Understanding Spotting Between Periods: Causes & When to See a Doctor

Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of your regular menstrual periods. It's common to experience spotting at some point in your life, and it's usually not a cause for concern. However, it's important to see your doctor if you're concerned about any changes in your menstrual cycle, including spotting.

Some of the most common causes of spotting include:

* Hormonal changes: Spotting can occur during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg. It can also occur before or after your period, when hormone levels are changing.

* Birth control: Spotting is a common side effect of many types of birth control, including birth control pills, patches, and injections.

* Pregnancy: Spotting can be a sign of early pregnancy, especially if it occurs along with other symptoms such as breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea.

* Menopause: Spotting is common during menopause, when hormone levels decline.

* Medical conditions: Spotting can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you're experiencing spotting and you're not sure what's causing it, it's important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may perform a pelvic exam and order tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

In most cases, spotting is not a serious problem and will resolve on its own. However, it's important to see your doctor if you're concerned about any changes in your menstrual cycle.