Is It Normal To Be Spotting After Your Period? Why You Might Experience Spotting and a Simple Solution

You’re worried about a small amount of blood you saw after your period has ended and you’re afraid it might be a sign of something dangerous.

You hope it’s completely normal to see blood after your period and pray that there is nothing to worry about but you’re left wondering, “Is it normal to spot after a period?“

Keep reading to learn more about spotting after your period ends, such as:

• What’s considered normal
• What might be abnormal; and
• When you should seek medical attention

Table of Contents

• Should I Be Worried About Spotting After Periods?
• The Ins and Outs of Spotting After Periods
• 12 Reasons You Might Be Spotting After Periods
• Spotting After Periods: When Should I See a Doctor?
• Control Spotting Between Periods and Avoid Unnecessary Leaks with ONDRwear

Should I Be Worried About Spotting After Periods?

Spotting after your period could be completely normal — or it could not be. So how do you know when you should worry? Being concerned about spotting after periods depends on:

• The severity
• How long it lasts; and
• How often it happens 

If the spotting is mild and goes away quickly, it's probably nothing to worry about. However, if it's severe or lasts a long time, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

The Ins and Outs of Spotting After Periods

Spotting after periods is a common occurrence and usually nothing to worry about. But it can come as a surprise, especially if you are familiar with your regular monthly cycles. 

While some spotting is normal, it can come on unexpectedly, and can be alarming for someone who doesn't typically experience it.

So the question stands, is spotting normal after a period?

Because everyone’s body is different, your concern should be based on how much spotting you are experiencing and what is considered “regular” for you.

If you need peace of mind between your periods and want to protect yourself from unnecessary leaks, try ONDRwear.

12 Reasons You Might Be Spotting After Periods 

If you're like most women, you probably don't enjoy getting your period. But what's even worse is spotting after periods. 

It’s like an annoying friend that just won’t leave. Just when you think they’re gone, they return just enough to drive you crazy.

Learn about 12 reasons you might experience this frustrating problem of spotting after your period ends.

#1: Hormone Levels

According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, one of the most common reasons for spotting after your period is an imbalance in your hormone levels. This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Stress
• Poor diet; or
• Certain medications 

If you suspect that your hormone levels are out of balance, consider visiting your doctor for a blood test to rule out any imbalances.

#2: Use of Hormonal Contraception

If you've recently started using hormonal contraception, such as the birth control pill or patch, it's not uncommon to experience spotting while your body is adjusting to the new hormone levels. 

According to a study by P. Stubblefield, hormonal contraceptives can often have the following effects on the menstrual cycle: 

• Continued spotting after the menstrual cycle; or
• Suppression of the normal menstrual cycle

In most cases, the spotting will go away after a few months. If it persists, talk to your doctor about switching to a different type of contraception.

#3: Infections

A vaginal or sexually transmitted infection can sometimes cause spotting. 

If you notice you are spotting in between periods and you’re experiencing other symptoms like …

• Pain
• Itching; or
• Abnormal bleeding

… it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor to rule out or confirm any type of infection.

#4: Injuries

Injuries or trauma in or around your vagina could be a reason you might be experiencing spotting after periods.

Injuries can include vaginal tears that happen as a result of :

• Vaginal delivery during childbirth
• Sexual activity
• Pubic hair removal
• And more

Most of the time, the bleeding should stop soon after the injury occurs. If it continues for more than a week or is extremely heavy, consult your doctor for an examination.

#5: Endometriosis

One of the most common reasons you might experience spotting after your period is endometriosis. 

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause:

• Irritation
• Inflammation; and
• Scarring 

A peer-reviewed medical case study shares information about a 32-year-old woman who was asymptomatic for endometriosis except for experiencing daily spotting. As a result, she was misdiagnosed for a period of time before the doctor connected the woman’s spotting and irregular menstrual cycles to endometriosis.

Endometriosis may cause periods to be heavier or last longer than usual. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and think you might have endometriosis, talk to your doctor.

#6: Polyps

Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can form inside the uterus and often cause no symptoms at all. 

But if they do cause symptoms, the most common one is spotting or bleeding between periods.

Spotting from polyps is usually light and brownish in color, but it can also present as red or black.

#7: Inflammation or Cervical Abnormalities

In rare cases, inflammation or cervical abnormalities can cause spotting after periods.

Cervical abnormalities are more common in women who have undergone pelvic surgery or have had a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

If you experience spotting after periods and have any of these risk factors, it's important to see your doctor for a complete evaluation.

#8: Fibroids

Another common cause of spotting after periods is fibroids. 

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus, and while they're usually harmless, they can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation. 

In some cases, fibroids can also cause spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse. 

If you're concerned that you may have fibroids, talk to your doctor for confirmation and treatment options.

#9: Pregnancy

Pregnancy is by far the most common reason women spot after their periods. 

When you become pregnant, your body undergoes a lot of changes, and one of those changes is an increase in estrogen levels. This can cause your uterus to shed some of its lining, which can lead to spotting. 

If you’re pregnant and you experience spotting, it’s important to contact your doctor right away, as it could also be a sign of a miscarriage.

#10: Ectopic Pregnancy or Miscarriage

Around one in every 50 pregnancies is ectopic, which means the fetus is growing outside of the womb. 

Most often, an ectopic pregnancy happens in a fallopian tube. 

Ectopic pregnancies can’t continue like normal pregnancies. If left untreated, they can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

A report in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care states, “[Ectopic pregnancy] is a common cause of morbidity and occasionally of mortality in women of reproductive age.”

What are some common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage?

You might:

• Experience spotting
• Have heavy bleeding; or
• Feel pain in the lower abdomen

If you have these symptoms and think you might be pregnant, call your doctor right away.

#11: Cancer

While most cases of spotting after periods are no big deal, there are a few more serious situations that warrant further investigation. 

Cancer can cause both abnormal bleeding and spotting. 

Did you know that if you're over the age of 30, your risk of developing ovarian cancer goes up by 50%?

According to observations made by doctors ​​Diane Trusson and Alison Pilnick, the risk increases, even more, when there is a history of ovarian cancer in the family.

So if you know family members who have had ovarian cancer and you're experiencing a lot of spotting after periods, it would be a good idea to schedule a cancer screening for ovarian cancer.

#12: Menopause or Perimenopause

It’s normal for your period to taper off and eventually stop as you approach menopause.

You might experience:

• Lighter or heavier periods than usual
• Missed periods altogether; or 
• Spotting between periods

This process can take place over several years and is called perimenopause, which can happen between the ages of 45 and 55.

During this time, your ovaries produce less estrogen, which can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

The relationship between menopause and women experiencing spotting was well-documented in a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research.

In the study, researchers gathered data while observing the bleeding patterns of women during their menopausal transition.

The study showed that women spotted and/or experienced heavier menstrual cycles in the peri-menopausal stage.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it might be a good idea to see your doctor for an evaluation.

Spotting After Periods: When Should I See a Doctor?

Spotting after periods is not abnormal and does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with you.

However, if you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle such as ...

• An increase in bleeding or spotting; or
• An irregular menstrual cycle

... then it is best to see a doctor.

A doctor can determine if it is normal to have spotting after your period and can give you the appropriate guidance on how to manage your symptoms.

Although most times spotting or light bleeding in between periods isn’t serious, it can sometimes be a warning sign that something more severe is going on in your body.

As a precaution, seek medical attention if you have any concerns.

Control Spotting Between Periods and Avoid Unnecessary Leaks With ONDRwear

Spotting between periods is a common occurrence for many women.

However, if you're trying to minimize your leakage, there is one sure thing you can do — use ONDRwear to help avoid leaks and ensure complete control over spotting between periods.

Why ONDRwear? 

Well, they are comfortable and absorbent underwear that:

• Can fit any body type
• Help to control leaks
• Are washable and reusable
• Keep your clothes dry all day long
• Come in a variety of sizes and styles; and
• Are more affordable than disposable pads

Our brand has special absorbent layers that work together to quickly absorb any discharge and keep your underwear dry and comfortable.

With ONDRwear, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're taking the necessary steps to maintain control over your period flow and avoid unnecessary leaks.

So, next time you experience spotting between periods, reach for ONDRwear and enjoy complete control over your period flow.

Try ONDRwear today and start living life worry-free during your periods.

 The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.