Why Do I Bleed Between Menstrual Cycles?

Vaginal bleeding in between menstrual cycles is distressing and usually a symptom of a bigger problem.

There are various possibilities that may be causing vaginal bleeding, however for pre-pubescent girls and post-menopausal women, vaginal bleeding is an emergency situation. In such cases they must contact a healthcare provider immediately.

In the meantime, you should also get checked by a doctor if you are bleeding while between your periods.

What are normal menstrual cycles?

Normal menstruation cycles last for about 5-7 days. It may look like you have lost a lot of blood, but in reality it usually measures up to only three to eight tablespoon. Even if a bleeding cycle generally occurs on an average every 28 days, it can be anywhere in 21 to 35 days which is normal.

Most women get to know the timing and other details regarding their menstruation cycle after experiencing few years of menstruating.

So, what are the causes of bleeding between menstrual cycle?

Some women may witness spotting during ovulating which is common.

Although the reason behind bleeding between periods may vary across diverse individual’s health and lifestyles, the below are some of the most common causes:

• Implantation bleeding [ which means you are pregnant]

• Miscarriage

• Due to hormonal fluctuations

• Missing/ stopping/ starting birth control – combined contraceptives like Ovral or Loette which have estrogen and progestin

• Abortion

• IUDs

• Stress

• Lower levels of thyroid

• Vagina injury or uterine fibroids

• Malignant tumor/cancer

• Vaginal dryness/ undiagnosed infections

• Certain gynecological procedures or drugs like anti-coagulants

Some recommended solutions for irregular vaginal bleeding

You may be recommended to take bed rest if the bleeding between your periods was heavy. You can use your periods cycle calendar to note down the number of tampons or sanitary pads you spent.

This data can help your healthcare provider determine if you are bleeding excessively.

Unless your doctor specifically advices you otherwise, it is better to avoid taking aspirin while you are on your periods. This is because aspirin can thin the blood which may cause the bleeding to last longer and flow more heavily.

You may have to submit your full medical history when you visit a healthcare provider or diagnosis of irregular spotting between menstruation cycles.

Also you must expect to have a pelvic exam including a pap smear if you haven’t done one recently.

Be prepared to answer following questions about your bleeding –

• How long have you experienced irregular bleeding during the gap between periods?

• Has it been happening every month, or sporadically or is it the first time?

• Does anything make the bleeding better or worse?

• When did the irregular bleeding begin during the periods and how long did it last?

• Does it bleed more with increased physical activity?

• Do you have menstrual cramps while bleeding between periods?

Furthermore, your healthcare provider may also ask you about your stress levels and if you experiencing increased bruising, pelvic pain, trouble in swallowing or burning/painful sensation while urinating.

It is advised to also tell your doctor about any prescription or OTC drugs you may be taking.

#loette #birthcontrol #abortion #miscarriage #periods #menstrualcycle