Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Can stress cause spotting between periods?

4 replies

Ansumpasty · 02/02/2025 09:45

I’m 38- always been prone to spotting. Normal for me to get some spotting around day 12 of my cycle for a few days, then a little more when I ovulate around day 18. Conceived very easily and did have a scan for pain and spotting about 8 years ago and nothing abnormal was found then.

This has increased and the more I worry about it, the worse it’s getting. I have awful health anxiety and a phobia of doctors and medical tests. I’ve booked a doctors appointment for 2 weeks time and I can barely sleep worrying about it and what will be found. My smears are fine and up to date.

The only other thing I can think of is that I’m incredibly stressed. DH is an addict, and I’ve been stressed to high heaven with this for 3 years. He’s soon leaving the country to work away, which is bringing its own stress as I will then be a single mum with no family support. He’s currently got no job and I’m worried sick about finances and trying to maintain a happy home for my kids.

Has anyone had spotting from stress? Please no scary stories as I’m on the brink of losing it right now 😢

OP posts:
Dragonfly97 · 02/02/2025 11:09

Hi OP, my periods became erratic when I turned 40, I was in a stressful job at the time and I think that was responsible. I was having periods every 2 weeks. I did contact my gp who arranged a procedure to look at the lining of the womb but I chickened out when it became apparent they wanted to do an invasive procedure with no anaesthetic. I think it was peri menopause as my mum had an early menopause. I had no other problems, and I'm 60 now and over the menopause. I hope you're ok, don't worry too much.

Original poster
Ansumpasty · 02/02/2025 14:22

Thank you! I’m getting myself into such a state. Keep having to sit alone in the car and have a cry, so the kids aren’t around

OP posts:
McWorry · 27/09/2025 00:34

Dragonfly97 · 02/02/2025 11:09

Hi OP, my periods became erratic when I turned 40, I was in a stressful job at the time and I think that was responsible. I was having periods every 2 weeks. I did contact my gp who arranged a procedure to look at the lining of the womb but I chickened out when it became apparent they wanted to do an invasive procedure with no anaesthetic. I think it was peri menopause as my mum had an early menopause. I had no other problems, and I'm 60 now and over the menopause. I hope you're ok, don't worry too much.

Hey, how long did you have periods like that? Every 2 weeks?

Dragonfly97 · 27/09/2025 08:30

Yes, something like that, they fluctuated quite a bit at that time, they were heavy as well. Eventually they stopped altogether. If you are worried see your GP, it's nearly 20 years since it happened and things might be different, I couldn't face an invasive investigation with no anaesthetic! I've had no problems since, hope you're ok OP!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread