Heavy spotting vs. AF? What's the difference? - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

pinkie1 · 01-22-2006, 12:12 AM

Hi Ladies,

This may seem like a silly question, but what is the real definition of AF starting?
I spot for about 3-5 days before it starts to feel like a period. What confuses me is that as each day goes by the spotting gets heavier and heavier. I never really know when my AF starts.

Would spotting be considered getting a spot a few times during the day while wiping, but not everytime? And AF everytime you wipe?

I feel so stupid asking this. I've been having my AF for how many years?!

bullun · 01-28-2006, 01:27 PM

You're not alone! My cylce started doing this sort of spottin gbefore, then spotting a few days after what I feel is like my AF. (which is only 2 days!) But over all my body is doing something for a total of 10 days it seems! I'd love to know what anyone else here thinks of this...

Hellokitty1973 · 01-28-2006, 04:19 PM

I count the first day of my cycle as the first day I have red flow - of any amount. I always spot a little brown the day before AF starts.

I hope this helps...I'm sure someone else will have some more input!

Jayme82 · 01-28-2006, 04:41 PM

My asked this question when my RE told me to chart my BBT, he said that AF is considered to start when you actually have a red flow as HelloKitty stated. If you spot red, then you should cound AF starting when you actually have to wear a pad or tampon because you have a steady flow as opposed to having some only when you wipe. Hope this helps.

Jayme

bullun · 01-30-2006, 08:25 AM

OK, ladies, how would you judge this, my latest cycle, I spotted and had a VERY light flow for almost 10 days, and yesterday started more of what you would consider AF. Doesn't this seem crazy??? Any ideas?