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.
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