The average menstrual period occurs every 21 to 35 days with a duration and flow that will vary among individual women. Some women will experience menstrual bleeding for 7 to 9 days, while others may have a period for only 2 to 3 days. Any change or alteration in menstrual bleeding may be a cause for concern. Sometimes stress, weight loss or gain, or normal hormonal fluctuations can cause menstrual changes. Women should familiarize themselves with some of the causes for very light periods and vaginal spotting. In general, anytime a woman experiences unexpected vaginal bleeding, she should consult her doctor, states Mayo Clinic.
Early Pregnancy
In some cases, women may experience light bleeding and spotting in early pregnancy. This bleeding can easily be mistaken for a light period. About 1 to 2 weeks after conception, the fertilized egg begins to implant into the uterine wall. This can cause light spotting or bleeding with or without mild uterine cramping. Implantation bleeding usually proves shorter in duration and lighter in color and flow than a normal menstrual period. If a woman thinks she may be pregnant, and she has missed her regular period, she should consider taking a home pregnancy test. Not all women will experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.
Contraceptives
Certain medications may cause a very light period and vaginal spotting. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are medications comprised of either progestin only, or progestin and estrogen. Many women taking oral contraceptives will experience a shortening of the duration of their menstrual cycle with a decrease in the amount of bleeding. It is possible to not have a menstrual period while on oral contraceptives, depending on the type of pills and prescribed regimen. Another choice of contraception is an intrauterine device (IUD) that contains a small amount of progestin. A possible side effects of this IUD includes very light periods and spotting. For women using any type of contraceptive with hormonal involvement, this may prove the cause of their menstrual irregularity.
Menopause
According to Medline, menopause is a natural event that normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The absence of a menstrual period for 12 months signifies the beginning of menopause. In the years leading up to menopause, it becomes common to experience menstrual irregularity. Very light periods and spotting may occur during this time period as a woman's body natural levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to naturally decline. If a woman has already begun menopause and suddenly develops a very light menstrual period with spotting, she should contact her gynecologist. It may be a symptom of something more serious.
