Understanding Period Spotting: When Does Your Cycle Start?

Question
Hello, I'm not sure if you can help me but I'm having a problem determining the start of my period, basically for the last two months i have had 1-2 days of spotting which is pinkish in colour then it develops into full flow for another few days.  Which day do i consider as the first cycle day?  We're trying to conceive and this is making it difficult to work out my cycle length and when I'm likely to be ovulating. I have looked on lots of websites but there seems to be a lot of confusion.  Thank you, Kelly

Answer
Dear Kelly,

If the spotting was enough to protect clothing, I would suggest that you count that day as cycle day 1. That would be the day that the uterus first started shedding the lining and hormones cycled to stimulate that. Otherwise, if the spotting was not enough to be considered a flow (even a very light one) and needed no protection for clothing, then wait until the day that occurred.

I hope that this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda