What should you know about spotting in between menstrual cycles?

Spotting is lighter than a usual period and may look pink, brown, or red. Hormonal contraception, missed doses, emergency contraception, ovulation, pregnancy, and perimenopause can alter bleeding. Cervical irritation or chlamydia may contribute, while polyps and fibroids can cause bleeding from the uterus. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with abnormal bleeding; however, spotting does not identify the cause by itself.

A clinician will consider your age, pregnancy possibility, cycle pattern, contraception, medicines, sexual health, and associated symptoms. A single brief episode and a repeated pattern may lead to different next steps.

Keep a simple record of period dates, spotting days, amount, colour, pain, discharge, and any changes in contraception or medicines. Test for pregnancy when it is possible. Book a routine appointment for new, repeated, prolonged, or post-sex bleeding. Assessment may involve a pregnancy test, infection testing, a cervical examination, or further investigation based on your symptoms.

Get urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, major dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. If pregnancy is possible, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, or increasing bleeding needs immediate assessment. Seek timely review when bleeding occurs after menopause or keeps returning.

Ask what may be changing your cycle, whether you need pregnancy or infection testing, whether cervical screening is due, and which warning signs require same-day care.