Understanding Brown Spotting Before Your Period: Causes & What It Means

You will probably be alarmed if you have any type of vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. Although brown spotting two weeks before your period could signal a more serious problem, it may also be an early sign of pregnancy.

Function

• After your period, your uterine lining thickens to provide nutrients for a fertilized egg that may eventually grow into a baby. If the egg that is released mid-month is unfertilized, it will shed with the lining at the end of the month during your period.

Time Frame

• If you are having a normal monthly cycle, spotting or discharge two weeks before your period corresponds closely with ovulation. A brownish discharge can be caused by implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.

Considerations

• There are several possible causes of mid-cycle bleeding or spotting, including uterine fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, hormonal contraception, implantation bleeding from a pregnancy, a tear from sexual intercourse or cancer, according to MedLine Plus (Reference 2).

Theories/Speculation

• Very light spotting at mid-month may be a sign of pregnancy. As many as 40 percent of pregnancies may end in miscarriage because these losses can occur before a woman knows she is pregnant, according to the March of Dimes (Reference 1).

Warning

• Bleeding or spotting between periods could indicate a serious problem. Talk to your doctor about any abnormal discharge, particularly if you are bleeding heavily or for more than a few days.