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What is Menstrual Spotting?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Menstrual spotting is light bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods. In some women, it is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern, while in others it may be an indicator of a medical problem. Women who notice unusual menstrual symptoms, including spotting, may want to consider discussing it with a gynecologist or general practitioner.

Typically, the spotting is very mild. Cramps and other symptoms normally seen with menstruation are not present and women can usually address spotting by wearing a thin pad. It can be an inconvenience if not expected, but does not usually pose a health risk. Women who notice heavy bleeding are not experiencing menstrual spotting and should seek medical attention as it may be a sign of a tumor or other serious problem.

Changes in birth control methods and hormonal imbalances can cause menstrual spotting.
Changes in birth control methods and hormonal imbalances can cause menstrual spotting.

Some women spot when they ovulate, in which case menstrual spotting may be a familiar occurrence. Other common causes include hormone imbalances, changes to birth control methods, intrauterine devices, and physical stress. Sometimes, women develop irregular menstrual cycles and menstrual spotting may precede an early or late period. Spotting can also occur after a period should be completed. Likewise, bleeding and spotting can be experienced after gynecological procedures or in the first month of pregnancy.

Spotting can be a sign of an irregular menstrual cycle.
Spotting can be a sign of an irregular menstrual cycle.

Causes for concern can include tumors, fibroids, and polyps. Women who receive regular gynecological care should identify such problems early, before they start to cause spotting, but sometimes they develop quickly or a change that has been identified as something to watch becomes a problem. Women with a history of abnormal pap smears or other causes for gynecological concern may want to make an appointment with a doctor if they notice menstrual spotting. The doctor can evaluate the patient to learn more about the source of the bleeding and make treatment recommendations.

Menstrual spotting is not usually accompanied by cramps.
Menstrual spotting is not usually accompanied by cramps.

Menstrual cycles follow slightly different schedules in different women, and women tend to get become familiar with their cycles over time. In some women, menstrual spotting may be normal and not a cause for concern. In women who do not have a history of spotting, it can be an indicator that something is wrong. Such women should review their histories for potentially benign causes, like a recent switch between methods of birth control, and should contact a doctor if there are no obvious reasons for the spotting.

Some women experience menstrual spotting when they ovulate.
Some women experience menstrual spotting when they ovulate.

A workup for menstrual spotting can include a patient history, a physical examination, and the collection of swabs or samples for examination in a laboratory environment. Recommendations for diagnostic testing will be based on the doctor's interview with the patient and the outcome of the physical exam.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Changes in birth control methods and hormonal imbalances can cause menstrual spotting.
      By: cristi180884
      Changes in birth control methods and hormonal imbalances can cause menstrual spotting.
    • Spotting can be a sign of an irregular menstrual cycle.
      By: designua
      Spotting can be a sign of an irregular menstrual cycle.
    • Menstrual spotting is not usually accompanied by cramps.
      By: xalanx
      Menstrual spotting is not usually accompanied by cramps.
    • Some women experience menstrual spotting when they ovulate.
      By: reineg
      Some women experience menstrual spotting when they ovulate.
    • Menstrual cycles follow slightly different schedules in different women.
      By: picsfive
      Menstrual cycles follow slightly different schedules in different women.
    • Bleeding and spotting are sometimes common after gynecological exams or procedures.
      By: endostock
      Bleeding and spotting are sometimes common after gynecological exams or procedures.
    • Excessive exercise may cause an irregular menstrual period and menstrual spotting.
      By: stuchin
      Excessive exercise may cause an irregular menstrual period and menstrual spotting.
    • Menstrual spotting may be a sign that something is wrong in women who have no history of the condition.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      Menstrual spotting may be a sign that something is wrong in women who have no history of the condition.