spotting after running/doing exercise

[curlyLJ]

I have recently got back into running (been doing it on and off for 8 or 9 years) and have noticed that I am spotting during and after most runs. I am 44, so I know that period irregularity and mid-cycle spotting can be due to peri-menopause symptoms, but this is only occuring after a run session. I have started to wear a liner when going out on runs as I know it's going to happen and so I can see exactly what's happening. When I finish my run, I do feel very slightly crampy, but nowhere near like period pain. A couple of weeks ago it seemed to bring my period on, which was due in a day or so anyway. Just wondering if anyone else has come across this before I pay my GP a visit?

Not come across this before...it does sound like a visit to the gps is a good idea regardless.

I will go to the GP, I just know what they can be like and I don't want to be advised to just not run! Just wanted to see if anyone else had had similar first...

I get this sometimes - it isn't that uncommon in a runner but you should get it checked out.

You should move this to the exercise section as there are a lot of runners over there

Have you by any chance had a gynae operation in the past such as a TVT or prolapse repair?

Thanks londonmummy I have since discovered after monitoring a bit more, that it only appears to happen if I am close to ovulation or if my period is due (within the next few days)
I will still get it checked as I have some other issues I need to visit the GP for anyhow. I have also posted in exercise and a few runners have responded.

No Molly I haven't had surgery of that sort, only an ERPC after a missed MC and I had a polyp removed about 5 years ago too...

Hmmm... tricky. I hope you get an answer. I had spotting a couple of years ago. No cause was found by the gynae consultant, though fresh blood was evident. I self diagnosed the cause to be a nasty prolonged cough which had somehow disturbed previous surgery I had had. Consultant neither agreed nor disagreed. As the cough cleared up, the spotting stopped. So I maintain I had been right!

Hi there, just wondering how did you get on with this and did you get it checked out. I have been running for 3 years now, in my 40s, but have recently increased my mileage and started experiencing the same problem. Yes, it only happens at ovulation time but it is scary. Planning to book my overdue smear tomorrow. :(

I had this when I first started running, when I increased my distance and when my time improved. Don't have it at all now, put it down to my body adjusting. Friends had it in various degrees as well

Thank you PGTip. Yes, this sounds about right. It only started when I increased my distances and improved time. It happens for one day, on one run only, if this coincides with ovulation day. For example, it happened on Sat on a fast 5k run during which I pushed myself quite a lot. It upset me although I was half expecting it as it was day 12 which for me is ovulation. I was really anxious about the 10k I was doing the following day and it kind of spoilt my run but in the end, there was no spotting at all. Going to the gym tonight, see how it goes. Thanks again for replying x