I've had very light bleeding and painful cramping when i go to the bathroom is this normal? i usually have my period for 5 days so this is unusual

Is this when you: usually have your period? The main reason for light periods is change in hormone levels. Causes for what seems to be a light period can include: thyroid problems, eating disorders, excessive exercise, initial periods for a girl, use of an intrauterine device, oral contraceptives, perimenopause & implantation bleeding in early pregnancy which rarely occurs.