---
title: What causes premenstrual spotting? | Niyora
description: Premenstrual spotting is rare in women with luteal phase inadequacy but common in women with endometriosis, suggesting it may be a sign of endometriosis.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-spotting-its-association-with-endometriosis-but-not-luteal-phase-1980/
---

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- What causes premenstrual spotting?

Survey study, 1980

# What causes premenstrual spotting?

Premenstrual spotting is rare in women with luteal phase inadequacy but common in women with endometriosis, suggesting it may be a sign of endometriosis.

 Early or limited evidence

32 women with luteal phase inadequacy and 23 women with endometriosis

## What they did

Cross-sectional study comparing two groups: 32 women with luteal phase inadequacy and 23 women with endometriosis. Researchers documented which women reported spotting in the days before their period.

## What they found

Only 2 of 32 women with luteal phase inadequacy had premenstrual spotting. In contrast, 8 of 23 women with endometriosis (35%) reported premenstrual spotting lasting 3 or more days.

## What it means for you

If you have spotting for 3 or more days before your period, it is more likely to be connected to endometriosis than to luteal phase inadequacy. However, this is a small cross-sectional study and cannot prove cause and effect.

2 of 32

with luteal phase inadequacy had spotting

8 of 23

with endometriosis had spotting

35%

of endometriosis cases with 3+ days spotting

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual spotting: its association with endometriosis but not luteal phase inadequacy Authors Wentz AC Journal Fertility and sterility Year 1980 Study design Survey study Participants 32 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44772-2](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)44772-2)

## Topics

[Endometriosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-endometriosis/)

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