Can Stress Cause Bleeding Between Periods?
In some rare cases, excessive stress causes bleeding between periods. It is more common that another condition is responsible, such as pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, infection, pelvic inflammatory disease or side effects of medication, according to WebMD. Bleeding between periods sometimes also indicates rarer but more serious conditions, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, cancer of the reproductive organs, hypothyroidism or diabetes.
Excessive stress sometimes causes changes in the menstrual cycle. An intense level of exercise, such as in professional athletes, impacts menstruation on occasion, as well. However, typically these conditions halt menstruation rather than causing more bleeding, according to WebMD. If pregnancy is a possibility, take a pregnancy test. Spotting and light bleeding are common when the egg is implanted in the uterus.
According to HealthLine, it is important to visit a doctor for bleeding between periods. Keep a record of how much bleeding occurs along with any noticeable symptoms to formulate a good patient history during the appointment. In most cases, a doctor orders blood work and performs a pelvic exam to determine the cause of bleeding. Many cases of vaginal bleeding between periods are not serious, but some cases are. Seek medical treatment when the symptoms occur to prevent a serious problem from becoming life-threatening.
