BLEEDING AFTER MENOPAUSE

Overview and Facts

Bleeding after menopause can vary from pale pinkish or reddish spotting to heavy bleeding that feels like a period. Most of the time, there are no unpleasant sensations with the bleeding. Regardless of your specific symptoms, you should contact your ob-gyn immediately if this occurs to you.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Bleeding after menopause is rarely a cause for alarm. However, it should be examined because, only in some instances, it will indicate something much more severe.

A specific cause for bleeding after menopause would not be associated with approximately 90% of cases. It is not a cause for concern; it will be found through investigations if there is a severe problem. The following are the common causes of postmenopausal bleeding:

  • Vaginal or endometrial atrophy (thinning of the uterine lining)
  • Atrophic vaginitis (inflammation and thinning of your vaginal lining)
  • Endometrial hyperplasia (thickened endometrium) is frequently caused by hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Polyps of the uterus (benign growths in the cervix or uterus)
  • Cervical cancer (cancer in the cervix)

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A gynecologist may do the following to diagnose bleeding after menopause:

  • Ask you questions about your medical history.
  • Pap smear to check the cervical cell.
  • Perform a blood test sample.
  • Ultrasound

TREATMENT

The cause of bleeding after menopause determines the treatment. 

Among the medications and treatments are:

  • Antibiotics. It can treat the majority of the cervix and uterine infections.
  • Progestin. It is a version of the hormone progesterone. It is used to treat endometrial hyperplasia by causing the uterus to shed its lining. Progestin can be administered as a pill, shot, cream, or intrauterine device (IUD).
  • Estrogen. It may help with vaginal dryness-related bleeding. Estrogen can be applied directly to your vagina as a cream, ring, or insertable tablet. 

Surgical procedures include:

  • Hysteroscopy. It is a procedure that uses a camera to examine your cervix and uterus. Your healthcare provider inserts a hysteroscope (a thin, lighted tube) into your vagina to remove polyps or other abnormal growths that may be causing bleeding.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C). These are procedures used to analyze the uterine lining and contents. 
  • Hysterectomy. It is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix.

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