Can Stress Cause Spotting?

There are times when an individual may have unexplained spotting that is not related to their menstrual cycle. Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be caused by reproductive system issues or other underlying medical problems or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. There is a drastic range of causes for spotting, from extreme stress to birth control to implantation bleeding. Understanding the variety of causes of spotting can help you decide the next step to take to care for your physical and mental well-being. 

What is spotting?

Spotting is when an individual has light vaginal bleeding that is not related to their regular menstrual periods. Someone experiencing spotting might see a small amount of blood in their underwear or on the toilet paper when using the restroom, and it may be red or pink in color. When someone spots, they usually don’t need a tampon or pad; typically, a panty liner is sufficient because of the minimal blood flow.

Unexpected bleeding or spotting when it is not time for your period could be considered abnormal vaginal bleeding. While it is not always problematic, sometimes irregular bleeding can be a sign of a significant problem. Therefore, it can be important to speak with a doctor if you’re worried about spotting. 

Causes of spotting

There are many factors to consider when determining the root cause of spotting. Since the range of spotting reasons is broad, sometimes it can take a while to determine why an individual is experiencing spotting. The most common reasons of spotting before your period are listed here.

Stress-related spotting

Can stress cause spotting? High stress levels can contribute to spotting in some cases. When someone is stressed out, their hormone levels can fluctuate, and they may start spotting. It can also lead to skipped periods, among other things. While spotting may not be a major cause for concern, stress can have a detrimental impact on the body and mind, and it can be important to learn healthy ways to manage it. Some simple ways to reduce stress are:

• Avoid situations that cause stress
• Mediation
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Journaling
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating a healthy diet
• Listening to music
• Laughing
• Spending time with loved ones

If you find yourself stressed and cannot get past it, you may want to consider speaking to a counselor. With the help of a therapist, either in person or online, you can work through the issues that cause you to stress. You can also find ways to reduce the number of stressors in your life and the impact they have on you.

Pregnancy-related spotting

Implantation bleeding can happen when a fertilized egg is attached to the lining of the uterus. This can result in spots as the uterine lining is disrupted. People who experience implantation bleeding may also have:

• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Light cramping
• Breast tenderness
• Pain in their back
• Fatigue

Since it is often too soon for a pregnancy test to be positive, most people pass these issues off as premenstrual symptoms, including spotting. Occasionally, someone who is pregnant may experience spotting during their first trimester. This bleeding can be the typical pink or red color but may also be brown. If spotting ever becomes heavy bleeding, see your doctor right away. It may be a sign of a miscarriage or a tubal pregnancy.

Spotting happens in approximately 20% of pregnancies and does not harm the baby. If you experience spotting or bleeding, you can make a phone call to your doctor and let them know. They may want to do a checkup.

Occasional bleeding or spotting is the reason why many pregnant individuals are put on bed rest. If the placenta starts to detach from the uterus or is attached near the cervix, it may also cause doctor-ordered bed rest. However, most of the time, this light spot is just the uterus’ way of adjusting to the new pregnancy and stops quickly.

Thyroid problems

Thyroid problems can also be considered if you’re spotting. Occasionally, an underactive thyroid can cause breakthrough bleeding; breakthrough bleeding is spotting or bleeding in the middle of your menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism, as it is technically called, can result in spots, as well as:

• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Thinning or loss of hair
• A hoarse voice
• Muscle aches and pain
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to temperature changes, especially to cold
• A puffy face
• Depression

Treatment of an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can be as simple as taking a hormone pill. You may need to get regular bloodwork to ensure the medication is maintaining your thyroid levels. If you start feeling any of the above symptoms, give your doctor a call and ask if you can have your thyroid re-tested. For all guidance regarding medication and treatment, consult a licensed medical professional.

Ovulation

While not common, some people experience spotting when they ovulate. Ovulation spotting occurs when your ovary releases an egg during your menstrual cycle. This happens for most people between 11 and 21 days after the first day of their last period. Ovulation spotting is typically red, pink, or light pink and can last for one to two days. Individuals who are ovulating and have ovulation-related spotting can also have:

• Thick cervical mucus that looks like egg whites
• An increased sex drive
• Pain or cramping on one side of their abdomen
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness

Those trying to get pregnant are often encouraged to pay attention to their bodies and note when these symptoms occur.

Trauma

Trauma to the vagina or cervix can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Injury can be the result of:

• Rough sex
• A tampon
• A pelvic exam (especially when a woman is pregnant)
• Use of a vibrator or other internal massager
• Assault 

Trauma-related bleeding or spotting is typically short-lived and stops in a couple of days. However, it can vary from situation to situation. 

Uterine or cervical polyps

A polyp is an abnormal tissue growth found throughout the body, including in the uterus and cervix. While most are benign, some can be cancerous. Regular exams with your gynecologist can be essential to identify if you have polyps. While most people do not know they have polyps, some may experience light bleeding after sex or between periods, which could indicate the presence of them. 

If your doctor notes cervical polyps during an exam and they’re biopsied and found to be benign, no treatment is typically recommended. However, if they start to cause problems, such as bleeding or spotting, the polyps can be removed.

Uterine Polyps cannot be seen on examination. If someone has irregular or heavy bleeding, their doctor may want an ultrasound to be performed. An ultrasound is a non-invasive test that can identify any abnormalities or growths in the uterus. Uterine fibroids can present the same and can also be detectable on an ultrasound. If polyps or fibroids are noted, the doctor may want to biopsy them to rule out uterine cancer.

Sexually transmitted infections

A sexually transmitted infection (STI), also called a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can cause spotting after sex and between periods. This is most common with chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you have symptoms that coincide with an STI, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Symptoms include painful or burning urination, pelvic or uterine pain, and unusual vaginal discharge. STDs can often be treated when detected early, but it can depend on the specific STD contracted. 

Perimenopause

Those who are at the end of their child-rearing years stop ovulating on a regular, monthly basis. This is called perimenopause, and it causes your periods to become irregular. Some women experience spotting randomly during the month or skip their period for one or more months. When someone does have their period during this time, it could be much heavier or lighter than usual. This transition can last for years before menopause when the absence of a menstrual cycle starts.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus. In addition to pain, those with endometriosis can have heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular periods. The color of the spots may also be brown in color. Polycystic ovary syndrome is another condition that can cause similar symptoms, including pain and spotting.

Online counseling with Regain

Can stress cause spotting? Sometimes. If you have concerns about spotting or any other medical issues, it can be vital to speak with a medical provider. Medical-related issues can be stressful, and should you need someone to talk to during this time, a licensed counselor could offer their assistance. Regain is an online counseling platform that has counselors who specialize in a variety of areas. Regardless of the problem you’re facing in life, there’s a therapist who can help you through it. Online counseling is easy, convenient, and more affordable than traditional options, which may make it the right choice for you.

The efficacy of online counseling 

Those struggling with high-stress levels may benefit from online counseling. One study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was “effective in treating and preventing a number of stress-related disorders.” Not only did the intervention reduce the amount of stress individuals were experiencing, but it also prevented the onset of mental health disorders at a 3- and 6-month follow-up. CBT is an approach that teaches people how to turn their unhelpful thoughts into more helpful ways of thinking. 

Takeaway

If you’re worried about spotting between your periods or are concerned about other negative effects of stress, it can be important to learn how to manage your stress levels. Stress management techniques vary, and what works for you may differ from what helps someone else. If you’re struggling to cope with stress on your own and wondering, “Does stress cause spotting?”, finding support from a licensed professional could be a beneficial step in the right direction. A therapist can help you learn how to manage your stress effectively and give you advice for handling the challenges that can come with it. Regain can connect you with an online therapist to guide you during this time and direct you to other resources that may help you heal.