Spotting Between Periods? Learn Common Causes and What to Do

If you’re a woman, your body keeps track of time: every 21 to 35 days, your menstrual cycle begins. Most of the time, you menstruate for a handful of days. You then get a break before the cycle starts again. 

Sometimes, your body goes off schedule, and you experience spotting between periods.

“Any heavy or light bleeding between periods is considered abnormal, and this unusual vaginal bleeding raises lots of questions,” says Melissa Mesenburg, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. “Fortunately, we can often uncover the causes of such irregular bleeding and create a plan that addresses the problem.”

Wondering why you’re spotting at odd times in your cycle? Here are a few common causes and when to act.

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Abnormal Growths, Abnormal Bleeding

If abnormal growths form in the female reproductive system, you may not be aware of them. When symptoms do occur, you may experience spotting between periods and more.

Growths that cause such issues include:

• Cervical polyps — These common growths typically occur on the cervix, which is located at the base of the uterus. They may cause bleeding, even after menopause, along with abnormal mucus and other symptoms.
• Uterine fibroids — Typically noncancerous, uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that develop within the wall of your uterus. These affect up to 80 percent of American women by age 50, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Along with spotting, you may experience other issues, such as painful or heavy periods.

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Hormones Can Cause Spotting Between Periods

“Your body relies on a delicate balance of hormones,” Mesenburg says. “If this gets thrown off and you experience hormonal imbalances, spotting between periods can occur.” 

A common reason for this imbalance involves too much estrogen or not enough progesterone. This can happen due to the following: 

• Age — Growing older can affect your hormones, including a decline in progesterone levels.
• Lifestyle choices — Eating a diet high in processed foods, experiencing high levels of stress and not exercising regularly can all contribute to hormonal imbalances.
• Medication — Some medications directly affect the hormones in your body. Birth control pills can impact hormone levels.
• Underlying health conditions — Endometriosis, breast cancer and other health issues can be associated with estrogen levels.

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When Pregnancy Causes Spotting Between Periods

After a positive pregnancy test, you expect to put your menstrual cycle out of mind. That doesn’t always happen.

“Spotting may be unexpected in pregnancy, but it’s not uncommon,” Mesenburg says. “Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about, but it can indicate a serious problem.”

Problems that can lead to spotting while pregnant include:

• Miscarriage — The developing baby dies in the womb.
• Ectopic pregnancy — Instead of implanting inside the uterus, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This life-threatening implantation typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
• Molar pregnancy — A fertilized egg implants in the uterus, but the fetus only develops a small amount, if at all.
• Subchorionic hematoma — A blood clot develops between the uterine wall and the amniotic sac holding the baby.

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Cancers That Cause Spotting Between Periods

Cancer occurs when your body’s cells multiply and grow out of control. Like benign polyps and fibroids, cancers of the sexual reproductive system can result in spotting between periods. 

Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be a sign of the following cancers: 

• Cervical cancer — Typically, cervical cancer develops slowly. Most cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms include pelvic pain and various forms of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Endometrial cancer — This cancer begins in the uterus’s inner lining, which is known as the endometrium. It’s the most common cancer affecting the uterus. Your risk may be higher with obesity and hormonal imbalances.
• Ovarian cancer — The American Cancer Society states that many cases of ovarian cancer may actually start in the fallopian tubes. In some cases, spotting between periods can indicate ovarian cancer.

When to Seek Care for Spotting Between Periods

With so many potential causes of spotting between periods, you may be tempted to hold off on contacting your women’s health provider. Don’t.

“If you’ve not determined the cause of spotting, it’s always smart to contact your care provider,” Mesenburg says. “Detecting the problem early allows you to take action before it gets worse.”

Steps that help your provider detect the root of your issue include:

• Examination — Along with a pelvic exam and Pap test, your provider asks about your symptoms and health history.
• Blood tests — Laboratory experts examine a blood sample to find out if your ovaries or thyroid are functioning properly.
• Imaging studies — A pelvic ultrasound or other imaging tests help your provider see potential problems that cause bleeding.

Once your underlying health issue is identified, your care provider can develop a care plan. This may involve lifestyle changes, medication or more invasive treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgery. 

“Treating the underlying issue can help get your menstruation back in cycle,” Mesenburg says. “It may even save your life.”

Spotting Between Periods: What to Know

Any abnormal bleeding, even light spotting between periods, should be investigated. This allows for early treatment, which may improve your quality of life or even save it.

1. Polyps, fibroids and cancers can grow without symptoms. In some cases, they cause you to bleed at abnormal times.
2. Hormonal imbalances and healthy pregnancies may result in spotting. That said, bleeding during pregnancy may also indicate significant health issues.
3. Though common, spotting between periods should never be ignored. Testing helps your women’s health provider find the root of your problem, so you can take steps toward relief.

Want help managing your health needs throughout the month? Request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial women’s health provider.