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    Flow & bleeding

    Spotting between periods: what it means

    Spotting is light bleeding outside your normal period — a few spots of pink or brown, not enough for a proper pad. It's common and usually harmless, but because it can occasionally point to something that needs treatment, it's worth knowing the usual causes and the signs that mean 'get this checked'.

    Emmenia editorial3 min readReviewed 22 August 2026

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    Heavy bleeding is measurable — and worth measuring.

    Any bleeding after menopause (12+ months with no period), bleeding after sex, or spotting with severe pain or fever should be checked by a clinician promptly.

    Common reasons for spotting between periods

    1. Ovulation

      A little spotting mid-cycle, around the time you ovulate, is common and usually harmless. Tracking when it happens against your cycle helps you recognise it for what it is.

    2. Hormonal contraception

      Breakthrough bleeding is common in the first few months of starting or switching the pill, implant, injection or IUD, and after a missed pill. It usually settles; mention it if it doesn't.

    3. Early pregnancy

      Light spotting can happen in early pregnancy, including around the time a period would be due. If there's any chance you're pregnant, take a test — and seek advice for spotting with pain.

    4. Perimenopause

      As cycles become less regular in the run-up to menopause, spotting between periods is common. Bleeding after a full year with no period, though, always needs checking.

    5. Infections or growths

      Some infections (including STIs), polyps or fibroids can cause spotting, sometimes after sex. These are treatable, which is exactly why persistent spotting is worth a clinician's look rather than waiting it out.

    6. Missed pills, stress or thyroid changes

      Disruptions to your routine or hormones — a stressful stretch, big travel, thyroid shifts — can nudge extra bleeding. A pattern over several cycles is more meaningful than a one-off.

    Common questions

    Is spotting between periods normal?
    Occasional light spotting — especially around ovulation or in the first months on a new contraceptive — is common and usually harmless. Regular, heavy, or persistent spotting is worth getting checked.
    What colour is spotting usually?
    Anywhere from pink to red to brown. Brown usually just means older blood. Colour alone doesn't tell you the cause — the timing, amount and any other symptoms matter more, which is why tracking helps.
    When should I see a doctor about spotting?
    See a clinician for spotting that's persistent or heavy, bleeding after sex, spotting with pain, fever or unusual discharge, any bleeding after menopause, or if you might be pregnant.

    Keep reading

    Menopause transition

    Am I in perimenopause? 8 early signs

    Mood & PMDD

    PMDD vs PMS: how to tell the difference

    Flow & bleeding

    Is my period too heavy? When to see a doctor

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    This guide is general educational information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak to a clinician about severe, worsening or unusual symptoms.