By Dr. Richard Zeng (Acupuncturist Melbourne TCM Doctor)

When 31-year-old Sarah arrived at Almond Wellness Centre, acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic in Coburg, she was understandably anxious. She had been trying to conceive for over a year.

Her primary concern?

She appeared to be having two periods every month.

Sarah’s cycles were so short that her “first” period would last five days with normal flow, followed by a second “period” just a few days later. This second bout of bleeding was lighter, accompanied by clear, stretchy discharge and a sharp, pulling sensation in her lower abdomen.

By analysing her Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and using ovulation tracking, we discovered that Sarah wasn’t having two periods. She was experiencing ovulation bleeding – and because she assumed it was a period, she was avoiding intercourse during her most fertile window.

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So, What is Ovulation Bleeding?

Ovulation bleeding is light bleeding or spotting that occurs during ovulation.

The exact cause of ovulation bleeding is not clear, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels that occur during ovulation. The surge in oestrogen and luteinising hormone that triggers ovulation can cause some women to experience spotting or light bleeding.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks even deeper into the energetic shifts of the cycle.

The TCM Perspective: Yin, Yang, and the Chong/Ren Vessels

In Chinese Medicine, the menstrual cycle is a rhythmic dance between Yin and Yang. Ovulation marks the pivotal transition where Yin reaches its peak and transforms into Yang.

When a patient experiences ovulation bleeding, it often signals a “disharmony of the transition.” Key TCM patterns include:

Kidney Yin Deficiency: If Yin is insufficient, it cannot clear the “Empty Heat” that arises during the mid-cycle transition. This heat can destabilize the Chong and Ren vessels (the “Sea of Blood” and “Conception Vessel”), causing blood to leave its path prematurely.
Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao: Lingering dampness or heat can obstruct the flow of Qi, leading to mid-cycle spotting accompanied by the “stretchy” mucus or “ovulation pain” Sarah experienced.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: If the Spleen Qi is too weak to “hold” the blood within the vessels during the energetic surge of ovulation, spotting can occur.

Does Ovulation Bleeding Affect Fertility?

Ovulation bleeding is generally not a concern; however, it may affect chances of getting pregnant naturally. For instance, Sarah thought that she was having period. She avoided having intercourse during that period time, therefore missed her fertile windows and had difficulty to get pregnant.

How We Support Hormonal Balance

At our Coburg and Ringwood clinics, we use a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate the Chong and Ren vessels, and help fertility.

For Sarah, we focused on:

Nourishing Kidney Yin to cool the blood and provide a smooth transition into the luteal phase.
Strengthening the Spleen to ensure the vessels could properly contain the blood.
Regulating Qi to resolve the sharp ovulation pain.

After a few months of treatment, Sarah’s mid-cycle spotting ceased. With her “fertile window” now clear, she was able to time intercourse correctly. Within three months, she successfully became pregnant.

FAQs About Mid-Cycle Spotting

Is ovulation bleeding the same as an irregular period?

No. A period is the shedding of the uterine lining. Ovulation bleeding is a hormonal “blip” occurring mid-cycle, usually around Day 14–16.

How can I tell the difference?

Tracking your BBT is essential. A true period is preceded by a drop in temperature, while ovulation bleeding occurs right as the temperature begins to rise.

Can acupuncture stop mid-cycle spotting?

Yes. By balancing the Yin/Yang transition and supporting Kidney essence, acupuncture helps stabilize the hormones responsible for mid-cycle changes.

Start Your Journey to Balanced Health

If you are experiencing “two periods in one month” or struggle with cycle irregularities, don’t let it stand in the way of your fertility goals. At Almond Wellness Centre, we combine 30 years of clinical experience with traditional wisdom to help Melbourne families achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Book a Consultation at our Coburg or Ringwood Clinic Today

Having Two Periods in One Month? It May Be Ovulation Bleeding