What Causes Spotting Between Periods?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Spotting between periods has multiple causes, from hormonal fluctuations to underlying medical conditions. The most common causes include hormonal birth control adjustments, ovulation bleeding (affecting 5% of women), stress, and dramatic weight changes. Medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and uterine fibroids can also trigger irregular bleeding. Certain medications, including blood thinners and some antidepressants, may cause spotting as a side effect. While occasional light spotting is often normal, persistent or heavy intermenstrual bleeding lasting more than three cycles warrants medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions like cervical or endometrial abnormalities.
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