For most runners, the benefits of running outweigh the possible drawbacks. While all runners should be concerned with injury prevention and proper nutrition, women runners have some gender-specific issues to keep an eye on while training. Spotting is a common occurrence for female runners. While often harmless, any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge should be given your attention, and you should discuss it with your doctor if it persists or worsens.
The Facts
Spotting, as defined by MayoClinic.com, is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. Many women experience spotting regularly for several days after their period ends. Running specifically is not recognized as a cause of spotting, but excessive exercise in general can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. These changes can include spotting as well as amenorrhea, or loss of menstrual period.
Common Causes
Aside from overtraining, stress or a change in routine are the most common causes of spotting. If you have recently began or stopped taking birth-control pills, spotting can occur. A minor infection such as cervicitis can cause inflammation that leads to irregular bleeding, the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia explains. Your doctor can perform a cervical culture to rule out infection. Pregnancy, which commonly causes spotting, should also be ruled out by your doctor.
Serious Illness
Vaginal bleeding, even if light, can be a symptom of cervical cancer. Regular pap smears are important in the prevention of cervical cancer, which can be caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids can also cause spotting, and can also be diagnosed with an internal exam by your gynecologist. If you are affected by these more serious conditions, spotting can happen anytime, not only during exercise.
Considerations
Consult your doctor to rule out possible serious causes of spotting during or after your runs. If serious causes are ruled out and you still have occasional spotting, avoid wearing tampons to protect your running clothing, because wearing a tampon without necessity can cause toxic shock syndrome. Use a panty liner as an alternative. Avoid using aspirin, as it promotes bleeding.
