Q: What are the possible causes of spotting?
A: There are many possible reasons for spotting, which can best be assessed by an examination by your doctor:
- Anovulation (unopposed estrogen)
- Ovulation bleeding
- Low progesterone: Shortened or prolonged corpus luteum life span; abnormal relative ratio of estrogen to progesterone
- Implantation bleeding
- Cervical infection
- Pregnancy (intrauterine or ectopic)
- Endometrial polyp
- Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
- Beginning or stopping hormones (for example, oral contraceptives, progesterone)
- Stress
- IUDs
- Trauma or injury to the vagina or cervix
- Cancer (vagina, cervix, endometrium, ovary)
- Certain drugs (for example, anticoagulants)
- Vaginal dryness
- After gynecological procedures (HSG, laparoscopy, biopsy, D&C, cervical cauterization)
Read More:
Why Am I Not Ovulating?
When Am I Most Fertile?
Pregnancy Symptoms: Early Signs You May Be Pregnant