Spotting , or light vaginal bleeding, is pretty common. Possible causes include sex, uterine fibroids, or hormonal birth control. Are you spotting before period? Read about what is spotting or bleeding between periods that Stayfree® provides as we are always here to guide you & help you! The main difference between spotting and a period is how much and how long you bleed. Periods are like a heavier, longer flow that needs pads or tampons. Spotting is just a little bit of light bleeding, often for a short time, and you might only need something small like panty liners for it. Periods are a predictable part of the menstrual routine, whereas spotting is often irregular and can be caused by factors like hormonal changes, contraceptive use, pregnancy, or underlying health issues ...