A woman's health is intricately linked to her menstrual cycle, which is an important sign of her overall well-being. Throughout puberty and menopause, hormonal changes affect not only fertility but also mood, energy, and long-term health. A normal cycle usually indicates balance, whereas abnormalities may suggest problems such as PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disease.

Our bodies do not always work in a perfect clockwork operation and unexpected vaginal bleeding can often confused us. Is it a mere spotting? A normal period? A symptom of something more concerning? Differences between spotting, menstrual bleeding, and intermenstrual bleeding should be understood is crucial for maintaining reproduction health.

Here is a short guide to help you differentiate while you are confused.

Spotting

Spotting is vaginal bleeding that doesn't happen as part of your regular menstrual period. It commonly manifests as fine droplets or smears of blood on clothing or toilet tissue. The intensity of the blood ranges from deep red (recent blood) to pink (having cervical mucus mixed in it) or brown (older, oxidized blood). Spotting is not very much and can't be seen in a way that needs either a tampon or a pad to absorb.

Common Causes of Spotting

Spotting is caused by numerous factors, and in the majority of instances, it is nothing to worry about. Some frequent causes are:

Hormonal Birth Control Transitions: New birth control technique, for instance, birth control pills, IUDs containing hormones, or implants, results in temporary spotting as the body adapts.

Ovulation Bleeding: A few individuals get spotting light around the time of ovulation as a result of hormonal changes. It normally happens in the mid-cycle and could be followed by slight cramping.

Cervical Ectropion: A harmless condition when cells from the inside of the cervical canal migrate to the outer cervix, causing the outer cervix to become more sensitive and prone to faint bleeding on coitus or physical activity.

Early Pregnancy (Implantation Bleeding): 15–25% of pregnant women experience light spotting around 10–14 days post-conception, which is confused with an early period.

When to See a Doctor

Spotting is usually harmless, but it's best to consult a doctor if:

• It continues after a few months of initiating new birth control
• Is accompanied by pelvic pain or abnormal discharge
• Occurs after frequent intercourse
• Occurs during pregnancy and is not verified as implantation bleeding

Menstrual Bleeding

There is a time, also known as a period or menstruation, when the uterine lining sheds due to changing hormone levels. It would last for approximately 2-7 days and is heavier initially. The hue and texture of period blood shift during the menstrual cycle:

Red: New active bleeding at the start of a period

Brown or dark red: Older, slower blood in leaving the uterus

Clots: It's normal to have small clots, but bigger clots may be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)

Why You Have a Period Essentially?

Menstruation is a part of the reproductive cycle, and it happens around every 21–35 days. When there's no pregnancy after ovulation, hormone levels fall, causing the uterine lining to be shed.

Signs Your Period May Be Abnormal

Though periods differ in different people, there are some signs that point towards probable underlying conditions:

• Prolonged bleeding (longer than 7 days)
• Heavy flow necessitating pad/tampon changes every 1–2 hours
• Severe cramps that disrupt daily life
• Irregular periods or absent periods

If you have any of these, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid disease may be involved, and a medical visit is in order.

Intermenstrual Bleeding

Unlike spotting, intermenstrual bleeding is heavier and unexpected between regular periods. It may be from bright red to dark brown and can contain blood clots.

Possible Causes of Bleeding Between Periods

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to inflammation and abnormal bleeding.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A bacterial infection of the reproductive organs and can lead to abnormal bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Benign growths in the uterus that may cause unexpected bleeding.

Endometrial Hyperplasia or Cancer: In some instances, abnormal bleeding may be a sign of abnormal cell growth in the lining of the uterus.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if intermenstrual bleeding is:

• Frequent or persistent
• Associated with pelvic pain or discomfort
• Associated with abnormal discharge, fever or painful sex

Recognizing your body's rhythms can assist you in identifying normal versus abnormal bleeding. Monitoring your menstrual cycle through an app or calendar may flag changes that should be checked with a doctor. If you have any questions regarding abnormal bleeding, visiting your health care provider is the way to go.

People experiencing certain symptoms are being urged to stay at home as a highly contagious virus spreads quickly across England. Fresh figures from the UK Health Security Agency show a 47% rise in cases during the first two weeks of 2026. This sudden jump has led the agency to remind the public about basic hygiene steps that play a key role in limiting the spread. Data suggests that norovirus is affecting people aged 65 and above the most, and although overall activity remains within normal seasonal levels, there has been a noticeable increase in outbreaks in hospital settings.

The latest UKHSA surveillance update also points to falling levels of flu, COVID-19, and RSV in the opening week of the year. While all winter virus levels are currently where they would be expected for this time of year, people are being encouraged to continue following simple precautions to help keep infections on a downward path.

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus Symptoms

Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain.

You may also experience:

• Headache.
• Fever.
• Body aches.

Symptoms usually develop between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and typically last for one to three days.

Doctors Report New Symptoms Of Norovirus

Both flu and norovirus can behave unpredictably, with case numbers rising and falling throughout the season. This makes simple preventive steps especially important. For illnesses affecting the stomach or respiratory system, such as norovirus, regular handwashing remains one of the most effective measures.

Health experts stress that alcohol-based hand sanitisers do not work against norovirus. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, along with cleaning surfaces using bleach-based products, is far more effective in reducing the spread. Good ventilation indoors can also help limit the transmission of respiratory viruses like flu. Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay at home whenever possible.

If going out cannot be avoided, wearing a face covering may help, particularly when around people who are more vulnerable.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, according to the Mirror: “We have seen a clear rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, particularly among people aged 65 and over, alongside an increase in hospital outbreaks. Although levels are still within what we would normally expect, there are simple actions people can take to stop norovirus spreading further.

“Washing hands with soap and warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products are key steps. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so they should not be relied on alone.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and avoid preparing food for others during this time. If you are unwell, please stay away from hospitals and care homes to protect those most at risk from infection.”

Scoliosis is a fairly common spinal condition that is most often detected during adolescence. Each year, nearly 3 million new cases are diagnosed in the United States, and most of these fall under idiopathic scoliosis, a form that typically develops during the teenage years without a clear cause. In many cases, structural changes in the spine go unnoticed by parents until they begin to show outward physical signs. Scoliosis and kyphosis are among the most frequently seen spinal disorders, both involving abnormal curvature of the spine.

Scoliosis refers to a sideways curve of the spine and is most commonly seen in children and teenagers, though it can affect people at any age. Congenital scoliosis, in particular, may not be visible at birth. It can remain hidden for years and often becomes noticeable during periods of rapid growth. What begins as a minor internal change can gradually turn into a clearly visible curve as a child enters puberty.

To understand this condition better, we spoke with Dr Saraswati Viswanathan, Consultant – Orthopaedics at Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, who shared her insights.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves from side to side, unlike the spine’s normal front-to-back shape. In many cases, the curve is mild and may not cause noticeable symptoms, but it can sometimes lead to back discomfort and changes in posture. The condition is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment options may include physical therapy, the use of braces, or surgery, depending on the severity.

Symptoms Of Scoliosis

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, scoliosis often does not cause obvious symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Back pain.
• Trouble standing straight.
• Weakness in the core muscles.
• Pain in the legs, or sensations such as numbness or weakness.

What Are The Types Of Scoliosis?

There are three main types of scoliosis:

• Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common form. The term “idiopathic” means that the exact cause is unknown. Research suggests it can run in families and may have a genetic connection.
• Congenital scoliosis: This is a rare condition caused by abnormal spinal development before birth. It occurs when the vertebrae do not form properly during early embryonic growth.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type is linked to conditions that affect the muscles and nerves supporting the spine. It is often seen alongside neurological or muscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or after certain injuries.

How Can We Identify This Condition Early?

According to Dr Viswanathan, while a visible S-shaped or C-shaped curve is a well-known sign of scoliosis, one of the earliest indicators parents can look for at home is uneven shoulder height. If one shoulder consistently appears lower than the other, it may suggest an underlying spinal curve. Other signs to watch for include a noticeable hump on the back, uneven rib or chest appearance, or hips that look tilted or asymmetrical when the child is standing straight.

If you notice any of these changes, there is no need to panic, but it is important to take action. One simple screening method is Adam’s Forward Bend Test. Ask your child to bend forward at the waist and look for any unevenness in the shoulders or a raised area on one side of the back. Early screening and timely care can make a significant difference in managing spinal health and preventing the condition from worsening. Scheduling a visit with a pediatrician or orthopaedic specialist for proper physical and clinical evaluation can help rule out structural issues and ensure your child gets the right support as they grow into adulthood.

Last week, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) advised the public to not use nasal decongestant for more than seven days. The guidelines said that it contains xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Prolonged use of which could cause 'rebound congestion' or increase dependency on these sprays to breathe easily.

Recently, with the flu cases rising, flu-like symptoms, including nose congestion too have gone up. It is because of this reason, many are using nasal spray continuously, which could cause rebound congestion.

To understand this better, Health and Me spoke to Dr Pranita Bauskar, ENT, Apollo Spectra, Pune.

What Did The Doctor Say About Nasal Spray Usage?

Nasal sprays are widely used by many people to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies. Dr Bauskar explained, "These nasal sprays are known to provide immediate relief. Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than 5 to 7 days could worsen the congestion and steal the piece of mind."

Read: Nasal Spray Warning Over 'Rebound Congestion'; Experts Say It Should Not Be Used For More Than 7 Days

What Does Rebound Congestion Mean?

Doctor says that as the nose becomes more blocked once the medication wears off, this creates a cycle of dependency. "Hence, it is necessary to limit the use of decongestant sprays to a few days only."

What Can Be Used Instead?

Dr Bauskar says, "you can try safer alternatives such as saline nasal sprays or rinses to keep nasal passages moist." Furthermore, the doctor suggests to not to forget to take steam "at least two times a day". "Doing so will help to ease congestion. Ensure to take warm showers, and you will feel better," noted Dr Bauskar.

It is imperative to have allergy medications like antihistamines if allergies persist, as prescribed by the doctor, noted the doctor.

"Everyone is also advised to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and liquids. Try to use a humidifier at home. If a person has congestion for over a week and is unable to breathe ,then don’t rely on nasal sprays and consult the doctor to rule out infections or other underlying problems," said Dr Bauskar.

Is Rebound Congestion Preventable?

It is a preventable condition, and is scientifically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which causes the symptoms to worsen. Patients become depended on the sprays to breathe more easily.

RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found that 59% think the public is not aware of the risks, while 75% said packaging should be clearer about the seven-day limit. 63% said they had intervened in cases of suspected overuse.

Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at RPS told the ITV News, "Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief, but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse. Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realizing they could be prolonging their symptoms. We'd like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can't miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts more than a week, speak to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms."

Another survey by ITV News suggests that more than a fifth of adults have used the products for longer than seven days. This means 5.5 million people in the UK may have risked developing a dependency.