Sharp Stomach pain with heavy spotting - #16804
Female 27 years old, I’m on Lithium and Lamotragine for bipolar. I recently did all the necessary blood tests for Lithium and all results are good. Yesterday I had sudden sharp stomach pain, its mainly on both sides of my stomach and gets worse with certain movements and when my bladder is full. I also had heavy spotting even though I’m in between periods. Also, I am not pregnant
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See lithium bipolar treatment usually causes side-effects like urinary retention and weakness However it rarely causes bleeding which could be attributed to thyroid dysfunction However for exact clarification please get following tests done for confirmation Urine analysis Serum TSH Serum prolactin Serum progesterone Serum RBS Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards
Most likely scenario
Based on your description:
A ruptured ovarian cyst with reactive spotting or An irritated ovarian cyst causing bladder-sensitive pain These are painful but common and usually self-resolving. But because torsion is also possible, you must not ignore this.
You must visit a doctor immediately.
Hello,
📌This suggests a pelvic cause such as an ovarian cyst (including possible rupture), pelvic infection, endometriosis flare, or a urinary issue.
These symptoms are unlikely to be from Lithium or Lamotrigine alone.
Because sharp pain plus spotting can indicate something that needs timely care, you should get medical evaluation, preferably today, with a pelvic exam and ultrasound to rule out cysts or infection.
🛑🛑🛑Please Seek urgent care
I trust this helps Thank you
Hello Mer By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that Since the pain is sharp severe enough to stop you from normal activities, and is accompanied by heavy spotting between periods, this is definitely something that needs careful attention. The combination of sudden, severe pain and abnormal bleeding could point to a few possibilities—like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or even something acute like a ruptured cyst . The fact that the pain gets worse with movement and a full bladder also suggests it could be related to your reproductive organs or possibly the urinary tract, but infection seems less likely since you don’t have fever or urinary symptoms.
Investigations - Pelvic ultrasound Physical examination by gynecologist to rule out ovarian cyst, fibroid.
Thank you
Hi Mer ,
thanks for reaching out.
Your sharp lower abdominal pain with spotting, especially worsening on movement and when the bladder is full, needs urgent in-person evaluation to rule out gynecological (ovarian cyst, infection, endometriosis) and urinary causes (UTI, bladder issues).
Since you are on Lithium and Lamotrigine and recent tests were normal, the pain is unlikely due to the medicines alone, but they do not explain the spotting, so this should not be ignored.
Do not take over‑the‑counter painkillers without your doctor’s advice, as some can interact with Lithium.
You are not pregnant by history, but if there is any chance of missed pregnancy or delayed periods, ask for a urine or blood pregnancy test during evaluation.Regards,
Dr Nikhil Chauhan Urologist
The symptoms you’re experiencing—sharp stomach pain on both sides, worsening with movement or a full bladder, alongside heavy spotting between periods—definitely raise the need for further investigation. Considering your current medications, it’s good that your lithium levels are well within the therapeutic range as lithium can sometimes affect kidney function or interact with other medications. Regarding your symptoms, it’s essential to consider several possible causes. In women of reproductive age, conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or even pelvic inflammatory disease could present with such pain and irregular bleeding. Also, considering your symptoms and the fact that you are not pregnant, we shouldn’t rule out the potential contribution of your medications to these symptoms. Lamotrigine, for instance, rarely affects menstruation, but individual responses to medication can vary. In some cases, other factors such as gastrointestinal issues might need to be evaluated, given the pain’s relation to movement and bladder fullness. It’s crucial you contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss these symptoms, as they might require a physical exam, imaging, or further lab tests to pin down the exact cause. Meanwhile, continue to monitor your symptoms, especially if you develop fever, increased severity of pain, or any new symptoms like nausea. If things worsen drastically, seeking immediate medical assistance might be prudent to ensure no urgent condition is overlooked. Keep track of any other episodes of spotting or changes in your menstrual cycle, as this information could be vital for your healthcare provider to make a more accurate diagnosis. In the interim, try to avoid any activities or postures that exacerbate the pain, and ensure you stay hydrated, particularly if the spotting is significant.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.