[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/07\/spotting-between-periods\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/07\/spotting-between-periods\/","headline":"Is Spotting Between Periods Normal?","name":"Is Spotting Between Periods Normal?","description":"

Spotting between periods? There are many possible reasons. Learn the potential causes of irregular spotting and know when it's time to see a doctor. <\/p>","datePublished":"2025-07-09","dateModified":"2025-12-02","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-2214577077-e1752069392876.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-2214577077-e1752069392876.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/07\/spotting-between-periods\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Women's Health"],"wordCount":1171,"articleBody":"You notice some bleeding between periods and wonder: Is spotting between periods normal or a sign of a problem?Spotting in between menstruation isn\u2019t normal, but it\u2019s not always a sign of a serious issue, either. Spotting between periods could come from something as simple as switching birth control methods.However, unusual bleeding often signals a medical condition that needs attention. Here, we look at gynecological guidelines on spotting and when to seek medical attention for spotting.What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?A normal menstrual period lasts up to seven days. A typical menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days.Any spotting after periods is a sign that something isn\u2019t right. Doctors call it abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), an umbrella term that includes other period problems.According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, AUB includes:Bleeding after menopause.Bleeding or spotting after sex.Bleeding or spotting between periods.Heavy bleeding during your period. That means bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour, or bleeding that lasts more than seven days.Irregular periods, in which cycle length varies by more than seven to nine days.Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days.Not having a period for three to six months.What Causes Spotting Between Periods?There are many different causes of spotting between periods. They include:Bleeding disorders \u2014 If your blood doesn\u2019t clot normally, you may have a bleeding disorder and notice spotting between periods. Other symptoms include frequent nosebleeds and easy bruising.Cancer \u2014 Bleeding after menopause is a possible early sign of endometrial cancer. The disease occurs most often in women over 60, but with early detection, doctors can treat this cancer effectively.Endometriosis \u2014\u00a0This condition happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other parts of the body, outside the uterus. It responds to hormonal changes the same way normal uterine tissue does, so it sheds and can lead to spotting.Hormonal birth control \u2014 Sometimes starting a new birth control method can cause spotting. That can include intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections.Infections \u2014 Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can trigger bleeding between periods.Medications \u2014 Some medicines, such as blood thinners and aspirin, can cause heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) \u2014\u00a0A condition of hormone imbalance, with low levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The hormone imbalance disrupts normal ovulation, so you might ovulate irregularly or not at all. That can lead to shedding of menstrual fluid and spotting between periods.Pregnancy complications \u2014 Spotting can signal a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. You should call your doctor right away if you\u2019re pregnant and experience any bleeding or spotting.Uterine fibroids \u2014\u00a0These noncancerous growths form in the uterus and can cause pelvic pain, swelling, and irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding.Cervical issues\u2014benign causes could include a polyp or something called an ectropion, which is when sensitive tissue from the cervical lining is close to the opening. Cervical cancer is a rare but possible cause as well.Ovulation\u2014sometimes ovulation can trigger minor spotting.Is Spotting After Menopause Normal?Spotting after menopause isn’t normal. When you go through menopause, your periods stop and you don\u2019t bleed anymore. Spotting after menopause is a possible sign of a serious problem like endometrial cancer.You should see a doctor if you have any uterine bleeding after menopause. You\u2019re officially in menopause when you haven\u2019t had a period for at least a year.When Should I Seek Medical Attention for Spotting Between Periods?Sometimes, telling the difference between normal and concerning spotting is difficult. That\u2019s why it\u2019s always best to call your doctor if you have any bleeding between periods. Your ob-gyn can give you expert guidelines on spotting between periods.The bleeding may come from an issue that\u2019s easy to treat. But it’s also a possible sign of a more serious problem. You should seek medical care right away if you have:Acute heavy bleeding (when you\u2019re changing pads or tampons every hour for more than two hours in a row).Heavy bleeding accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.How Do Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Bleeding Between Periods?It\u2019s important to see your doctor for any unusual uterine or vaginal bleeding.Your ob-gyn will ask about your medical history, taking note of any bleeding disorders that run in your family. They will ask about your symptoms, what medicines you take, and your surgical, gynecological, and obstetric history.Your doctor will then run some tests to determine what\u2019s triggering the bleeding. These might include:Blood disorder test, if you have risk factors for clotting or other types of blood disease.Blood tests.Pap smear.Pelvic examPelvic ultrasound if they suspect fibroids.Pregnancy test.Tests for STIs.Thyroid level test.How Is Bleeding Between Periods Treated?Treatment for spotting between periods depends on what\u2019s causing the problem. The two main options are medical treatments and surgery.Medical treatmentsYour doctor is likely to try these methods first to control abnormal bleeding.Antibiotics \u2014 A possible appropriate treatment if you have an infection.Blood-clotting medications \u2014 If you have a bleeding disorder.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists \u2014\u00a0Drugs that stop the menstrual cycle in order to reduce the size of fibroids.Hormonal birth control \u2014 Birth control pills, the skin patch, and the vaginal ring can help make your periods more regular. The hormonal IUD can also reduce bleeding.Hormone therapy \u2014\u00a0Can help with irregular menstrual bleeding during perimenopause. Hormone therapy can make periods lighter and more predictable.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) \u2014 Ibuprofen (Advil) can help control heavy bleeding and relieve menstrual cramps.Tranexamic acid \u2014 A drug for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.SurgeryIf medications don\u2019t control your spotting between periods, your doctor may suggest surgery. This will depend on your condition, your age, and if you ever plan to become pregnant.These are some of the procedures for controlling abnormal bleeding:Hysteroscopic surgery\u2014Looks for polyps, small fibroids, or other structural issues of the uterine cavityEndometrial ablation \u2014\u00a0Destroys the lining of the uterus. It will reduce or stop bleeding.Hysterectomy \u2014 Removal of the uterus after other treatments have failed. It’s also a treatment for endometrial cancer.MRI-guided ultrasound surgery \u2014 Uses ultrasound waves to destroy fibroids.Myomectomy \u2014 Removes fibroids but not the uterus. Fibroids can potentially grow back.Uterine artery embolization \u2014 Blocks the blood vessels to the uterus, so fibroids can\u2019t grow.SourcesU.K. National Health Service. Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex. Accessed May 2025. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/vaginal-bleeding-between-periods-or-after-sex\/ NHS.ukAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Accessed May 2025. https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/abnormal-uterine-bleeding\/ ACOG.orgMedlinePlus. Abnormal uterine bleeding. Accessed May 2025. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000903.htm\/ MedlinePlus.govStatPearls. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Accessed May 2025. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532913\/ NIH.govAmerican Academy of Family Physicians. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Accessed May 2025. https:\/\/familydoctor.org\/condition\/abnormal-uterine-bleeding\/ FamilyDoctor.org"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Is Spotting Between Periods Normal?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/07\/spotting-between-periods\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]