What is the difference in bleeding in between periods and bleeding in periods?
Bleeding during menstrual periods and in between periods are issues related to women’s health and are part of the menstrual cycle and the reproductive system. The menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days in women starting in puberty. Every girl starts her period at different ages so there is no one time for it to begin, but it is usually between the ages of 11 and 13 and the length of time between periods can vary from 21 to 28 days.
The period of reproduction is from the time a girls starts having a menstrual period, which is called menarche, to the time when the menstrual cycle comes to an end, which is called menopause. This cycle is the bleeding that occurs from the vagina when there is not fetus present for the build-up of the walls of the uterus to nourish. There may be spotting in between at about the mid-point of the cycle.
Hormones control the menstrual cycle. The Hypothalmus produces a hormone known as GnRH and the pulses of this hormone stimulate the anterior pituitary gland. This gland controls the production of the LH and FSH hormones. It is the FSH hormone that stimulates the ovary to make a follicle and it is the LH hormone that stimulates the release of the egg from the ovary. Two other hormones are produced at this time – progesterone and oestrogen. The progesterone keeps the lining of the womb intact just in case the egg is fertilized. When it is not, the progesterone releases the lining of the womb and bleeding, or menstruation, occurs. This is what causes the bleeding in periods.
Spotting can occur at other times in the menstrual cycle. This consists of drops of blood coming from the vagina. It is normal when it occurs in young women or just after having intercourse. However, if it occurs in women who are past menopause it is cause for concern. It could be a symptom of cervical, ovarian or endometrial cancer.
As a rule the blood that flows in a menstrual period doesn’t clot. However, if the flow is heavy there may be clotting. The blood should also be red. If there is discoloration, such as a brownish color, then this is also reason to consult with a doctor.
Summary
- Spotting and bleeding are normal occurrences in the menstrual cycle of females.
- Spotting is random and bleeding is regular – usually every 21 to 28 days.
- Women lose about 80-ml of blood when they have their menstrual period.
- When the blood is a different color or if spotting occurs after menopause, these are signs of another more serious illness.
- Hormonal imbalance usually causes spotting in the middle of a cycle.