Light bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods is called spotting. Spotting can be pink, red or brown and may last for a few days. Spotting has many causes and should never be self-diagnosed. Spotting can also occur during pregnancy and in the years leading up to menopause.
Uterine Causes
Abnormal spotting between menstrual periods can be a symptom of uterine polyps. Uterine polyps are benign uterine growths that protrude into the uterine cavity. These growths can be microscopic or as large as a grapefruit. Often, a woman with uterine polyps is asymptomatic and will not be alerted to their presence until she goes for a routine checkup. Other times, she may experience slight bleeding--spotting--outside her normal menstrual cycle, abdominal cramping, excessively heavy cycles or infertility. Other uterine causes for spotting between periods are uterine fibroids, endometriosis and endometrial atrophy.
Vaginal Causes
Women with a low estrogen level may suffer from vaginal dryness. A low estrogen level may cause the vaginal walls to become thin and less lubricated. This can cause a condition called vaginal atrophy, which is common among women who are breast-feeding, in menopause or suffering from a condition that causes the estrogen level to decline. The dryness associated with vaginal atrophy causes painful intercourse, an increase in vaginal infections and light bleeding. Additional symptoms of vaginal atrophy are vaginal burning, watery discharge, burning during urination, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, light bleeding and shortening of the vaginal canal.
Ovarian Causes
Spotting between menstrual cycles can be caused by ovarian cyst and ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, the ovary produces small sacks called cysts. Within these cysts, an egg is formed and matures throughout the month. When ovulation occurs, the cyst ruptures to release the egg inside. Some women have slight abdominal cramps around this time and may also experience spotting. Ovarian cysts are benign ovarian growths that occur due to hormonal imbalances. Ovarian cysts form when the small cysts within the ovaries grow larger instead of collapsing during ovulation.
Reproductive Diseases
Reproductive diseases such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome causes spotting between menstrual cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition caused by the pituitary gland releasing too much luteinizing hormone, which causes an increase in estrogen. This increase in estrogen disrupts the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which causes spotting between periods, heavy menstrual flows, irregular menstrual cycles and a lack of ovulation.
Endometriosis is a condition that causes the endometrial tissue to form outside the uterus. Researchers believe this is due to the endometrial cells backing up into the fallopian tubes during the menstrual cycle and attaching to various places within the body, such as the abdomen, colon, uterine perimeter and bladder. Endometriosis causes the uterine tissue no matter where it's located to bleed during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of endometriosis include abdominal and back pain, heavy bleeding, blood clots, spotting and prolonged menses.
Warnings
Spotting that occurs regularly should be investigated. Women who experience spotting in addition to any of the above symptoms should also consult a physician.
