Abnormal Bleeding For Women

Unexpected Bleeding or Spotting? Make an Appointment with Your OB-GYN Today.

Every woman has been there, simply experiencing some unexpected bleeding or perhaps miscalculating your monthly menstruation cycle. The reality is that spotting and breakthrough bleeding is extremely common. Many factors can cause you to bleed-off cycle, and most of them are not a cause for concern. For example, spotting can be related to early pregnancy or birth control pills.

An unexpected trickle of blood could mean new life or an end to this month's fertility —either way, it's important to react immediately. Contact Gwinnett, the best obstetricians in Snellville. In some cases, breakthrough bleeding may be a sign of a medical issue that requires evaluation and treatment. If you are seeing bleeding between periods and aren't sure why — especially if accompanied by pain or other symptoms — get in touch with your OB-GYN. At Gwinnett OB-GYN you can make an appointment online or call our Snellville, GA office at (770) 972 - 0330.

Bleeding or spotting is not usually a cause for concern. Normal vaginal bleeding, also known as your period, can happen for a few days to a week. A period usually lasts between 2 and 7 days and occurs monthly. However, periods are different for every woman. A woman's menstrual cycle continues between the first day of one period and the first day of the next. This cycle typically lasts between 25 and 30 days but can be longer or shorter. Any bleeding outside of this is considered abnormal and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Top Things to Know

• Spotting is any bleeding that occurs outside of your menstrual period.
• Light bleeding at the beginning or end of your period is not spotting.
• Spotting can be a side effect of your hormonal contraceptive.
• Any unexplained spotting should be addressed with your healthcare provider.

Periods Are Different For Every Woman

Rest assured experiencing bleeding or spotting between periods is usually not a cause for concern. Your menstrual cycle is vital to be aware of, but don't fret if irregular bleeding or spotting occurs. In most cases, there is no cause for concern if vaginal bleeding happens between periods.

Vaginal bleeding between periods is usually not a cause for concern. Spotting is when the blood flow is light. If the blood flow is light and creates spots rather than a heavy flow, it is called 'spotting.'  When this happens, it is common for a person may notice light brown spotting. Bleeding between periods refers to bleeding occurring after your period ends, or before your next period begins. Spotting is very different from persistent bleeding. If you're experiencing persistent, heavy, or prolonged bleeding make an appointment to get it checked out and find out why Gwinnett OB/GYN is the best in Snellville.

Possible Factors for Abnormal Bleeding

Bleeding between periods or abnormal bleeding can be caused by a range of factors, including hormonal changes, injury, or an underlying health condition. Irregular bleeding between periods is also called intermenstrual bleeding, spotting, or metrorrhagia. When bleeding occurs between regular periods, there are many possible causes.

Common reasons for spotting between periods include:

1. Hormonal Imbalance Hormone-based birth control can affect your hormone balance and cause hormonal changes that cause spotting. When starting any hormonal contraceptive, abnormal bleeding is common during the first three months. Progesterone and estrogen are the two hormones that regulate your cycle. You may have spotted if they get out of balance from starting or stopping hormone-based birth control. These hormone-based contraceptives include:
   • Birth control pills
   • Intrauterine device
   • Contraceptive patch
   • Contraceptive implant or injection
2. Early Pregnancy Many women experience spotting in the early weeks, also known as the first trimester, of pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding, which causes spotting during pregnancy. It occurs during the first trimester when a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, known as implantation. This light implantation bleeding can be mistaken for a menstrual period and therefore not realize she is pregnant. You can learn more about this on our article about prenatal prevention month.
3. Infections or Physical Conditions Infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can be another possible cause of spotting or breakthrough bleeding in between periods. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia. Another factor may be physical conditions such as fibroids or polyps. They are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the lining or muscle of the uterus, which can cause spotting. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus, typically in women who have already given birth.
4. Perimenopause For women over 40 years of age, as you get closer to menopause, your periods might be harder to predict. The lining of your uterus gets thicker, and your hormone level changes. This can sometimes lead to spotting.

When to Call Your OB/GYN

Make an appointment with one of the gynecologists if spotting concerns you, or if you have spots along with the following symptoms:

• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Fever
• Symptoms that continue to get worse or happen more often
• Any vaginal bleeding — including spotting — after you've gone through menopause