Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Brown tinged spotting between period
avatar
LaCat8008 posted:
I have noticed a few symptoms that have recently caught my attention.

-lite spotting between my period (brown tinged) -moderate-severe acne around my chin and between breasts (all the time) -severe cramping during menstrual flow -heavy clotting during mentrual flow -lite pain in my lower left abdominal area (were my ovary is) mostly when working out.

I am 32 and have thought that my menstrual cycle should be regular and my acne should be less in adulthood. I never had acne as a youth and my periods seems normal. Can you give me some ideas on what could be causing my symptoms. I am schedule to see a physician who will probably refer me to a GYN, but in the mean time I am still curious.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Brown tinged spotting between periodI have noticed a few symptoms that have recently caught my attention. <br><br>-lite spotting between my period (brown tinged) -moderate-severe acne around my chin and between breasts (all the time) -severe cramping during menstrual flow -heavy clotting during mentrual flow -lite pain in my lower left abdominal area (were my ovary is) mostly when working out. <br><br>I am 32 and have thought that my menstrual cycle should be regular and my acne should be less in adulthood. I never had acne as a youth and my periods seems normal. Can you give me some ideas on what could be causing my symptoms. I am schedule to see a physician who will probably refer me to a GYN, but in the mean time I am still curious.
Reply
 
avatar
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear LaCat: There may not be the same cause for each of your symptoms so let's take each symptom one by one, OK?

Midcycle spotting:If your spotting begans about cycle day 14 (cycle day 1 being the first day of your last period), this specific timing suggests the most likely cause would be bleeding with ovulation. Right before ovulation there is a brief spike of estrogen. When this level drops back down to normal, the sharp decline can destabilize the lining of the uterus leading to spotting/bleeding. Some women have this sign of ovulation every month; others only rarely. Fortunately the amount is usually scant and brief in duration.

Some other possible causes of erratic spotting can include a new chlamydia infection (unlikely if you are both monogamous). polyps of the lining of the uterus (way more common in midlife women), or missed/erratic ovulations (usually there will be a history of missed/irregular periods).

Acne: This can be prompted by an increase in male hormones (androgens). The most common cause for a young women to have increased androgen levels in "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome" known as PCOS. Both ovaries have multiple small cysts and a change in part of the ovarian tissue which allows androgen levels to rise. Also associated with PCOS is being heavy set, and having unwanted hair growth.

Severe menstrual cramping: Worsened cramping can be linked to heaver flows (increases prostaglandin levels). Increased cramping over times can be a sign of endometriosis. This later condition would be more likely if there is a family history of endometriosis.

Left lower abdominal pain with exercise---While a left ovarian cyst can certainly trigger this type of pain there are some other causes as well. If endometriosis is actually present it can create "adhesions" (filmy bands of scar tissue which "web together" pelvic organs). Even the intestine can be a source of cramping pain.

Bottom line, the spotting and acne may be hormonal (ie related to the ovarian hormones) as can an increasingly heavy flow. Your MD or GYN can give you the most accurate diagnosis based upon your personal and family health histories.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Brown tinged spotting between periodDear LaCat: There may not be the same cause for each of your symptoms so let's take each symptom one by one, OK?<br /> <br /> Midcycle spotting:If your spotting begans about cycle day 14 (cycle day 1 being the first day of your last period), this specific timing suggests the most likely cause would be bleeding with ovulation. Right before ovulation there is a brief spike of estrogen. When this level drops back down to normal, the sharp decline can destabilize the lining of the uterus leading to spotting/bleeding. Some women have this sign of ovulation every month; others only rarely. Fortunately the amount is usually scant and brief in duration.<br /> <br /> Some other possible causes of erratic spotting can include a new chlamydia infection (unlikely if you are both monogamous). polyps of the lining of the uterus (way more common in midlife women), or missed/erratic ovulations (usually there will be a history of missed/irregular periods).<br /> <br /> Acne: This can be prompted by an increase in male hormones (androgens). The most common cause for a young women to have increased androgen levels in "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome" known as PCOS. Both ovaries have multiple small cysts and a change in part of the ovarian tissue which allows androgen levels to rise. Also associated with PCOS is being heavy set, and having unwanted hair growth.<br /> <br /> Severe menstrual cramping: Worsened cramping can be linked to heaver flows (increases prostaglandin levels). Increased cramping over times can be a sign of endometriosis. This later condition would be more likely if there is a family history of endometriosis.<br /> <br /> Left lower abdominal pain with exercise---While a left ovarian cyst can certainly trigger this type of pain there are some other causes as well. If endometriosis is actually present it can create "adhesions" (filmy bands of scar tissue which "web together" pelvic organs). Even the intestine can be a source of cramping pain.<br /> <br /> Bottom line, the spotting and acne may be hormonal (ie related to the ovarian hormones) as can an increasingly heavy flow. Your MD or GYN can give you the most accurate diagnosis based upon your personal and family health histories.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP Expert
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Hysterectomy
I am having heavy bleeding and sever pain with it every month that it affects my daily living when I have it I even had to drop out of ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
16 of 27 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP

From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.