When Spotting is Normal

Hormonal fluctuations
Most of the time, spotting has a benign cause that is related to hormonal fluctuations, especially during ovulation. Some women experience cramps, lethargy and get a vaginal discharge that can include blood, while others feel nothing at all.

Spotting is common during the first few years of menstruation and among breast-feeding women. And if you are age 40 or older, abnormal vaginal bleeding may mean that you are entering perimenopause.

Contraceptive use
Sometimes, contraceptives can cause vaginal bleeding. Minor bleeding between periods can occur within the first few months of starting on oral contraceptives. You also may have bleeding if you do not take your pills at a regular time each day. If you're using an intrauterine device (IUD), it may also increase your chances of spotting or heavy periods.

Stress and Injury
Extreme emotional stress and excessive exercise can cause abnormal bleeding, although an absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) is more common for the latter. Vaginal injury caused during intercourse can also result in spotting between cycles.