so am ‘unexplained’. I’m desperate for a diagnosis though so I’m wondering if I’m just grasping at straws with the spotting though just so I can have an answer!

@Itsrainingfrogs I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Why won’t your doctor test your progesterone? That seems strange - can you go back and push for it?

@Outliers yeah I have heard that, but I think it’s more normal to spot a few days before your period, whereas mine is 7-10 days! I worry the spotting means the lining is coming away too soon which surely might affect implantation?!

I think depends how long your cycle is and how close the spotting is following ovulation

@Outliers yes fair enough - my cycle varies but is between 28-32 days normally. Spotting can be as soon as 3dpo but is normally more about 7-8dpo. I’ve had two scans now and both times my lining has also been on the thin side, so I’m wondering whether that might be impacting things too somehow.

Hi all just wondering if anyone has any updates or advice here as I have the same problem spotting from dpo 7/8 and a short luteal phase around 10 days (cycle usually 24-28 days). I’ve been TTC nearly two years and no tests have shown any issues so it’s v frustrating but I can only imagine this isn’t helping. Thanks

I always used to spot pre-period, often 4-5 days before. Took me 8 cycles to get pregnant so pretty usual and within the normal limit. I've noticed postpartum now I don't always spot first though, which is a pain because it was actually useful to know it was on the way 😅

@Anon1363847291 very sorry that you’ve been TTC for that long- I wish you all the best. My tests have all come back ‘normal’ but they’re obviously something wrong. I’ve now been referred to a gynaecologist so waiting on that.
But I’ve also been to see an acupuncturist who seems very knowledgeable and I feel quite understood (unlike by the gp) she knows a lot about cycles and we’re working together to tackle the spotting through needles and herbal supplements. It’s expensive but it’s got good reviews, and hopefully it’ll yield better results!
good luck with your journey!