Running and spotting or starting period

Posted , 5 users are following.

Does anyone else find that they spot if they exercise - or that their period is more likely to come on while they are exercising?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes, me! This has made my life hell for the past 6 months.

    ?Started spotting during ovulation but then it would also happen at other times of the month, sometimes more than spotting and definitely made worse by running! I used to run 3-4 times a week, was ready for a half marathon and also went to the gym twice and now I won't do any of it because I find it so upsetting.

    ?GP thought it was perimenopause but still referred me for some tests. Ultrasound revealed a fibroid and possibly a polyp so I was then referred to see a specialist. I went last week and they tried to put a camera up and have a look but due to my oddly shaped cervix and also the fibroid, she couldn't get full access to have a look. I have been worried sick for months now although everyone keeps saying it's probably hormones or the fibroid and/or polyp. They managed to take a sample for biopsy to rule out nasties but I also have to go back for them to attempt to have a better look.

    ?The doctor told me not to stop exercising so I have decided to start again this week. Off to the gym this evening, wish me luck!

    ?Do you mind me asking how old are you? And does it happen after longer runs or after any strenuous exercise? Mine happened for the first time after I had ran for over 2 hours. 

    • Posted

      I'm 49 and even a gentle half hour run will set it off but to be fair it only usually happens when I might have had my period come on or when "mid-cycle"/ovulation spotting might happen. As my cycle is totally irregular and unpredictable then this could be any time though so it's kind of hard to tell what's going on.

    • Posted

      Yep, just went and did the parkrun, didn't even push myself, just chatted to a friend as we got around and yes, it happened again. It's day 25 though. Would be interesting to see if it would start a proper period or will it be just that.

      ?Are you keeping a diary? I downloaded a period app lol and put all my symptoms on to keep track (it has a spotting button! :D )

      ?Do you find it puts you off running? It's getting a bit psychological with me now as I don't want to run in case it happens again. I am supposed to be running a half on 19th Nov but stopped training :*( 

    • Posted

      I swim a lot and don't spot after that.  However I've spotted most days for 3 months, just the once per day 

  • Posted

    I've been spotting for about 3 months, lightly but most days, with or without exercise.  I've read that this is common in the pre menopause. We just have to see our GP to dismiss anything abnormal.

  • Posted

    I have spotted mid cycle on and off and swimming used to bring on abit of spotting too.

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