Bleeding Between Periods
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Bleeding between periods
Bloody vaginal discharge
Bleeding after menopause
Implantation bleeding
Brown spotting between periods
Bleeding after period ends
Bleeding 2 weeks after period
About the Symptom
Bleeding that occurs in between a normal menstrual cycle. Irregular and unpredictable period bleeding is considered abnormal and should be investigated.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Lower abdominal pain
- Menstrual abnormality (duration or volume)
- Low back pain
- Fever
Possible Causes
Generally, Bleeding between periods can be related to:
- Ovulation Bleeding
Ovulation is the process when the ovary releases an egg as part of the normal female reproductive cycle. It typically happens in the middle of a menstrual cycle (about 2 weeks after the end of the period). At the time of ovulation, some women may feel some cramping or lower abdominal pain that resolves by itself. This is called mid-cycle pain (mittelschmerz), and it can occasionally cause some mild bleeding or spotting along with it. If there is no other cause for the pain or bleeding, this is not considered to be harmful.
- Uterine Cancer
The vast majority of women develop post-menopausal bleeding as their first symptom of uterine cancer or cancer of the womb. Risk factors include age, with most cases appearing after menopause, a history of estrogen-only hormone treatment, and obesity. Diagnosis is after a pelvic exam, ultrasound, biopsy and other scans to determine whether the cancer has spread.
- Cesarean Scar Syndrome
This complication occurs in women who have had a cesarean section and the muscle layer of the uterus fails to heal properly in that area. Another name for this condition is cesarean scar defect or uterine niche. It can in some cases cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain, and infertility.
- Cervical Cancer
- Hydatidiform Mole
- Luteal Insufficiency
- Atrophic Vaginitis
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Bleeding between periods may be related to these serious diseases:
- Placental Abruption
This is a condition during pregnancy where the placenta separates from the uterus before the fetus is born. Since the placenta is rich in blood supply and provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, separation can result in significant vaginal bleeding and cut off oxygen supply to the fetus, endangering both mother and child. Common causes include abdominal trauma in pregnancy such as being in a motor vehicle accident or falling on your abdomen. Other causes are also possible. Symptoms typically include vaginal bleeding and abdominal or pelvic pain similar to contractions. Any such concerns in pregnancy should seek emergency care.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Sexual Trauma
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you experienced any vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge outside of your period?
- When did you first notice vaginal bleeding or discolored discharge outside of your period?
- How often do you experience vaginal bleeding or discolored discharge outside of your period?
- How is your vaginal bleeding or discolored discharge outside of your period now?
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Blood in my discharge when outside of my period
- Vaginal bleeding other than menstruation
- Bleeding from my vagina between periods
- Bleeding when I'm not on my period
- Genital bleeding not on my period
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FAQs
Q.
Is It Implantation Bleeding? Why You’re Spotting Early & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Light, short-lived pink or brown spotting about 6 to 12 days after ovulation can be implantation bleeding, but it is less common than many expect and often mistaken for an early period. There are several factors to consider, including timing, flow, and symptoms; test on the first day of a missed period and seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, or shoulder pain. See below for complete, medically approved next steps and key details that could change what you do next.
References:
* Koopman C, Bleiberg B, Peleg D, Melnikov S. Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Mar 15;103(6):353-360. PMID: 33720760.
* Vathanan V, Lumsden MA, van der Spuy ZM. Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy: a practical guide. BJOG. 2018 Sep;125(10):e1-e11. PMID: 29969677.
* Jurkovic D, Overton C, Bender-Atik R. Early pregnancy assessment and management of bleeding and pain. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2013 Aug;27(4):593-605. PMID: 23746682.
* Gulumser C, Akyol D, Duran B. The incidence and clinical significance of self-reported bleeding during early pregnancy. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018 Dec 28;19(4):203-207. PMID: 30295610.
* Cheah PP, Tang MI, Sivalingam VN, Tan PC. The role of the early pregnancy assessment unit in the diagnosis and management of early pregnancy complications. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Oct;58(5):490-495. PMID: 29388145.
Q.
Implantation Bleeding: Signs for Women 30-45 & Vital Next Steps
A.
Implantation bleeding in women 30 to 45 is usually light pink or brown spotting 6 to 12 days after ovulation, a few days before a missed period, lasting only hours to 1 to 2 days without increasing flow. If you are in this age range, consider other common causes like perimenopause, fibroids, thyroid problems, or birth control effects, take a pregnancy test when your period is late or at least 14 days after ovulation, and seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic or shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting. There are several factors to consider; key differences from a period, timing tips, and vital next steps and red flags are detailed below.
References:
* Harville, E. W., Wilcox, A. J., Baird, D. D., & Weinberg, C. R. (2003). Predictors of first-trimester bleeding in a prospective cohort study. *Human Reproduction*, 18(1), 183-189.
* Bor, P., Dhaese, R., & Denckels, W. (2020). First trimester bleeding in women with an intrauterine pregnancy: A literature review. *European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X*, 7, 100096.
* Barnhart, K. T., Sammel, M. D., Rinaudo, P., & Takacs, P. (2003). First trimester bleeding: a review of the etiology and significance. *Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey*, 58(9), 619-627.
* Committee on Practice Bulletins—Obstetrics. (2018). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 200: Early Pregnancy Loss. *Obstetrics & Gynecology*, 132(5), e197-e207.
* Rostin, S., & von Dadelszen, P. (2016). Management of common symptoms and complaints during pregnancy. *Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology*, 36, 1-13.
Q.
Brown Discharge but No Period—Pregnancy, Ovulation, or Something Else?
A.
There are several factors to consider; brown discharge without a period is usually old blood and can stem from implantation or early pregnancy, ovulation spotting, recent birth control changes, perimenopause, infections, or less commonly fibroids, polyps, or other uterine or cervical conditions. Watch for red flags like heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever or foul odor, dizziness or fainting, or one sided pelvic pain with pregnancy, and see below for exact timelines, when to test for pregnancy or STIs, how to track symptoms, and other details that can guide your next steps.
References:
Munro MG, Critchley HOD, Broder MS, & Fraser IS. (2011). The FIGO systems for normal and abnormal uterine bleedin… Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 25907116.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2008). Definitions in reproductive medicine: abnormal uterine bleedin… Fertil Steril, 18480389.
Castera L, Foucher J, Bernard PH, Carvalho F, Allaix D, Merrouche W, Couzigou P, & de Ledinghen V. (2005). Prospective comparison of transient elastography, FibroTest… Gastroenterology, 16023524.
Q.
For Teens: Brown Discharge but No Period—Is It Normal?
A.
It is usually normal and simply old menstrual blood, especially in the first years of periods; common causes include anovulatory cycles, normal hormone shifts, birth control changes, implantation spotting if sexually active, mild infections, and less commonly PCOS or thyroid issues. There are several factors to consider, and warning signs like heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, strong odor, or spotting over 7 days should prompt care. See complete details below for what to track, possible tests and treatments, and how to choose the right next steps.
References:
Frishman GN, & Johnson PN. (2016). The evaluation and management of adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding… Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 27507604.
Tapper EB, & Lok AS. (2017). Transient elastography for the assessment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis… Hepatology, 28318460.
Bosch J, & Abraldes JG. (2015). Diagnosis and management of cirrhosis and its complications… Journal of Hepatology, 25594860.
Q.
Why am I spotting 1 week after my period?
A.
One week after your period ends is the time of ovulation or release of an egg. You may get some lighter bleeding due to hormonal shifts that happen after your period.
References:
Sweet MG, Schmidt-Dalton TA, Weiss PM, Madsen KP. Evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jan 1;85(1):35-43. PMID: 22230306.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
ACOG Patient FAQ - Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleedingMenstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-signDavis E, Sparzak PB. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [Updated 2022 Sep 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/