Bleeding between periods isn’t a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
The average cycle lasts 21 to 35 days. Normal vaginal bleeding, also known as your period, can happen for a few days to a week. Any bleeding outside of this is considered abnormal and can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
- Hormonal imbalance
Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that regulate your cycle. You may have spotting if they get out of balance. The following can all affect your hormone balance:
dysfunctional ovaries
thyroid gland problems
starting or stopping birth control pills
As well, some women spot during ovulation as a result of hormonal changes.
When starting any type of hormonal contraceptive, abnormal bleeding is common during the first three months, according to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom. These contraceptives include:
birth control pills
intrauterine device
contraceptive patch
contraceptive implant or injection
- Pregnancy complications
Complications during pregnancy can cause spotting. Both a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
Spotting during pregnancy may not mean you’re having a miscarriage. However, if you’re pregnant and experience any vaginal bleeding, you should contact your doctor immediately.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. They aren’t uncommon in women who’ve given birth.
4. Infection
Vaginal bleeding between periods may indicate an infection of your reproductive organs. Infection can cause inflammation and bleeding. Causes include:
sexually transmitted infection
vaginal douching
intercourse
pelvic inflammatory disease, which is marked by inflammation of the reproductive organs that leads to scarring
- Cancer
Less commonly, a cancer of any of these organs can cause bleeding:
cervix
vagina
uterus
ovaries
- Rare causes
Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding are rare and include:
insertion of an object into the vagina
extreme stress
diabetes
thyroid disorders
significant weight gain or loss
When to seek medical help
You should consult your doctor any time you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. The cause of the bleeding could be serious and should be determined. See your doctor right away if you’re pregnant and have vaginal bleeding.
If you have other serious symptoms in addition to bleeding, you may need emergency medical attention. These include:
pain
fatigue
dizziness
fever
What to expect at a doctor’s appointment
Diagnosis
When you see your doctor about bleeding between periods, be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms.
It’s helpful to keep a record of your cycle. Take note of when your periods begin and end, the heaviness and duration of your flow, and when and how much you bleed between periods. Your doctor will want to know about any other symptoms that you’ve experienced and any medications you’re taking.
Your doctor will also likely give you a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
Diagnostic tests can help your doctor find the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may draw blood to check hormone levels. You may need to have cultures taken or tissue removed from your cervix or the lining of your uterus for testing, which is called a biopsy. Your doctor may also want to perform an ultrasound.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for vaginal bleeding between periods. Treatment will vary based on what’s causing your abnormal vaginal bleeding.