Why am I bleeding between periods?
Bleeding or spotting between periods (intermenstrual bleeding) is common and usually has a benign cause - but it is one of the symptoms that should always get a clinician check, especially if it is new, persistent, or heavy.
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Start your free trialCommon, usually fine
Mid-cycle spotting around ovulation. First 3 to 6 months on a new hormonal contraceptive. Light spotting after vigorous sex. Stress-related cycle disruption.
Worth investigating
New onset after age 35. Heavy bleeding between periods. Bleeding after sex. Bleeding more than once a cycle. Bleeding after a year-plus gap. Pain plus bleeding.
Possible causes
Cervical polyp. Endometrial polyp. Fibroids. Cervical or uterine infection. Hormonal birth control issues. Thyroid imbalance. Endometriosis. Less often: precancerous or cancerous changes (especially after menopause - any postmenopausal bleeding needs prompt evaluation).
Common questions
Is spotting normal? +
Occasional and brief, often yes. New, persistent, or heavy spotting needs evaluation.
Can stress cause spotting? +
Yes, via cortisol disrupting the HPO axis. But "it is just stress" should be a diagnosis of exclusion, not first guess.
Related reading
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