Category: CycleClinical Profile
Spotting
Irregular bleeding or brown spotting between active period days.
Biological Mechanism
Due to fluctuating estrogen dropping below the threshold needed to maintain the structural integrity of the endometrium, leading to 'breakthrough' shedding. Also a common side effect when adjusting to HRT or continuous progesterone.
Common Misdiagnoses
Cervical or endometrial pathology (MUST be ruled out)
Evidence-Based Treatments
- 01Clinical investigation
Any new spotting in midlife requires an ultrasound and possible biopsy to rule out hyperplasia.
- 02Progesterone cycling
Regulates the withdrawal bleed to prevent random spotting.