What should you know about my period came and stopped the same day?

A short or light bleed may reflect a temporary cycle variation, hormonal contraception, stress, illness, weight change or a cycle in which ovulation did not occur. Perimenopause can make bleeding unpredictable. Polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency can also present with changed or absent periods, but a single episode cannot identify the cause.

Spotting can be mistaken for a period. Bleeding in early pregnancy can occur, so pregnancy is worth considering if it is possible, particularly when the bleeding differs from your usual pattern.

Record the date, flow, colour, pain, discharge, contraception and any missed or late pills. If pregnancy is possible, take a home test according to its instructions and repeat it or seek advice if uncertainty continues. Continue prescribed contraception unless a clinician tells you otherwise.

Arrange a routine appointment if brief bleeding repeats, periods become widely spaced, bleeding happens after sex, or you develop pelvic pain, unusual discharge, acne, increased facial hair or hot flushes.

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or dizziness with possible pregnancy. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than waiting for the next cycle.

Could this be spotting rather than a period? Should I take a pregnancy test? Could my contraception, thyroid, hormones or another condition be affecting bleeding? What cycle changes should prompt further tests?