Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. Learn when a light period is nothing to worry about, and when it may be the sign of something more serious. Worried about a late period, but know you aren't pregnant? Missed or late periods can happen for plenty of other reasons. Read on to learn about them. The birth control pill introduces different hormones into your system. Learn how this may affect your menstrual cycle. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
This tends to develop at 45—55 years of age. During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can impact the menstrual cycle, resulting in spotting. Some sexually transmitted infections STIs , including chlamydia and gonorrhea , can trigger vaginal bleeding between periods. STIs can easily spread between sexual partners and lead to severe complications. People who contract chlamydia or gonorrhea will need to speak to a doctor, who can usually treat these conditions with antibiotics.
Sometimes, spotting can indicate cervical cancer , which develops when cancer cells form in the cervix. Often, there is nothing to worry about with spotting, and it will go away without treatment. If it persists for a few months or more, a person should speak to a doctor. During pregnancy, a person who thinks they may have an ectopic pregnancy or are experiencing pregnancy loss should seek immediate medical attention.
People should also seek urgent medical care if they have any bleeding later in pregnancy that does not relate to sex or labor. Menopause-related spotting tends to stop without intervention. Anyone who finds that menopause or perimenopause symptoms interfere with everyday life should speak to their doctor.
STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to severe complications, including infertility. Anyone who believes they might have an STI should contact a doctor for treatment. Cervical cancer can be life threatening. Those who experience cervical cancer symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. Spotting is a form of vaginal bleeding.
It occurs between periods and is so light that it should not cover a panty liner or sanitary pad. You may only notice a little blood on the toilet paper you use to wipe, or you may see stains accumulate on your underwear throughout the day.
This is all considered normal. In some women, estrogen levels drop drastically after ovulation. A quick drop in estrogen can cause your uterine lining to begin shedding. Spotting may continue until your hormones stabilize — typically within a few days.
Other signs of ovulation include:. Spotting is very common when starting a new method of birth control. It may look like period blood or blood mixed with normal vaginal discharge. Most people can put a panty liner on in the morning and wear it all day without experiencing leakage. Spotting may happen on and off until your body adjusts to the change in hormone levels — usually up to three months. Most emergency contraceptives work by delaying ovulation.
This can interrupt your normal menstrual cycle and cause some spotting. Small amounts of red or brown discharge may occur daily or every few days until your next period. Your next period may arrive on time or come a week early.
Other side effects include:. Implantation occurs when a fertilized egg embeds itself into the lining of your uterus. Heavier spotting is most often from the uterus, while lighter spotting can come from the upper or lower tract 3. Spotting is a common side effect of hormonal contraception , especially during the first few months of starting a new method 4.
If spotting between withdrawal bleeding continues, your pill may not be the best fit for you , and you may want to try another brand with a different chemical formulation 4. Spotting is common and often unpredictable with the hormonal IUD , the contraceptive implant, the contraceptive shot injection, and the mini-pill a progestin-only pill 5.
Spotting is also a common symptom of early pregnancy. About 1 in 4 people experience spotting, usually gestational weeks 5 and 8 or about 1 to 4 weeks after someone expects their period 6. However, heavy spotting or bleeding may be more of a concern.
It may actually be related to hormonal changes, as the production of progesterone switches from the ovary to the forming placenta 6. Spotting can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy 7. This is a pregnancy that is growing somewhere other than the uterus, usually the fallopian tube.
If you experience symptoms of spotting and suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, seek immediate medical help. Spotting can also be caused by infections and physical changes in the reproductive tract, or hormonal imbalances.
Physical conditions that can cause spotting episodes include fibroids abnormal growth of muscle tissue on your uterus , uterine or cervical polyps abnormal growths on your cervix or the inside of your uterus and endometriosis 8. Pelvic inflammatory disease PID , which happens when certain pelvic infections like STIs go untreated, can also be another culprit for unscheduled spotting.
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