What is Mid-Cycle Spotting?

Mid-cycle spotting is light bleeding that may occur during ovulation, usually around days 14 to 16 of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Why Mid-Cycle Spotting Occurs

• During ovulation, estrogen levels peak. When progesterone levels are low (relative to estrogen levels), the endometrial lining may begin to shed and light spotting occurs.

Possible Causes

• Light mid-cycle bleeding may be normal and is not necessarily indicative of a serious ailment. Other possible causes of mid-cycle spotting include oral contraceptives, estrogen creams, intra-uterine devices (IUDs), eating disorders, hypoactive thyroid or high levels of insulin. These affect hormone levels within the body and this imbalance causes spotting.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the cause. When possible, eliminate the cause to prevent mid-cycle spotting. Otherwise, a physician may prescribe the lowest effective dose of progesterone or estrogen as a 2- or 3-day treatment.

Considerations

• Ovulation does not always occur on day 14. Adult menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days in length and ovulation usually occurs mid-cycle.

Warning

• Ovulation spotting is not the only reason bleeding occurs. Other possible causes of abnormal bleeding include implantation bleeding, threatened miscarriage, uterine polyps, cervical cancer or uterine cancer. If mid-cycle bleeding becomes heavy or persists, contact a physician.