what causes spotting before period

Spotting before a period is light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of a regular period. There are several reasons why someone may experience spotting before their period, including hormonal imbalances, stress, pregnancy, uterine or cervical abnormalities, birth control methods, infections, or certain medications. The most common cause of spotting before a period is hormonal imbalance, which can occur due to a premature decline in progesterone levels. Other possible causes of spotting before a period include implantation bleeding, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disease, and infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is important to note that spotting before a period is generally harmless, but if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain or other concerning symptoms, its best to seek medical attention.