Only spotting during periods: what to know

Light bleeding can happen when ovulation or hormone levels change, after starting or missing hormonal contraception, during perimenopause, or with stress, illness, weight change, or intense exercise. Pregnancy can also cause bleeding and should be considered when it is possible.

Other explanations include cervical irritation, Chlamydia, polyps, fibroids, or changes in the cervix or womb lining. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with abnormal bleeding, but spotting does not tell you which condition is present. A pattern that is new, persistent, or associated with pain needs review.

Track when the spotting occurs, how long it lasts, its colour, relation to sex, missed contraception, and other symptoms. Take a pregnancy test when relevant and arrange a clinician appointment if this is a new pattern, keeps recurring, or follows a missed period. Bring a list of medicines and contraception.

The assessment may include an examination, pregnancy test, infection testing, cervical screening review, or ultrasound. The right test depends on age, pregnancy possibility, symptoms, and examination findings.

Get urgent help for severe or one-sided pelvic pain, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. These warning signs can require prompt assessment. Seek timely review for bleeding after sex, foul-smelling discharge, or symptoms that are worsening.

Ask what could explain the change, whether pregnancy or infection testing is needed, and whether your cervical screening is up to date. Ask which bleeding pattern should prompt urgent care and when to return if spotting continues.