Bleeding but no period

Has anyone ever experienced a tiny amount of blood on a tampon but it's more berry coloured and brown than red? Small amount of cramps, too. Is this spotting ready for my period? I only notice it after removing tampon, not any other time as it's a tiny amount. I've never experienced spotting before a period.

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

I don’t think it’s a great idea to be using tampons if you are not having a period as they can irritate your vagina/cervix. This may have caused a tiny bit of bleeding or it may indeed be a bit of pre-period spotting. I suggest you use pantyliners until you actually start your period properly.