Throughout their child bearing years, many women will experience spotting or bleeding in between menstrual periods. Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods or after menopause sometimes may be due to cancer or precancer and should be evaluated promptly, states Medline. There are many reasons why you may experience vaginal spotting. It is important to report these symptoms to your gynecologist. Depending on you age and overall health status, you may require additional testing to rule out any illness.
Medications
The use of certain medications may cause spotting between periods. Starting or stopping contraceptives (the pill, IUD, patch, ring or shot) alters your natural hormonal balance and makes you more prone to vaginal spotting. Blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin or Lovenox, may also contribute to irregular bleeding.
Weight Changes and Stress
Weight fluctuation may lead to vaginal spotting. If your body experiences an abrupt change in weight, it may alter hormone levels which can effect your menstrual cycle. Starting a new exercise program or physical activity may also lead to vaginal spotting between periods. In some cases, stress may alter hormone levels and cause menstrual irregularity.
Pregnancy
In the first trimester of pregnancy it is normal to experience vaginal spotting. This spotting is called implantation bleeding. It occurs as the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. If you experience vaginal spotting and do not get your period, it is possible that you may be pregnant.
Infection
An infection of the cervix (cervicitis), uterine lining (endometritis) or vagina (vaginitis) may cause spotting between periods. You may also experience pain with intercourse, lower abdominal pain, fatigue and fever. Certain sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead to irregular spotting. If left untreated, these infections may go on to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a common cause of infertility.
Cancer
According to Medline, cancer of the cervix, uterus, or (very rarely) fallopian tubes may cause bleeding between periods. It is important to have abnormal vaginal bleeding promptly evaluated by your physician.
