Is Spotting Between Periods Normal?
Every woman's menstrual cycle is different; some women have week-long periods with heavy bleeding, while others only experience a few days of light flow. Others go around 30 days between periods, while some women only have 24 days between cycles.
No matter what your normal cycle is like, you should only be bleeding during the few days of your period – not in between. Spotting or bleeding between your periods isn't normal, but it's not always due to a dangerous condition.
If you're experiencing abnormal bleeding, Dr. Inga Zilberstein provides diagnostic tools and treatments for the underlying condition. As an experienced OB/GYN, she provides solutions to the problem, including hormonal birth control and NovaSure® endometrial ablation.
Is spotting between periods always a problem?
Every woman with a uterus goes through a period monthly during their childbearing years. A normal menstrual cycle typically lasts 25 to 30 days from start to finish. However, you can experience longer or shorter cycles, especially in the first few years after your period begins.
But what happens when you notice spotting awhile after you've had your period? You can relax knowing that spotting between periods is common in women of all ages. It's not always a reason for concern, especially when nearing menopause or after having a baby.
However, you should never ignore spotting between periods, no matter how slight it may be.
Although it's not always a problem, seek treatment as soon as possible. An evaluation by Dr. Zilberstein is warranted to ensure there's nothing more going on in your body that's causing abnormal bleeding.
Causes of bleeding between periods
Spotting can happen at any point during your menstrual cycle. Bleeding any time other than your period could signal an issue with your body or health.
Various issues can lead to bleeding in between your periods, some more worrisome than others. Prevalent reasons for spotting between cycles include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Perimenopause
- Hormonal birth control
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Reproductive cancers
- Certain medical conditions
- Pregnancy complications
Knowing what's causing the bleeding is essential to ensure that you get the treatment you need. Early intervention helps prevent further complications from abnormal vaginal bleeding.
When should I seek treatment for spotting?
Spotting once between periods could be a fluke, the result of a recent illness, or a change in medications. However, if you notice that you're regularly spotting between menstrual cycles or it happens along with other symptoms, seek professional care.
Contact Dr. Zilberstein about spotting between periods when you’re:
- Passing large clots, the size of a quarter
- Bleeding between periods that last longer than a week
- Signs or symptoms of anemia
- Spotting interferes with your everyday activities
The treatment you require depends on the cause of the spotting. Dr. Zilberstein discusses your treatment options based on your age, the reason for bleeding, and your overall health.
She offers various options, including NovaSure endometrial ablation, hormone replacement therapy, and hormonal birth control to help stabilize your menstrual cycles.
To get help with spotting between periods, contact Dr. Zilberstein today by calling her office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. You can also text or send a message right here on our website.