Spotting after exercise anyone?
Posted , 7 users are following.
Ok, so I posted about my spotting mid cycle but I am still unsure if exercise, especially running, makes things worse for me. I did some research and have come across many threads where female runners of age similar to mine (45), have experienced the same problem. The thing is, all of these threads I've seen are a few years old and I'm not getting a response so thought I'd ask on here if anyone has noticed spotting after a hard workout or run? I doesn't happen all the time but mainly around ovulation but it frightens me and it's putting me off running. I started running 3 years ago and love it as it helps maintain healthy weight and makes me feel great in general. Apart from this 
1 like, 19 replies
jo4848
Posted
Ok, a little update. We went on a 10 day holiday and I didn't exercise at all. Instead I watched with envy the early morning runners on the promenade and was nearly in tears as I have always wanted to do that and even brought my running gear with me. On the positive, there was no spotting at all. My period was a few days late and arrived 2 days before the end of the holiday. Painless but started getting heavy as usual on the second day and I was freaking about because on day 3 we had to go on a bus transfer to the airport and I was so worried about the lack of toilet! My GP gave me tranexamic acid? tablets but I was scared to take them because of side effects and flying and I also have a bad varicose vein so was worried about blood cloths, etc.
?So I decided to try taking some iboprufen as many recommend it for reducing heavy flow. The recommended dose seemed quite high (600, eben 800mg 3 times a day) which scared me and I tried just 2x200mg tablets 3 times a day. My period was so much better. I felt normal again as it was perfectly manageable and I didn't have to worry about travelling the following day. I only took it for 2 days but the difference was amazing.
?My scan letter has arrived and I was relieved to see it's an ultrasound and not internal although the leaflet that came with it mentioned that sometimes internal might be needed too. It is in a few weeks and I feel so nervous about it
jo4848
Posted
A quick update. So, I've stopped running which is making me really depressed but has improved the spotting (although I still spotted during ovulation). I had intravaginal US which sounded so scary that I spent the month dreading it but it turned out to be a completely painless procedure. They found a small fibroid and also what they think is a polyp so I am waiting to hear from my doctor. The radiologist lady said that I would probably be referred to a gynaecologist and should probably have it removed. Now this also sounds scary but I am kind of getting used to it and just want it over and done with.
?Wanted to ask, has anyone had a polyp removed and what is it like?
alice1209 jo4848
Posted
Hi,
Was just thinking about you! That's great news, nothing sinister!!! When I had my scan the doctor said he would look for polyps and if I had any then he would arrange to have them removed. I asked was it painful and he he was very much 'no very simple and straightforward and incredibly common'.
So, I've had an entire cycle with NO spotting..🎉 My periods started yesterday and are very light and very painless. The only difference this month has been that I started on my iron tablets and women's wellbeing tablets.... so I'm wondering if that's making the difference as my iron level was incredibly low... in general I feel loads better and I am still doing loads of exercise!
Could the iron and other tablets I'm taking make such a difference!
jo4848 alice1209
Posted
That's great news about you too, no spotting sounds great! I think the iron pills might have well made a difference as I have read in the past that although heavy periods cause low iron, then the low iron might lead to bleeding more. Look it up, I did find it eventually and it made a lot of sense. I'll try to remember to dig out the source later.
?I was a bit scared when I came out and kept thinking what if it's not a polyp but have since convinced myself that that's not rational thinking at all but just my health anxiety kicking off again. Feeling a bit better now. Period just starting now and I've had less spotting too - had it during ovulation with no exercise (so then thought sod it and went to the gym anyway!) but think that was it. I have also been for a very short run, just 20 mins and I was fine afterwards although I spent worrying about it most of the time.
?Keep me posted.
?I need to start taking my B complex vitamins too, I keep forgetting. Also going to try ibuprofen again this month as last month it made a huge difference by cutting my blood loss in half! Did I tell you about this?