Spotting Between Periods
Do you ever bleed between periods — or experience what doctors call Intermenstrual bleeding?
It’s not only inconvenient — it can make you worry too. This is typically lighter than a period and is commonly referred to as spotting.
It can be a little unnerving to experience spotting or bleeding at unexpected times between your periods.
There are many reasons women may spot between periods, and while some of those reasons are nothing to worry about, others are more serious.
Most women experience unexpected bleeding between periods at least once in their lives. Spotting between periods can occur at the beginning of a women’s reproductive years or near the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
- When a girl first starts her period, around ages 9-14, irregular cycles are more common.
- Women going through menopause — in their 40s through 50s — also frequently skip periods or experience heavier or lighter bleeding than usual.
There are many causes for bleeding between periods.
Hormonal
- Some women spot during ovulation, most likely because of hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone levels related to ovulation. Ovulation spotting typically lasts 1-3 days in the middle of your cycle and isn’t cause for concern.
Hormonal Contraception
- Breakthrough bleeding – Bleeding between periods often happens when you start to take hormonal contraceptives. This is because your hormone levels drop. It is also called breakthrough bleeding, and usually happens about 2 weeks after your last period. Breakthrough bleeding should stop after 1 or 2 months. Your periods will usually become more regular within 6 months. Bleeding between periods can also happen if you forget to take one of your oral contraceptive pills.
- Intrauterine contraceptive (IUD) affecting the lining of the uterus can sometimes cause irregular bleeding.
Infections
- Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia
- Infection of the cervix or lining of your uterus
During a woman’s late reproductive years, such as in a woman’s 40s, the bleeding can be due to a benign growth, such as a polyp, fibroid, or growth on the cervix, vulva, or vagina.
Structural
- Uterine fibroids – These tumors develop during childbearing years. They are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Uterine fibroids may cause heavier than normal menstrual bleeding or bleeding that goes on for a long time.
- Adenomyosis – In this condition, glands from the lining of the uterus grow into the wall of the uterus itself. This can cause heavy bleeding and painful periods.
- Polyps
Precancer and Cancer
- Uterine cancer, endometrial precancer (endometrial hyperplasia), cervical or vaginal cancer
If you experience spotting between periods, chart the date on your calendar and write down any other changes you notice in your menstrual cycle.
You should also make note of any other symptoms associated with the spotting such as easy bruising, dizziness, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, or abdominal/pelvic pain
Most times, spotting between periods isn’t a cause for an emergency visit. But since intermenstrual bleeding is never normal, no matter what age you are, it’s important not to ignore this symptom.
If you’re concerned about abnormal uterine bleeding, please make an appointment with one of our specialists. The providers at County Obstetrics & Gynecology will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive workup.
County Obstetrics & Gynecology
STL Leaders in Women’s Healthcare
Board Certified Physician:
Dr. Lawrence V. Boveri
Dr. Stephen A. Boveri
Our Location
1859 Bowles Avenue
Suite 103
Fenton, MO 63026
Our Hours:
Monday: 8:00 – 5:00
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00
Thursday: 8:00 – 3:00
Friday: 8:00 – 12:00