Understanding Spotting vs. Your Period for Better Cycle Awareness

Spotting and periods can confuse even the most cycle-savvy folks, but knowing the differences empowers your reproductive health. Spotting is light, irregular bleeding—often pink, brown, or rusty smudges lasting 1-2 days, without needing pads or tampons. True periods bring heavier red flow, small clots, cramps, and bloating, lasting 3-7 days with protection changes.

Common spotting triggers include ovulation (mid-cycle estrogen dips), hormonal birth control adjustments, stress, intense exercise, perimenopause, or infections like STIs. Implantation bleeding in early pregnancy appears light and brief, 6-12 days post-ovulation.

Track your cycle: Log day 1 as real flow requiring products, note color/volume, and tag contexts like "new meds" or "stress." Apps help spot patterns—essential for fertility or perimenopause.

Worry if spotting persists over a week, follows sex/menopause, or includes pain, fever, or odor—consult a healthcare provider to rule out polyps, fibroids, or more.

For worry-free management, try period pants for subtle spotting backup, period underwear during light flows, or leakproof panties for all-day confidence. Stay proactive—your body’s signals matter!

Saalt is a sustainable period care brand working to support everyone who menstruates. They dedicate themselves to creating clean, high-performance products that are better for you and the planet. Their ethically made period cups and period underwear are for professional athletes, office workers, adventurers, and those new to their cycle. For a process that is natural and essential, Saalt offers something just as natural and straightforward.

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