Bleeding Between Periods: Should I Be Concerned?
Normal periods can look different for each woman. What might be harmless spotting for one could be a reason to call a health care provider for another.
Ahead, we break down some of the most common causes of bleeding between periods, when it's usually nothing to worry about, and signs that indicate it's time to seek medical advice.
Visit with our skilled OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, for an OB/GYN evaluation to learn when bleeding between periods may signal an underlying health issue worth checking out.
What typical periods often look like
A menstrual cycle typically lasts about five days and occurs about every 21-35 days. But what’s normal for you may vary from these averages. Many women don’t spot (bleed lightly) between periods. However, for some, spotting is part of their usual menstrual cycle.
Possible causes of bleeding between periods
The following may cause spotting between periods:
- Perimenopause (transitional period to menopause)
- Uterine polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Cervix inflammation
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometerosis
- Hormone changes
- Injuries
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Gynecological pre-cancers and cancers
- Intrauterine device (IUDs)
- Pregnancy complications
- Stress
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular hormonal birth control use
- Blood thinners
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Some gynecological procedures
There are many potential causes of spotting, and many aren’t cause for concern. But it’s still helpful to see the experts at Women’s Health Services to detect or rule out potential problems.
When to contact your provider for spotting
If you haven’t seen an OB/GYN for spotting between periods before, it’s beneficial to get checked out to determine the underlying cause. This is especially true if you experience:
- New bleeding between periods
- Changes in spotting
- Heavy uterine bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
- Spotting with fatigue, dizziness, or pelvic pain
- Bleeding during pregnancy
See your women’s health specialist right away if any of these symptoms apply to you.
Diagnosing the underlying cause of bleeding between periods
During an evaluation at Women’s Health Services, your provider discusses your medical history, symptoms, whether or not you’re using birth control, and your lifestyle habits. They also complete physical and pelvic exams.
You might undergo:
- Pregnancy testing
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Cervical culture
- Biopsy
- Ultrasound
- Pap smear
- Colposcopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Additional diagnostic procedures
Most causes of bleeding between periods are easy to treat, though you might not need treatment at all.
In some cases, your OB/GYN specialist may recommend you make lifestyle changes, take medications, undergo a medical procedure, or alter your current treatment plan. They follow up to ensure optimal gynecological health to minimize your risk of complications.
Schedule an evaluation for abnormal uterine bleeding or other OB/GYN concerns at Women’s Health Services by calling our nearest office or booking an appointment online today.
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