Understanding Pre-Period Spotting: Causes & When to Consult a Doctor

Question
I am 20 years old and have been on ortho tricyclin lo for over a year now. I have always had fairly regular cycles. I am supposed to be getting my period in 4 days. I just recently started taking a womens one a day vitamin and a dietary weight loss supplement daily. About 3 days ago I started to have a brownish red discharge. I have had it before but it has lasted about a day and passed. It has gone from that into light bleeding or spotting everyday since. I have minor discomfort in what seems to be my left ovary. I have had a cyst before on my ovary. I also usually have terrible cramping with each period. I was just worried that this spotting might be abnormal. I am also sexually active with my boyfriend, but have safe protected sex. I was just worried about the spotting.

Answer
You did not mention when the first day of your last period was. It sounds like the staining or spotting is just the beginning of your next period. It can often start slightly before full flow with a brownish-red discharge starting a few days prior to the regular period. This brownish discharge is thought to be "old blood" from the previous cycle tht is being extruded from the uterus. Just keep a record of ALL your bleeding and count the first day of your period as being the first day you see any blood (any color). This spotting is not abnormal.