Experiencing spots instead of periods? Discover the reasons behind this anomaly here
Spotting, a small amount of blood shed during the menstrual cycle that is not considered a period, can be a concerning issue for many individuals. This phenomenon can occur for various reasons, some of which are directly related to the menstrual cycle, while others are not.
Common Causes of Spotting Unrelated to the Menstrual Cycle
Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterine muscle, can cause abnormal bleeding and spotting.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder with ovarian cysts, leads to irregular or absent menstrual cycles and spotting between periods.
Hormonal imbalances, caused by thyroid disorders, perimenopause, birth control changes, or adolescent hormone changes, can cause spotting unrelated to the menstrual flow.
Infections in the reproductive tract, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can lead to spotting.
Endometriosis, the presence of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, can provoke abnormal bleeding and spotting independent of periods.
Implantation bleeding in early pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the womb lining, which is outside the normal menstrual cycle context.
Vaginal dryness or trauma, especially related to intercourse, can cause tears or minor bleeding that appears as spotting**.
Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, can cause irregular spotting for several years prior to complete cessation of periods.
Other Factors to Consider
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, regulates several bodily processes including menstruation. Imbalanced thyroid hormone levels can cause menstrual irregularities and spotting.
Menopause can cause spotting and other menstrual irregularities several years before the onset of menopause.
Birth control pills can cause spotting, especially in the first few months of use.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience frequent spotting, more than three missed periods in a row, spotting with pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or any other symptoms, or any bleeding or spotting after the onset of menopause, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms can signal the start of a period, but they can also be early indicators of pregnancy, a sign of stress, or a symptom of several health issues.
Cervical cancer can cause spotting, pain during sex, pelvic pain, and unusual discharge, which can be bloody. Endometrial cancer can cause bleeding between periods and after menopause, as well as pelvic pain and weight loss.
It is essential to remember that while spotting can be alarming, many causes are treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in managing these conditions.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Spotting between periods. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/spotting/basics/causes/lex-20056813
[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [online] Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding
[3] National Health Service. (2021). Spotting between periods. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/spotting-between-periods/
[4] Office on Women's Health. (2021). Perimenopause. [online] Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/perimenopause
- Besides menstrual causes, uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths, can provoke abnormal bleeding and spotting.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder, leads to irregular or absent menstrual cycles and spotting between periods.
- Hormonal imbalances due to thyroid disorders, perimenopause, birth control changes, or adolescent hormone changes can cause spotting unrelated to the menstrual flow.
- Infections in the reproductive tract, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can lead to spotting.
- Endometriosis, the presence of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, can provoke abnormal bleeding and spotting independent of periods.
- Implantation bleeding in early pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg attaches to the womb lining, which is outside the normal menstrual cycle context.
- Vaginal dryness or trauma, especially related to intercourse, can cause tears or minor bleeding that appears as spotting.
- Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, can cause irregular spotting for several years prior to complete cessation of periods.
- The thyroid gland regulates several bodily processes including menstruation, and imbalanced thyroid hormone levels can cause menstrual irregularities and spotting.
- Menopause can cause spotting and other menstrual irregularities several years before the onset of menopause.
- Birth control pills can cause spotting, especially in the first few months of use.
- If you experience frequent spotting, more than three missed periods in a row, spotting with pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or any other symptoms, or any bleeding or spotting after the onset of menopause, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
- Cervical cancer can cause spotting, pain during sex, pelvic pain, and unusual discharge, which can be bloody.
- Endometrial cancer can cause bleeding between periods and after menopause, as well as pelvic pain and weight loss.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in managing these conditions related to spotting, diabetes, menopause, ulcerative colitis, migraine, eczema, macular degeneration, lung cancer, depression, dry skin, and pelvic pain, among other health-and-wellness issues affecting women's health and science.
