Can You Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?
You may be wondering whether irregular periods during perimenopause mean you can no longer get pregnant. Learn why pregnancy is still possible as you near menopause and how to navigate the transition.
Bleeding Between Periods: What’s Normal and What’s Not
It's easy to worry when you notice unexpected spotting on your underwear or toilet paper. While many minor factors can trigger light bleeding between your periods, understanding what your body is trying to tell you is key to maintaining your reproductive health.
Spotting between your regular cycles can happen for many reasons.
Gabriela A. Olaru, MD, and our experienced team at V Care OB/GYN in the Upper East Side of New York City, specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of menstrual disorders. We work closely with you to evaluate any abnormal bleeding, find the root cause, and provide personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment.
What causes bleeding between periods?
Bleeding between periods, clinically known as metrorrhagia, can stem from several different sources. While many causes are harmless, any unexpected vaginal bleeding warrants a professional medical evaluation.
Common culprits include:
Uterine fibroids or polyps
Benign growths such as uterine fibroids or polyps can cause spotting between periods.
Hormonal contraceptives
If you’ve just started a hormonal contraceptive — such as the pill, a contraceptive implant, patch, injection, or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) — you may experience spotting during the first three months of use.
Perimenopause
When spotting occurs at the end of your reproductive years, it may be related to hormones. As you age, your hormone levels start to change, which can result in a thickening of the lining of your uterus. This can result in prolonged absence of bleeding or more frequent episodes of irregular bleeding.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
Formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PMOS often prevents regular ovulation. As a result, progesterone levels stay low, causing the uterine lining to build up unevenly and shed unexpectedly with light bleeding.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Several STIs can cause spotting between periods, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
Certain gynecological cancers
These include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, which are rare causes of bleeding between periods.
When should you see a doctor?
You should schedule an appointment if your spotting is accompanied by pelvic pain, if you experience heavy flow, or if it occurs after intercourse. If you’ve already gone through menopause, any bleeding requires immediate evaluation.
Our team offers comprehensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. We use advanced diagnostics to ensure you get an accurate assessment.
You don't have to navigate cycle irregularities alone. To get clear answers and expert care, contact V Care OB/GYN to schedule an appointment with our team today.
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