Post menopause bleeding
Menopause is the end of menstruation. In clinical terms, you reach menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months.
Helping you to understand
At Gynae Solution, we will use plain language to explain what you have, what the treatment options are and what your prognosis is in terms you can understand.
What is post menopause bleeding?
Post menopausal bleeding occurs in a woman’s vagina after she has undergone menopause.
Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she’s considered to be in menopause. In order to rule out serious medical problems, women with post menopausal bleeding should always see a doctor.
Post menopausal bleeding may be benign or could be a result of a more serious condition like cancer. Although you may not be able to prevent abnormal vaginal bleeding, you can seek help quickly to get a diagnosis and treatment plan in place, no matter what the cause.
When cancers are diagnosed early, the chances of survival are higher. To prevent abnormal post menopausal bleeding, the best strategy is to reduce your risk factors for the conditions that could cause it.
Listening to you
It's important to find a consultant who will listen to your concerns to help explain and answer any questions you might have.
What causes post menopause bleeding?
Post menopausal vaginal bleeding can be caused by:
- Cancer of the uterus, including endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma
- Cancer of the cervix or vagina
- Thinning of the tissues lining the uterus (endometrial atrophy) or vagina (vaginal atrophy)
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine polyps
- Infection of the uterine lining (endometritis)
- Medications such as hormone therapy and tamoxifen
- Pelvic trauma
- Bleeding from the urinary tract or rectum
- Excessive overgrowth of the cells that make up the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)
The bleeding can range from spotting, a pinky or brownish discharge to a heavier, period-like bleeding.
The cause of your bleeding may be entirely harmless. However, post menopausal bleeding could result from something serious, so it's important to see your doctor promptly.
Symptoms of Post Menopausal Bleeding
Many women who experience post menopausal bleeding may not have other symptoms. But symptoms may be present. This can depend on the cause of bleeding.
Many symptoms that occur during menopause, like hot flushes, often begin to decrease during the post menopausal time period. There are, however, other symptoms that post menopausal women may experience.
Symptoms post menopausal women may experience include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Insomnia
- Stress incontinence
- Increased urinary tract infections
- Weight gain
How is Post Menopausal Bleeding diagnosed?
Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and a medical history analysis. They may also conduct a smear test as part of a pelvic exam. This can screen for cervical cancer.
Your doctor may use other procedures to view the inside of the vagina and the uterus.
Transvaginal ultrasound
This procedure allows your doctor to view the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a probe into the vagina, or may ask the patient to insert it herself.
Hysteroscopy
This procedure shows endometrial tissue. Your doctor inserts a fiber optic scope into the vagina and cervix. Your doctor then pumps carbon dioxide gas through the scope. This helps to expand the uterus and makes the uterus easier to see.