Bleeding outside the normal period is also called spotting or spotting. This is bleeding that occurs outside of the monthly female cycle. Such bleeding, known as metrorrhagia, is not necessarily a cause for concern. Intermediate bleeding can occur as a result of unusual stress or due to a change in climate. In general, bleeding outside the rule should be clarified by a gynecologist. Intermediate bleeding is similar in blood color to a menstrual period, whereas spotting is more brownish.
Table of Contents
- Between bleeding and spotting
- causes
- ovulation
- Implantation bleeding
- pregnancy
- The pill”
- Hormone disorders
- Contact bleeding
- Thyroid disorders
- diabetes
- Liver dysfunction
- Inflammation
- Tumors, polyps, fibroids
- Examination and therapy
- Naturopathic treatment
- Final word
causes
The most diverse causes are possible for bleeding outside the rule. A medical examination with a detailed medical history, laboratory examinations and an ultrasound examination can determine the exact cause in most cases.
In some women, so-called intermenstrual bleeding occurs between menstrual periods. The causes are usually harmless, but in the worst case can also be a serious illness. (Image: andriano_cz / fotolia.com)
ovulation
Not every woman feels that ovulation is the same. One does not notice him at all and the other complains of so-called middle pain, possibly together with an ovulation bleeding. This is harmless, but can also be treated with the help of naturopathy .
Implantation bleeding
An implantation bleeding (nidation bleeding) also belongs to the bleeding outside the rule. This can, but does not have to take place, about five to seven days after implantation of the fertilized egg (beginning of pregnancy). This is due to small blood vessels that can bleed a little. This bleeding outside the rule is easy, i.e. weaker than the menstrual bleeding. It resembles spotting and is usually dark red to brownish. The duration is different. It lasts for about one to three days and can be accompanied by pain.
pregnancy
Bleeding outside the rule, which occurs during pregnancy, does not necessarily have to be threatening, but should definitely be clarified immediately.
If bleeding appears during pregnancy, it should be urgently examined by a doctor. (Image: auremar / fotolia.com)
The pill”
Undesirable intermenstrual bleeding may occur while taking the pill. For example, if the pill was started again or the preparation was changed. This can also happen with irregular intake. In addition, the menstrual bleeding can indicate that the prescribed pill does not suit the woman and that another preparation may have to be taken.
Hormone disorders
Hormone disorders can lead to bleeding outside the normal range. A spotting that occurs two to three days before the desired menstrual period indicates a yellow body deficiency. A spotting after menstruation suggests a lack of estradiol (the most important of the three “estrogens”: estradiol, estrone, estriol). In the menopause, the woman gets into a “mess of hormones”. This can also lead to intermediate or spotting. Bleeding or spotting is also possible during puberty, until the girls’ cycle has really settled in.
Contact bleeding
Bleeding outside of the normal period can occur as contact bleeding. These are bleeding after sexual intercourse or in connection with a gynecological examination or by wearing a spiral. The mucous membrane, which is located near the cervix, bleeds. This is very thin and the vessels that supply the mucous membrane are very close to the surface. Contact bleeding mostly affects young women. Often this symptom goes away on its own, without any treatment. However, the contact bleeding should definitely be clarified gynecologically.
Thyroid disorders
Existing hypothyroidism can, but does not have to, lead to cycle disorders, such as bleeding outside the normal range. Both the thyroid and the ovaries are regulated by the same control centers (hypothalamus and pituitary). Example: The autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis , which causes hypothyroidism in the course of the disease , affects the whole body and also the sex hormones. If these are not in equilibrium, intermediate bleeding or spotting may occur.
Even with an overactive thyroid gland , which is accompanied by weight loss, increased thirst, restlessness , sensitivity to heat and palpitations, menstrual cycle disorders in the form of bleeding may occur outside of the rule, up to the absence of the period (amenorrhea).
diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the entire organism and can also negatively affect a woman’s normal cycle.
Liver dysfunction
Liver dysfunction also affects the entire metabolism, but also affects the release of hormones. This can lead to irregular bleeding or even complete absence of the rule.
Inflammation
Bleeding outside the rule can be associated with inflammation of the cervix. Those affected suffer from yellowish discharge. If pain and fever are added, this can indicate inflammation of the uterus. The causes for this are, for example, chlamydia, gonococci and streptococci, which cut their way from the vagina to the uterus.
Tumors, polyps, fibroids
Polyps or fibroids in the uterus can cause bleeding outside the rule. A fibroid is a benign growth in the muscle layer of the uterus. A polyp in the uterus is a benign tumor consisting of endometrial cells.
Cancer can also cause bleeding outside the rule, especially if the period is long past, so the woman is already beyond the menopause. Such sudden bleeding must be examined as soon as possible.
Different forms of ulcers and polyps in the area of the uterus can also lead to bleeding between periods. (Image: nmfotograf / fotolia.com)
Examination and therapy
Bleeding outside the rule that occurs once, such as due to psychological stress or climate change, is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if bleeding occurs more often, this should be clarified urgently by a gynecologist. Bleeding after the menopause should always be a reason for a specialist examination.
The gynecologist will examine the affected woman closely after a detailed medical history. Laboratory examinations and an MRI or CT may be necessary. Underlying diseases that trigger the bleeding are treated with the appropriate means.
Naturopathic treatment
In the event of bleeding outside the rule, a visit to the doctor is necessary before naturopathic treatment can be given to a naturopath. Serious illnesses must be excluded.
If the cause of the bleeding is a hormonal imbalance, the therapist can order a saliva hormone test in which the various hormones such as progesterone and estradiol are tested. Based on the findings, bio-identical hormones or plants from phytotherapy are prescribed. For example, the lady’s mantle has a hormonally balancing effect. Chaste tree is used to strike a balance between estrogen and progesterone. The silver candle, hops and fenugreek have a very gentle estrogen-like effect.
Among the medicinal plants, lady’s mantle has proven to be particularly effective against hormonal bleeding. (Image: LianeM / fotolia.com)
Hormonal disorders are also often treated with acupuncture in naturopathy . Reflexology therapy is also a good way to balance the hormonal situation. For your part, thyroid disorders must of course be clarified by a doctor. However, naturopathic therapy can also serve well with conventional medicine. Inflammation can also be treated well with phytotherapy, homeopathy and with Schüßler salts .
Liver dysfunction naturally belongs in medical hands. However, milk thistle for the liver, for example, can do a lot of good. This plant is prescribed in the form of tea, in capsules or in drops.
In case of contact bleeding, if previously checked gynecologically, depending on the cause, plants such as lady’s mantle, shepherd’s purse, yarrow and tin herb help. The moderate pain, which often occurs in connection with bleeding, responds quite well to the following medicinal plants: lady’s mantle against the cramp-like pain and bleeding, gooseberries for cramps, yarrow for pain and bleeding.
Final word
Bleeding outside the rule should always be taken seriously. They don’t have to mean anything bad, but – especially if they occur repeatedly – you should definitely check with a doctor. It’s better to clarify too often than not enough!
