Does exercise cause spotting?

I tend to agree that it is causing a change in hormone level -- possibly as you suggest, because burning fat releases more estrogen. I am trying different dietary changes. Based on my personal experience, oranges seem to be good at lowering estrogen level (and spotting). Too much caffeine also does not help. Some caffeine is okay.

Well, since my last post a few month ago, and after having a D&C Hysteroscopy done, I decided to do something a little more dramatic and had an Endometrial Ablation done last week.  Not the most pleasant of procedures, to be sure (in terms of after-effects during recovery) but it's a step better than a partial (or full) hysterectomy in terms of recovery time.  The hope is that this procedure will either halt my periods completely, or they will be very light and not bothersome.  I've heard mixed reviews regarding this form of treatment, but in the end I think it really depends on the individual. *fingers crossed* Still cannot find a reasonable explanation for the heavy and lengthy periods and the spotting in between (a total of 19 days a month for me!!!)  Perhaps it is a weight issue - how ironic - in my quest to lose the weight the problem gets worse.  Anyone else have this wonderful procedure done?  I have been trying to find a discussion group for those who underwent endometrial ablation, but all I can find are groups of angry women complaining about how it didn't work for them... I need to hear some GOOD/positive stories - please!!?

Yes I experience the same thing! I just ran 5 miles which is not every day routine for my body, and I had brown/red discharge and then red blood ... then gone. So I think it happens, doesn;t mean you are sick and certainly does not mean you are pregnant!

I do not think you should worry about your health too much on this point . Spotting after strenuous exercise is not abnormal. Actually, I think exercise is very good for women and helps us to keep our body cleansed and the blood flow strong throughout the body. So just change your underwear after training:-) Its ok to spot when having a hard workout.

I am only 16 years old and felt really scared because every single time  I ran for about an hour like 2-3 times a week, I had spotting or even lasted for about 3 days just 2 weeks or 10 days after my period. I was so scared that something could be wrong with meI didnt even want to tell my mother but now I read so many women experience this I feel much better.

I have just started running within the last three months. I would not consider my running routine strenuous. The most I run is 5 minutes, walk, 5 minutes, etc. I have been spotting ever since I began running, I have never been big into exercising but have exercised in the past without this problem. I usually run three times a week. I have been spotting for about 3 weeks straight now. My period was mixed in there for a few days. I am not pregnant (had tubes tied) and was not on birth control pills. My GYN put me on them last month to try and regulate my periods. I am just now making the connection that I think the spottng is due to running. Plan to call my doctor Monday to be on the safe side. Guess I don't need the birth control pills after all.

wow im glad that i have found this thread because i had started worrying that something was wrong with me. I have been doing the insantity cd for three days now and is right in my ovulation period and i have realized that on day 3, i have been spotting, its kinda a pinkish brown colour and some mild cramping. 

I just started walking/ light jogging intervals and started spotting. I see everyone is saying they had strenous workouts which makes the spotting normal but being that Ive never worked out before could it be that the speed walking/ jogging is enoguh for me to spot?

I know this a old thread. However I have this same problem. If I excercise or bend excessively for example stocking shelves, I get cramps and light bleeding that lasts up to 4 days. This is not my period, and I am on BC pills to control my periods. This problem has prevented me from joining martial arts groups because I am afraid of the white uniforms combined with heavy excercise.

 

Hi everyone. Im facing the same problem too. I started my workout about 3 months ago then i stop but then now i cobtinue doing it as my routine. Its already a month and a half, and a brown thick spotting always came out .. i wonder what cause this as i was afraid if it has anything to do that effected my womb. Cause frankly, i was trying to lose some weight, to be in shape and to conceive. Pls help. Thanks. - jayne

It is such a relief to have found this thread!  Thank you all for sharing your stories and easing the minds of so many of us with this issue!  Here is my story.   I am now 33, tubes tied 10 years ago, 3 children.  Average weight, normal cycles when I exercise....though I cramp and clot really badly when I don't exercise.  I began running on and off about 2 years ago, and last year I noticed that I was spotting on my harder runs and when I hadn't exercised in a while.  I always figured that this was normal, from the strenuous activity, and wear a pantyliner anyway due to very light bladder issues.  After yesterday's run, which I felt great during, I began to cramp and did more than spotting for about 4 hours, and some of the blood was red.  My period ended 10 days ago so this really freaked me out.  Fibroids and cysts are quite common in my family history, though I haven't had any before....If the issue persists then I will consider getting it checked out.  I am subscribing to this thread and will post updates if anything changes.  Thank you all again for sharing!  It's great to know that I am not alone! 

To take this topic one step further...I have been experiencing menopause symptoms for the past 3-4 years.  I am 54 years old but very active and train in martial arts 3-4 times per week with no problem - no spotting.  I can actually MAKE myself have a period by running or cycling when I haven't done that for a while.  I will go 3-5 months with no bleeding at all and think that I am finally through it, but VOILA! - just let me do a 3 mile jog and can't get to the restroom fast enough - usually lasts 3-5 days and is accompanied by all of the familiar symptoms, cramps, mood swings...  How does it know?!?! I guess the silver lining is that my body is still producing natural hormones.  Everything checks out at the doc, but have some data to provide at my next physical rather than "it seems like". 

Well, each and every one of the messages helps so thank you.  

I have had this problem for years.  I used to be superfit about 20 years ago.  Ever since then, I continued to maintain some sort of a decent level of fitness ie attending several gym classes whilst running about 7 miles per week as a norm.  

I find that when I really push myself, or as i did yesterday a rare tough mountain bike ride I spot for about 4 days or sometimes a good week or so.  

I am not sexually active though I am on the Mirena (coil) and have been for about 4 years, not that this has made any difference in the respect of spotting.  

I have not had any children etc.  So I am concluding that I shall remain aware of it at all times and also be aware how it goes away in a short space of time while my body becomes accustomed to it's new workout. ;-) 

Me and my boyfriend had a little of a game last month. I got my periods about 15 days after that on 31st April. It lasted for 3-4 days and I was back to normal. Now, 10 days after my period ended, I am having brown spotting together with some mucus like discharge. Not as much as my usual periods, just a spot or two in a day. Its the third day today and increasing as days go by. I am worried.

This is the first time it has happened. I go for walks everyday (as part of the exercise prescribed by my ortho) of about 2-3 kms. Its more like a stroll in the park than a walk. Can anyone explain whats happening to me?
Please HELP!!

same here... i am training for a marathon and doing insanity.. i just finished my period last week and i was spotting after my insanity workout.. i really think its a intense exercise thing..not sure what causes it, its annoying but nice to know im not alone.