Spotting in between periods is one of the most common phenomena for most women. Although it is common, one needs to understand the difference between period spotting and alarming bleeding in between the cycles.
Spotting between periods is also called intermenstrual bleeding and metrorrhagia.
Most women still wonder why there is vaginal bleeding not period. There could be a lot of reasons beyond bleeding between periods.
In this article, let us briefly discuss spotting between periods, its causes, risks, and solutions.
Spotting Between Periods
Spotting refers to a very light and irregular period that happens outside the menstrual cycle.
Although most women experience spotting at some point, be it spotting after period or during ovulation, it needs proper understanding and care.
Spotting Vs Periods Explain
Spotting refers to light bleeding which happens outside of one’s menstrual cycle which can last for a day or two. It can be due to a lot of reasons including pregnancy, implantation, ovulation and hormonal changes.
If spotting is persistent with abdominal cramps, it is important to consult with a gynecologist immediately.
Periods or menstruation on the other hand is when a woman sheds her lining of the uterus which comes out as menstrual blood through the vagina. This can last for about 2 to 7 days.
Causes of Spotting Between Periods
There are several causes for spotting between periods, such as:
1. Hormonal changes
Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. When there is an imbalance in these hormones, it can result in spotting.
2. Implantation bleeding
It is a slight bleeding that occurs when the egg is attached to the wall of the uterus. This typically happens around 10 to 12 days after fertilisation and is an early sign of pregnancy.
3. Usage of medications
Usage of certain medications including contraceptives can alter the hormones resulting in spotting between period.
4. Infections
Any infection in the vaginal region such as vaginitis and yeast infection can cause spotting in between cycles.
5. PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disorder where androgen hormone levels become higher which results in irregular or missed periods. This anovulation and irregular periods lead to spotting or bleeding between periods.
6. Cervix issues
Cervix is the mouth of the uterus and any abnormality or inflammation in the cervix including Cervical Polyps and cervical dysplasia can also result in spotting.
7. Medical conditions
- Endometriosis is a condition in which a tissue similar to the uterine grows outside of the uterus. This can also cause spotting between periods.
- Fibroids are muscle and fibrous tissues in the uterus. Since fibroids interrupt with the hormonal balance of the body, it can also result in spotting after periods.
- Polyps are small and flat tissue growth in the body. In some cases, polyps can lead to spotting or bleeding in between periods.
Other causes of spotting
Early pregnancy
Besides implantation bleeding, some women experience light bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy which is pretty normal.
Pre-menopause
Spotting between periods during perimenopause is pretty common. Since predicting the periods during menopause is hard and the endometrium lining starts to become thinner, spotting between periods can happen.
Risks Associated with Spotting Between Periods
Although spotting between periods is not harmful by itself, sometimes it could be a sign of some underlying health conditions, including endometriosis and cervical issues.
In that case, one should consult with a gynecologist and ensure the spotting they have is normal and not due to any underlying medical condition.
Diagnosis of Spotting Between Periods
Spotting between periods on its own does not require any diagnosis, as they can be seen with bare eyes in the underwear or pad.
But diagnosing the cause of spotting can be done through a pelvic examination, blood test, or ultrasound.
How do I Prevent Spotting?
To prevent spotting between periods, it is important to consult with a gynecologist and get treatment.
Apart from medical care, it is also important to keep an eye on a few things, such as:
- Lifestyle habits
- Diet
- Stress levels
When to Consult a Doctor?
Consulting with a doctor is important when you experience frequent spotting between periods accompanied by other symptoms, including abdominal cramps or pelvic pain.
If you are bleeding again after a period and the flow is heavier, it needs to be treated.
In some cases, bleeding between periods perimenopause happens and it needs to be consulted with a gynecologist.
Conclusion
Although spotting or bleeding after period isn’t a serious condition by itself, it should not be ignored.
If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain with light bleeding not pregnant, it can be due certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis and cervical issues.
Apart from this, ensure to have a routine gynecological checkup once every 6 months to keep a check on your reproductive health.
If you are bleeding after a period and the flow is heavy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain with light bleeding not pregnant, it can be due certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis and cervical issues.
Apart from this, ensure to have a routine gynecological checkup once every 6 months to keep a check on your reproductive health.
For consultations with Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best gynecologist in Chennai, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733 for easy appointments.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans
FAQ
1. How Many Days of Spotting Between Periods is Normal?
Spotting can typically last for one or two days. But when it becomes persistent, consulting with a gynecologist is important.
2. Why Am I Spotting But Not Getting My Period?
If you experience spotting with no periods, it can be due to:
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- PCOS
- Hormonal imbalance
3. How Do I Know if It’s Spotting or My Period?
Spotting is usually bleeding that is very light and happens typically outside the menstrual cycle. The blood looks lighter in color, and the flow is also very light when compared to periods.
4. When Should I Be Worried About Spotting?
Spotting needs to be worried about when:
- It is persistent and lasts longer than a few days
- The flow is heavy, like a menstrual cycle
- It is accompanied by pelvis pain
5. Why am I spotting from mid cycle to period?
Mid-cycle spotting can be due to ovulation, hormonal changes, or any underlying conditions such as endometriosis and cervical issues.
