Just a quick question about spotting and luteal phases.

If you have spotting a day or two before AF arrives, do you count this as your luteal phase ending or not?

The reason I ask is, that occasionally before AF arrives, I can have very light brown spotting, pinkish/light brownish mixed with CM - not red like blood (only visible when I wipe). This is usually only the day before (or max two days before) AF. Usually I am getting pre-AF off and on light cramping at this point as well. However, some months I don't get the spotting at all.

Your first cycle should count as the first day you have full on bleeding.
I also get spotting sometimes but i dont count it as CD1