Dark brown spotting after a missed period

Blood can look brown when it leaves the uterus slowly and has time to darken. A delayed or irregular ovulation can shift the timing of the next period. Starting, stopping, or missing hormonal contraception can also alter the lining and cause light spotting. Pregnancy is another possibility if conception could have occurred; a home pregnancy test can help clarify the situation.

Irregular cycles may occur with perimenopause or polycystic ovary syndrome. A missed period can also follow illness, major stress, intense exercise, or changes in body weight. The colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the spotting began, how long it lasts, whether it becomes red or heavier, and whether pain, dizziness, fever, or unusual discharge occurs. If pregnancy is possible, take a home test according to its instructions and repeat it if the result is negative but the period does not arrive. Avoid vaginal products that irritate the area, and arrange a clinician visit if spotting keeps returning or your cycle pattern changes.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided lower-abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. These symptoms need prompt assessment. Contact a clinician soon for repeated spotting, bleeding after menopause, fever, or foul-smelling discharge.

Ask whether you need a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, infection testing, or blood tests. Share your usual cycle pattern, contraception, medicines, pregnancy possibility, and any recent symptoms.