One week before menstrual cycle is due there have been times of small amounts of bright red bleeding from the vagina. never any follow up spotting.

This is not uncommon: This type of breakthrough bleeding in the last part of the menstrual cycle, the luteal phase, is pretty common. It means there is a slight disruption in hormone regulation. I doubt it represents anything serious at all. But it would be best for you to discuss with your doctor; almost all of these hormone irregularities can be regulated with hormonal birth control pills if any treatment is needed