Spotting Between Periods: When Is Irregular Bleeding Worth Investigating?

Irregular bleeding between periods isn’t always something to worry about. But when it occurs frequently or alongside other symptoms, it’s worth seeking treatment.

At OB/GYN North Dallas, our team of nine specialized OB/GYNs offers a range of treatments for spotting between periods. These include birth control and hormone replacement therapy. We help you understand the causes of irregular bleeding, from menopause to other conditions.

Causes of irregular bleeding

Bleeding often between periods happens for many reasons. Not every cause of irregular bleeding is a concern. But it’s usually unnerving if you experience it more than once.

Many factors can cause spotting between periods. They range from lifestyle choices to medical problems. Prevalent causes of irregular bleeding include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal birth control
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Sexually transmitted infections (STDs)
• Bleeding disorders
• Certain medications

Irregular bleeding that only lasts once or goes away on its own usually doesn’t warrant an evaluation. But if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of something more.

Signs you need treatment

Determining whether you need an evaluation for irregular bleeding isn’t always easy. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to be seen. These are signs we should investigate spotting between periods:

• Frequent spotting with no apparent cause
• Bleeding with a positive pregnancy test
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Lower abdominal pain or pelvic discomfort
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding
• Unexplained menstrual changes
• Fever or other infection signs

The sooner you get an evaluation, the quicker we can determine the cause of irregular bleeding. Whether it’s a lifestyle change or hormonal treatment, we have the tools to eliminate spotting for good.

After your evaluation, we discuss your results and recommend the next steps for your care. These may include diagnostic tests, medications, or specific treatments tailored to the cause of your irregular bleeding. 

We guide you through every stage of your care plan and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you understand your options and what to expect.

What happens next?

If you’re experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding, it’s always a good idea to get checked, especially if it’s happened more than once. At your appointment, we discuss your menstrual cycles and review any symptoms you have.

Depending on your symptoms, we may perform a pelvic exam with or without a PAP smear. This helps us rule out obvious causes. An ultrasound is usually the next step in evaluating uterine fibroids, polyps, or large ovarian cysts.

If these tests don’t provide answers, we send you for more imaging studies and blood work. If we suspect endometriosis or if other testing provides no answers, we may recommend an exploratory laparoscopy.

Your treatment depends on the root cause of the bleeding. It also depends on whether you still want to have children.

Don’t let irregular bleeding take over your life. Start by calling our Plano, Texas, office today or using our convenient online booking tool.