Publication: Indian Express
Date: May 10

Doctors say a delayed period accompanied by light spotting — especially bleeding noticed only while wiping — can happen for several reasons ranging from hormonal fluctuations to early pregnancy. According to Dr. Kaishreen Khan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, light pink or brown spotting around the expected time of menstruation may sometimes be linked to implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterus. However, experts note that stress, sudden weight changes, poor sleep, thyroid imbalance, PCOS, intense exercise, travel, birth control changes, and perimenopause can also disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause unusually light bleeding. Specialists advise women to monitor symptoms carefully and seek medical evaluation if spotting becomes persistent, painful, unusually heavy, or is accompanied by severe abdominal discomfort or dizziness.