Bleeding Between Periods: Should I Be Concerned?

You know your menstrual cycle. So, when you spot or bleed off schedule, it’s natural to be concerned. Although occasional light spotting between periods is common, it’s important to understand the cause.

At Discovery Medical Center, serving the greater Chicago area, Pekka Soini, MD, FACOG 

helps women understand the reasons for intermenstrual bleeding and determines when it’s a sign of something more serious. 

Here’s what she wants you to know.

What is considered bleeding between periods?

Any vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your regular monthly period is known as intermenstrual bleeding. A normal menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days. 

The bleeding can range from light spotting (a few drops of pink or brown blood) to a flow that resembles a light period.

What causes bleeding between periods?

There are many reasons for bleeding between periods, ranging from minor hormonal shifts to more serious medical conditions.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Starting or switching hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills and IUDs, is a frequent cause of spotting, especially in the first few months. Ovulation, the point in your cycle when an ovary releases an egg, may also cause light spotting for some women.
• Implantation Bleeding: Light spotting can occur in the very early stages of pregnancy when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
• Stress: High physical or emotional stress levels can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance that regulates your menstrual cycle.
• Uterine Fibroids or Polyps:** These noncancerous growths in or on the uterus are common and can lead to irregular bleeding.
• Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea, as well as other infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause inflammation and bleeding.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disease can interfere with your cycle.

In some cases, particularly for postmenopausal women, bleeding can be a sign of a pre-cancerous or cancerous condition. This is why it’s crucial to have any abnormal bleeding evaluated.

When should you see a doctor?

Though occasional, light spotting may not cause alarm, you should schedule an appointment with us if the bleeding is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for two or more consecutive hours.
• Any bleeding during pregnancy
• Bleeding accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, severe pain, or a fever.
• Any vaginal bleeding after menopause

It’s important not to self-diagnose. However, tracking your symptoms, noting the timing, amount, and color of the bleeding can provide valuable information for your visit.

To determine what’s causing bleeding between your periods, call Dr. Soini at Discovery Medical Center or book your appointment online today.