Why am I Spotting in Between Periods?
What does spotting between periods mean? Spotting typically is defined as a very light vaginal bleeding between periods. or bleeding not associated with a menstrual period. Keep in mind that the average cycle lasts 21 to 35 days.
Some of you may wonder: why am I spotting in between periods, and is spotting normal? Spotting can seem similar to the regular menstrual flow — it can be red or brown in color and may appear during the days before or after, or sometimes entirely at random.
Is Spotting Before Period Normal?
Spotting before and in between periods and spotting may be expected for some women as their hormone levels drop in preparation for a period. You may wonder: is spotting before period normal? Most often, spotting occurs one to three days before a period. It is also called intermenstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia.
Spotting In Between Periods
Bleeding between periods isn’t a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Spotting before or after periods is more likely to be a sign of a problem. That’s why it’s important to be aware and track what is “normal” for you and realize the differences between spotting versus period. This will make it easier to notice an issue and answer why I am spotting in between periods?
What does spotting between periods mean?
Although spotting may be normal for you, it’s important to talk about it with your doctor because it can indicate a possible imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones that regulate your cycle. It’s also good to discuss what does spotting between periods mean? There are several potential causes for spotting between periods.
These include:
- Birth control
- Ovulation
- Uterine fibroids
- Vaginal or cervical injury
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS)
- Cancer
Many of the above health conditions have effective treatments available that can reduce or eliminate spotting before periods or bleeding between periods, so you no longer have to wonder: why am I spotting between periods or is spotting normal? Keep an eye out for other related symptoms – such as pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding – and bring these to your doctor’s attention.
Bleeding Between Periods
Appropriate treatment can reduce painful, uncomfortable, or inconvenient symptoms and may even make you stop asking what does spotting between periods mean? In some cases, treatment may even save your life.
Why Do Fibroids Cause Spotting Between Periods?
First, we need to address that spotting between periods does not necessarily mean that you have uterine fibroids or a serious medical condition. For those who wonder why am I spotting between periods and is spotting before period normal, spotting before periods or between them can happen for many different reasons. These reasons can be such as: hormone changes, taking birth control, pregnancy, ovulation, stress, etc.
However, one of the most common symptoms of fibroids is bleeding between periods.
Other common fibroid symptoms include:
- Heavy and prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and/or bloating
- Pain in your pelvis or lower back
- Stomach swelling
Spotting vs Light Period
So again, what does spotting between periods mean? How do you tell the difference between spotting and a light period? The exact reason why fibroids cause spotting is still unknown. One theory is that too many hormones within the body may cause this “abnormal bleeding,” which causes women to ask questions like: is spotting normal?
Like all conditions, every person may experience fibroid symptoms differently. Some women may not see any change in their menstruation, while others may suffer from periods lasting weeks or even months.
Spotting Versus Period
You may be wondering about the difference between spotting and periods while wondering why am I spotting between periods. What does spotting between periods mean?. Spotting in between periods can make you wonder is spotting normal, as well as the differences of spotting versus period, and what it involves:
- Any bleeding that is lighter than your normal period
- Light bleeding between periods or spotting in between periods
- Light bleeding before periods
- In general, spotting does not usually last more than a day or two and may not require feminine sanitary products.
Is Spotting Before Your Period Normal?
A common cause of spotting before or between periods is changes in hormone levels. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause unexpected bleeding or spotting.
Menstrual bleeding typically:
- Lasts between four and seven days
- Occurs every 21 to 35 days
- Requires a pad or tampon to control flow and avoid staining clothing, but does not soak through
Spotting In Between Periods
If you are unsure whether you are spotting or on your period, and teetering between spotting versus period, it may be helpful to take notes on when your bleeding occurs, especially when you’re bleeding between periods. You can then share this information with your doctor to determine what is going on, and determine is spotting normal and the differences between spotting vs light period (or spotting versus period)?
When To See A Doctor For Spotting Between Periods
When it comes to uterine fibroids, doctors typically recommend that women seek treatment when symptoms interfere with the quality of life. What does spotting between periods mean? Bleeding between periods and spotting in between periods can cause women to miss extensive amounts of work; wonder why am I spotting between periods or is spotting normal; cancel plans with friends or family; avoid wearing light-colored clothing; evade intimacy; strain relationships; or double-up on pads or wear Depends® to prevent bleeding through their outfits. Suffering from abnormal or heavy periods and spotting in between periods can become an exhausting, daily struggle.
Fortunately, non-surgical treatment is available if you want to avoid undergoing an invasive procedure so you can stop wondering is spotting normal and the differences between spotting vs light period (or spotting versus period).
Treatment For Spotting Between Periods
If your bleeding between periods or spotting before periods is due to uterine fibroids and want to stop thinking why am I spotting between periods or is spotting normal, a non-surgical treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) may be an effective option to eliminate your symptoms.
Our fibroid specialists, also known as interventional radiologists, treat fibroids symptoms such as spotting in between periods by using the body’s natural pathways to cut off blood supply to the benign tumors. They can also thoroughly answer: what does spotting between periods mean, and the difference between spotting vs light period.
UFE is an outpatient procedure that blocks the blood supply causing fibroids to naturally shrink. Unlike fibroid surgical procedures, UFE preserves the uterus, does not interfere with hormones or fertility, and allows you to recover in the comfort of your home immediately following the 30 to 35 minute procedure.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers Today!
We believe that fibroid treatment should be convenient and accessible to all. We have state-of-the-art facilities across the nation from coast-to-coast. In addition, our treatments are covered by most insurances and some Medicaid plans.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about non-surgical treatments, visit our website or call us at 855.615.2555.
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