The word "premenstrual" indicates any time before menstrual bleeding occurs. Bleeding before this time, considered bleeding between periods, is not normal, although it happens to a number of women. Light bleeding or spotting may occur at this time in women who may be under stress or on birth control pills. However, there are several other causes for spotting before menstruation.
Pregnancy
Around a week after conception, a fertilized egg burrows into the blood-rich uterine lining. When the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, a small amount of bleeding can escape and make its way into the vaginal canal. This bleeding is known as implantation bleeding or spotting and should occur for no longer than a few days. Some women notice this bleeding a week before the menstrual period begins.
Implantation bleeding is very light and can be either brown, pink or red. It is not uncommon for women to also feel cramping around this time that may resemble mild period premenstrual cramps.
Perimenopause
When a woman menstruates, the level of the hormone estrogen remains low until ovulation, which is the time when estrogen surges. Although the estrogen level declines again after ovulation, the level remains sufficient enough to begin the cycle again. In the years approaching menopause, the level of estrogen rises and falls irregularly and continues to decline more and more over the years. This period of time occurs two to eight years before menopause begins and is known as perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the only stage of menopause in which a woman will still have a menstrual cycle. However, due to the irregular hormone levels in perimenopause, the menstrual cycles of women in this stage are highly abnormal. The menstrual cycle can be heavy, longer or shorter and scanty. According to MayoClinic.com, a woman may also experience menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep issues when in perimenopause.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, as stated by MedlinePlus, affect one in five women within their reproductive years. Uterine fibroids are the most common form of uterine tumor and mainly affect women over the age of 30. These benign growths form in the uterine cavity, uterine lining, uterine muscle and just under the uterine lining surface. Uterine fibroids can be microscopic or so large that they can weigh several pounds. Symptoms of uterine fibroids are bleeding between periods, bloating, increased urination, pelvic pain and menstrual cycle irregularities.
