Breakthrough bleeding, orspotting, is a common experience for people with female reproductive organs.
While bleeding outside of yourmenstrual periodcan be concerning, it usually is not cause for worry.
It is also common during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) due to fluctuating hormones.
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It happens when you take the placebo pills or have a break between active pill packs.
It can happen at any time during the menstrual cycle.
Why Breakthrough Bleeding Happens Around Menopause
Breakthrough bleeding can occur during the transition tomenopause(perimenopause).
If bleeding occurs after menopause, it’s called postmenopausal bleeding.
During perimenopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts as it prepares for menopause.
During perimenopause, your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesteronehormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.
Postmenopausal bleeding may be light brown or pinkish-gray spotting or heavy flow similar to a period.
Several factors can lead to postmenopausal bleeding, including:
Breakthrough Bleeding vs.
While both involve uterine bleeding, there are some key differences between breakthrough bleeding and a regular period.
Implantation bleeding is usually very light, with small amounts of pale pink to rust-colored blood.
It may be intermittent or constant but lasts only a few hours up to three days.
They can provide reassurance, address your concerns, and offer guidance based on your situation.
Summary
Breakthrough bleeding is unexpected bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods.
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