How do I tell the difference between spotting and a period?

Bottom lineSpotting is very light bleeding (a few pink or brown drops that don't fill a pad) often happening between periods, while a period is heavier red flow that needs protection, lasts about 3 to 7 days, and follows your cycle's schedule; get spotting checked if it's new, frequent, after sex, or after menopause.

The main difference is volume and flow. Spotting is light - a few drops you notice when wiping or as a small mark - while a period is heavier, lasts longer, and needs a pad, tampon, or cup.

Spotting

• Very light bleeding, often pink or brown
• Doesn't usually fill a pad or tampon
• Can happen between periods, around ovulation, in early pregnancy, or on hormonal birth control
• Often lasts a day or less

A period

• Heavier flow, typically red, that you need protection for
• Lasts around 3 to 7 days
• Tends to start light, get heavier, then taper off
• Arrives roughly on your cycle's schedule

Why it matters

Timing is a clue: bleeding when your period is due is likely a period; light bleeding clearly between periods is spotting. Spotting has many harmless causes but should be checked if it's new, frequent, after sex, or after menopause.

Femora lets you log light spotting separately from full flow so your bleeding pattern stays clear over time.