Bleeding that occurs between your periods can look like light brown spotting up to a regular period flow, or even a heavy flow. The medical term known for this is called metrorrhagia. There are many different reasons why you may be bleeding between the time your period ends to when it begins. Hormonal contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives are a common cause of vaginal bleeding between periods and often occur during the first 3 months of using a new contraceptive. A few examples of contraceptives include: - Intrauterine device (IUD) - Birth control patch - Vaginal birth control ring - Contraceptive pill - Contraceptive implant If the bleeding between periods is heavier than your average period or lasts longer than 3 months, we highly recommend visiting your primary care physician for an appointment. Emergency contraception When you use emergency contraception, it can cause bleeding. This applies to both the morning after pill and the IUD. Implantation bleeding Women who become pregnant may often experience spotting which is known as implantation bleeding, this occurs when the fertilized eggs implant into the lining of your uterus. You may also feel some slight cramping occurring at this time as well. Miscarriage Bleeding between menstrual periods is an early sign of miscarriage. Miscarriage can occur at any time during a women’s pregnancy and can happen before she is even aware she is pregnant. Termination Many have experienced bleeding that occurs after termination or abortion. It can last up to several weeks after the in-clinic procedure, or if you took an abortion pill. The bleeding that occurs can be quite heavy, seek out medical advice if you feel it is abnormally heavy. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginal bleeding. Injury If the skin or tissue that is within the vagina becomes damaged, it can begin to bleed. For many, it can happen due to penetrative sex. This most likely occurs when the vagina is dry. Menopause or Perimenopause Perimenopause is what leads up to menopause, and bleeding can occur at this stage. Often this stage can last up to 10 years before the hormone levels in your body change. After perimenopause comes menopause. This on average occurs between the ages of 45 to 55 in women. This is noted when a woman does not have her period for up to 1 year. Polyps that have developed in the cervix or vagina Polyps are known as small growths that develop in the cervix or the vagina. Polyps can often cause bleeding and may need to be removed by a healthcare professional. Certain cancers Usually bleeding between periods is usually not a cause for concern; however, it can be a symptom of certain cancers including cervical cancer. Polycystic ovarian syndrome Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which irregular periods, as well as some bleeding between periods, occurs. Other symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include fertility issues, oily skin, weight gain, and acne. Endometriosis or adenomyosis Chronic conditions that can affect the uterus include endometriosis or adenomyosis. These conditions can also cause painful menstruation periods and cramping between periods.