Irregular bleeding and spotting describe vaginal or uterine bleeding that occurs outside of your menstrual period.
It can happen at any age, even before or after the reproductive years.
While most cases are not a cause for concern, the problem can sometimes result from serious issues.
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Irregular bleeding and spotting can range from light bloody discharge to heavier, constant bleeding.
It can result from conditions such as hormone therapy, pregnancy, infections, or other health concerns.
Living with irregular bleeding and spotting can be frustrating and may pose some health dangers.
Finding out the reasons for spotting can help you get the right treatment and reduce the bleeding.
Uterine polyps: Polyps are overgrowths of the inner lining of the uterus.
They are usuallybenign, though some can be malignant (cancerous).
Uterine polyps are rare in people younger than 20 and become more common with age.
They peak in the 40s and decline inmenopause(the end of menstrual periods).
It can cause the uterus to double or triple in size.
People age 35 to 50 who have had at least one pregnancy are most often affected.
Endometrial hyperplasia: In this condition, the endometrium becomes too thick.
It is often linked to excessestrogenand/or inadequate levels ofprogesterone, resulting in too many endometrial cells.
It is more likely to occur after age 35.
Gynecologic cancers: Gynecologic cancers begin in the reproductive organs.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge can occur with any jot down of gynecologic cancer.
The risk of these cancers increases with age.
It typically affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.
Most people find out they have it when they have problems getting pregnant.
Cervicitis can often be traced to asexually transmitted infection (STI).
It can also cause bleeding or spotting between periods or after menopause.
This problem usually improves within two to six months.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT):HRT is a treatment that can helpsymptoms associated with menopause.
During this time, the body gradually decreases production of estrogen and progesterone.
HRT can help relieve symptoms such ashot flashes,night sweats, andvaginal drynessthat occur during menopause.
Perimenopause: Spotting is normal during perimenopause, the stage that occurs before menopause.
Bleeding is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
Miscarriage: The loss of pregnancy, known as miscarriage, can cause bleeding.
Typically, bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign that you have miscarried.
About 10% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Implantation bleeding: Implantation takes place if a fertilized egg attaches itself to the endometrium.
Implantation bleeding occurs in about 25% of pregnancies in the first trimester.
It usually does not indicate a problem.
Placental abruption: This serious but rare condition is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth.
It usually causes vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester.
The condition is an indication for a cesarean section (C-section, surgical delivery of the baby).
Low-lying placenta: When the placenta attaches itself lower than it should within the uterus.
It often improves as the pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows.
Premature labor: Premature labor is uterine contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy.
These contractions cause the cervix to open earlier than normal, resulting in premature birth.
Obesity: Research indicates that obesity plays a role in the prevalence of infrequent periods and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Medications: Many medications can cause spotting or bleeding.
Most menstrual cycles are between 24 and 34 days apart.
Patterns of irregular bleeding and spotting can occur at any time in the lifespan.
Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that usually doesn’t require a pad or tampon.
It can appear as red, light brown, or dark brown blood.
Brown blood is usually older blood that is exiting the uterus slowly.
Considerations also include whether you have plans for pregnancy.
In some cases, treatment may not be necessary.
When needed, common treatments include the following.
They include:
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy can help suppress endometrial development and reestablish predictable bleeding patterns.
Procedures include:
Summary
Spotting and irregular bleeding can occur as a result of harmless causes.
Since they can be linked to some severe health risks, spotting and irregular bleeding should not be ignored.
Getting the right treatment can help relieve symptoms and protect your well-being.
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