What causes bleeding between periods?
If there is one good thing about your period, it’s the day it’s gone. Now you’ve got a couple of weeks of freedom. You go about your day, wearing your favorite white skirt in the summer, and then…surprise, you’re bleeding between periods. Bleeding between periods can be caused by various things, such as hormonal changes, contraceptives, or other changes. Some health conditions may also cause bleeding between periods. If you’re experiencing bleeding between periods, consider tracking the exact dates and talking to your doctor. To be prepared for leaks anytime, wear our leakproof underwear on the regular.
Why Am I Bleeding In The Middle Of My Cycle?
While the reason can vary, you should try to determine what’s causing the disruption of your cycle. Perhaps you can pinpoint it with a little thought and research, or perhaps you need professional medical attention. Here are some reasons why you might be bleeding in the middle of your cycle.
- Ovulation: Yes, ovulation can sometimes cause bleeding between periods due to hormonal changes. Mid-cycle bleeding or spotting stemming from ovulation usually only lasts 1-3 days.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS affects around five million women in the United States. While many symptoms are associated with PCOS, irregular periods or spotting between periods are among the symptoms.
- The pill: Bleeding between periods when you’re on the pill is most common right after you start or if you’ve switched to a new one.
- Other medication: There are some medications that could cause light bleeding between periods. If this happens after you’ve started taking a new medication, call your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can.
- Infection: Infection of the pelvic organs may cause spotting. If you suspect this is the cause or have had unprotected sex, especially with new or different partners, contact your doctor.
- Extreme emotional stress: Stress and hormones can influence each other, causing occasional spotting.
When Should I Worry About Bleeding Between Periods?
It’s perfectly natural to be worried if you are bleeding between periods. While we can’t diagnose why the bleeding is occurring, we do encourage you to err on the side of caution. Spotting, along with other symptoms, can also be a cause for concern. Try to take note of your symptoms and timing, and consult your doctor as soon as possible with any concerns. Here are some symptoms that might show up with spotting between periods that can signal it’s time to call your doctor.
- Heavy bleeding
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Fever
- Fainting
- Worsening of symptoms
- Bleeding after menopause
What's The Difference Between Implantation Bleeding And Your Period?
About 10 to 14 days after conception, implantation bleeding can occur. When a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus, implantation bleeding can occur. The confusing part is you might not know you’re pregnant, or you might be hoping you are pregnant, but worried that you’re not. Here are a few key differences of implantation bleeding from menstrual bleeding.
- When: implantation bleeding occurs a week to two weeks after conception.
- Color: Bleeding during your period is usually bright red. Implantation bleeding is light pink or brown.
- Amount: Implantation bleeding is usually similar to spotting, not a full flow.
How To Prevent Bleeding Between Periods
In some cases, you can manage bleeding between periods, but oftentimes, it’s out of our control. To be prepared for spotting, or irregular periods, wear leakproof underwear. The annoyance of spotting is usually that it leaves behind stains. With leakproof underwear, you can keep going without the worry of leaks, and when you’re done with it, wash and reuse. In addition, here are some other suggestions that can help prevent bleeding between periods.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: From diet to exercise to weight management, do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Take your pills responsibly: Set an alarm or reminder and take your birth control pills as regularly as possible.
- Manage your weight: While feeling good is the most important priority, being overweight can cause abnormal periods.
- Stress less: Easier said than done, but stress can impact hormones and cause spotting between periods.
What causes spotting between periods?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods is also called intermenstrual bleeding, spotting, and metrorrhagia. When bleeding occurs between normal periods, there are many possible causes.
While some causes may be easy to treat, others can indicate a serious underlying condition. Whether you notice spotting or heavier bleeding between periods, it’s important to see your doctor for testing, diagnosis, and treatment options. Potential causes of bleeding between periods include:
- a growth in your uterus or cervix
- stress
- a change in medication
- vaginal dryness
- a hormone imbalance
What does spotting look like?
Spotting gets its name from the physical appearance of the discharge. It usually comes in the form of small spots of red or brown liquid on your underwear. A big difference between spotting and period blood is that spotting is typically much lighter in volume, and often has a darker color than menstrual blood. Spotting is usually so light that you can simply switch to your period panties or wear a thin liner when you notice it.
Is spotting between periods normal?
Though it is not considered normal, most women have spotting between their periods at some point. Usually, it's nothing to worry about, but if you are concerned, you should contact your doctor.
What is the difference between spotting and a period?
The appearance of spotting discharge is very similar to the appearance of menstrual blood, so it can be easy to confuse the two. Texturally, menstrual blood tends to be thicker and heavier, while spotting is light. Spotting usually doesn’t cause any physical discomfort or pain, while your period often comes with cramps, bloating, and feeling under the weather.
Menstrual blood and spotting blood also come from different parts of the body. Menstrual blood comes out cyclically when the uterus sheds its lining. On the other hand, spotting may come from the upper or lower reproductive tract, such as the cervix or the vagina.
Why am I spotting after my period ends - what are the causes?
Spotting is common among all people who have periods and it can be caused by a number of things:
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
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. They aren’t uncommon in women who’ve given birth.
This list is not exhaustive, and it does not represent every person who has experienced any of these symptoms. If you’re in doubt, be sure to track your cycle so you’re aware of any changes that might happen.
How long does spotting last?
Because spotting is so irregular and can be caused by so many variables, it is difficult to identify exactly how long it lasts. Typically, though, spotting can be anything from a one-time thing to minor bleeding for up to seven days.
How can I stop spotting between and after periods?
If you take birth control pills, do so as directed to avoid a hormonal imbalance. Exercise moderately to maintain health and reduce stress. If bleeding persists, contact your doctor.
How long can you spot after your period?
About 14 days after the start of your period, you ovulate and release an egg from the ovary. This spotting can last for one to two days and is typically light bleeding
Can spotting happen after a missed period?
Yes it can. It could be a sign of pregnancy, or a myriad of other unrelated reasons–– most of which are not cause for alarm.
Can spotting after a period be a sign of pregnancy?
Yes it can. Implantation bleeding is generally light and short, just a few days' worth. It usually occurs 10-14 days after conception, or around the time of your missed period. However, vaginal bleeding has been reported anytime in the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Spotting is also common before the start of a menstrual period.
I’m seeing brown discharge after my period ends - what is it, and why?
When we feel the sensation that something is being discharged from our bodies, we usually expect to see a red liquid. We may then be surprised to discover that the discharge is, in fact, brown. Brown discharge is usually nothing to be concerned about and is typically just old blood. When we notice brown liquid coming out, it’s usually just the vagina cleaning itself out in preparation for the menstrual flow to begin.
When should I see a doctor for spotting?
It’s not uncommon to panic somewhat when we notice something unusual with our bodies. In most cases, light spotting is nothing to worry about, but if you are prone to feeling anxious about your health, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor sooner rather than later.
You should see a doctor if your spotting is accompanied by:
-
More noticeable abdominal pain or cramping than usual
-
Irregular periods
-
Heavy periods with more blood clots than you’d usually expect
-
A burning sensation when you urinate
-
Any unusual vaginal discharge
-
If you think you may be pregnant
Your doctor will most likely want to know how long this has been happening, how regular it is, how long the spotting lasts, and how heavy the spotting is.
While it may not be possible to pre-empt or prevent spotting in between periods, there are certain measures you can take in order to reduce your likelihood of spotting. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that you remain at a healthy weight, you can give yourself the best chance of avoiding spotting. Exercise is also essential when it comes to maintaining a good balance- not only does it help to keep your body in a healthy state, it can also help to reduce stress, which may cause a hormonal imbalance and consequent spotting.
It is completely understandable if you experience stress and anxiety after noticing anything unusual within your reproductive system. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, try not to assume that the worst-case scenario is about to occur. Track your menstruation and physical sensations, and if in doubt, talk to a medical professional.
Always be ready. . .
Slip on buttery soft leakproof underwear for everyday wear, and let go of the worry of spotting or leaks. While there are some cases in which you will want to contact your doctor, spotting between periods may not be cause for concern, aside from the worry of leaks. Our period underwear is available in various absorbencies from superlight to overnight, all made to look and feel like your basic underwear, but delivers protection. Spot your favorite styles and order your collection of period underwear today!
Sources:
Health Direct. Bleeding Between Periods,
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