Vaginal spotting between periods is a relatively common occurrence that affects more than 10% of women, reaching more than 20% in women aged 36 to 40. Its main cause is hormonal contraceptives and physiological changes related to the onset of menopause.
When bleeding occurs, it is important to seek medical advice at USA Fibroid Centers to rule out possible health problems that could be related to uterine fibroids.
What is spotting between periods?
Spotting, also known as metrorrhagia, is the one that appears between the end of one menstruation and the beginning of the next. Throughout a woman’s reproductive life, several episodes of intermenstrual bleeding can occur, most of the time without being caused by a disease. In any case, it should be a reason to consult a gynecologist at USA Fibroid Centers, who will determine the possible causes.
Types of spotting between periods
What does spotting look like? Spotting looks like a form of dripping, scant brown bleeding, and, on other occasions, more abundant and redder, similar to a period. It may be accompanied by white cervical mucus and slight abdominal discomfort.
Causes of spotting:
The causes can be diverse. Among them, the most common are:
- Ovulation
It is one that usually lasts 2-3 days, coinciding between days 13 and 16. It is due to the increase in the production of hormones related to ovulation reaching the maximum peak on those days.
- Metrorrhagia
During the first menstruation in adolescence, metrorrhagia may occur due to anovulatory cycles. Only in some cases is there an underlying organic lesion.
- Hormonal contraceptives
It is usually common when starting contraceptive treatment. Most of the time, the bleeding is scarce and occurs in the first three months, although it later disappears.
- IUD and vaginal ring
The intrauterine device can cause bleeding the first few months after its placement, which is considered normal. Similarly, the vaginal ring can also cause light breakthrough spotting.
- Polyps or fibroids
Uterine polyps or fibroids cause heavier spotting between periods that can be comparable to normal menstruation. Both polyps and fibroids are located in the endometrium.
- Cervical injuries
When a cervix is injured, spotting or bleeding can occur.
- Pregnancy
Spotting can appear during the first weeks of pregnancy due to embryo implantation, although it is usually scarce.
- Spontaneous abortion
Spotting can also be a sign of a miscarriage taking place even before a woman knows she is pregnant.
- Stress
Stress can determine alterations in the menstrual cycle and the appearance of metrorrhagia.
- Menopause
As menopause approaches, hormone levels are often unstable, leading to irregular periods and bleeding.
How to clinically treat spotting?
In most cases, spotting throughout a woman’s fertile life is normal and does not require any intervention. However, in some cases, treatment can be established at the USA Fibroid Centers depending on the cause.
Frequently Ask Questions:
What is implantation spotting?
Implantation spotting or bleeding occurs when the embryo adheres to the uterus wall, and small arteries and veins break, which can cause the symptom. This occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy when the woman sometimes does not know she is pregnant. At this stage, the uterus is very irritated and bleeds easily.
What is vaginal ring bleeding?
The vaginal ring is a contraceptive method based on placing a flexible latex ring in the vagina to release hormones with a contraceptive effect. One of its possible adverse effects is the appearance of mild intermenstrual spotting or bleeding.
What is brown discharge in women?
If the flow lasts less than three days, it is considered normal because there is always residual blood after menstruation, and it comes out at the beginning or end of the cycle. After that time, it may be indicative of an infection.
How is bleeding during pregnancy?
If the bleeding is pink, brownish red, and scarce, it may be common and does not indicate serious problems. However, it should be evaluated by the gynecologist to rule out a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In these cases, the blood loss will be profuse and bright red.
At what age should menstruation stabilize in a woman?
It depends on each woman. Cycles last between 3 and 8 days and at intervals of 28 days. During the first two years in adolescents and young women, the cycle is usually very irregular due to the immaturity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary that produces cycles without ovulation.
What are the factors to consider?
Remember that women who suffer from abnormal spotting or bleeding have a 10% higher risk of cancer than those who do not.
Most of these problems are not of clinical importance and are easily treatable, but it will be necessary to rule out that the cause of can spot look like a period is not a more serious pathology. However, if the bleeding also occurs during sexual intercourse or is very abundant, it is a sign of suspicion that there could be cancer or a precancerous lesion.
Colposcopy, a transvaginal ultrasound, and Hyster sonography will establish an accurate differential diagnosis, detecting any lesion that may exist in the cervix and the uterus.
USA Fibroid Centers has been helping women overcome fibroids without surgery since 2016.
You can find hope in knowing our trusted fibroid doctors have years of experience performing Uterine Fibroid Embolization care
Request a consultation with a specialist in Uterine Fibroids and related symptoms at USA Fibroid Centers today.
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