Experiencing sporadic spotting between periods can be unsettling, especially when it happens unexpectedly. While occasional light spotting isn’t always a sign of something serious, it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that deserves attention. Understanding the possible causes can help you determine when it’s normal, and when it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Continue reading for six common conditions that may trigger spotting outside your regular menstrual cycle.

What Can Cause Sporadic Spotting Between Periods?

It can be worrisome noticing a few spots of blood between periods. And although women may see spots on toilet tissue or in their underwear, there are usually harmless reasons for these occurrences. Below are six conditions that can cause sporadic spotting between periods, and when you should be concerned enough to seek medical advice.

1. Pregnancy

Spotting or bleeding between periods can be the first sign a woman is pregnant. Bleeding can occur when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus. As such, some women bleed sporadically during the first three months of pregnancy, so it is not often cause for concern.

2. Sexual Intercourse

Yes, having sex, and even pelvic exams can cause some spotting or bleeding afterward. The cause may be damage to the lining of the vagina due to friction and/or lack of lubrication. In these cases, there’s nothing to be concerned about unless it happens frequently.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones affect women in countless ways, some due to how progesterone helps stabilize the uterus. For example, if a woman is not producing enough progesterone during her cycle, some of the lining of the uterus can slough off creating spotting or bleeding 5 to 7 days prior to a period. But unless you are planning to become pregnant, this is not a real problem for most women.

An imbalance in the hormone estrogen can also cause sporadic spotting between periods. This may affect women during perimenopause , as well as menopause.

In addition, a woman’s thyroid may also be to blame for spotting outside her regular menstrual cycle. Plus, with less than normal thyroid hormones, a woman can miss periods altogether. Conversely, with excess thyroid hormones, women any experience very heavy periods. Talk to Riverwalk Women’s Health if these symptoms accompany weight gain, loss, and fatigue as the culprit may be the thyroid.

4. Fibroids

Many women first discover they have fibroids when they see their provider for spotting or extended heavy periods. These benign cysts occur in the uterus and can cause these bleeding symptoms.

5. Infection or Illness

Sometimes women battling a simple illness like the flu can experience spotting, but more serious infections could also be triggering some bleeding. If you suspect you may have an STD, visit your specialist. Serious infections in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can also produce spotting, making it even more important to schedule regular screenings with Riverwalk Women’s Health.

6. Starting or Changing Birth Control Methods

In this case, you may see spotting throughout your cycle or right before your period, which is also known as breakthrough bleeding. All types of birth control can cause this situation including the pill, IUD, the patch, a vaginal ring, or an implant.

This sporadic spotting between periods is caused by the introduction of estrogen present in the birth control medication. It will usually resolve itself within a few months time. Should you continue to have spotting beyond that time, see Riverwalk Women’s Health for a diagnosis.

When To Be Concerned

Most women know their bodies and can recognize when something changes. Seek medical care with any of the following:

• Unexplained vagina bleeding in post-menopausal women.
• Bleeding accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and pain.
• An unpleasant odor from vaginal discharges.
• Bleeding in young girls prior to puberty.

Most sporadic spotting between periods is usually not cause for alarm, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have any further questions, or would like to set an appointment with Riverwalk Women’s Health today, call (210) 402-6022 to schedule an appointment.

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