Bleeding when not on your period means having vaginal bleeding at times other than during a normal menstrual cycle. This kind of bleeding could be caused by many factors including hormonal imbalances, pregnancy complications, infections, uterine growths like fibroids or polyps, changes in medication, stress, or even more serious conditions such as cancer. It could be light spotting or heavier bleeding. Common causes include:
- Hormonal imbalance affecting estrogen and progesterone levels
- Pregnancy-related issues like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Infections of reproductive organs
- Growths in uterus or cervix such as fibroids or polyps
- Side effects of hormonal contraceptives
- Stress or significant weight changes
- Rarely, cancers of reproductive organs
If you experience bleeding outside of your period, especially if heavy or recurrent, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause and get appropriate treatment. This is crucial if bleeding occurs after sex, during pregnancy, or after menopause. Keeping a record of symptoms and timing can help in diagnosis.
