When is it considered Postmenopausal Bleeding?
When a woman completes menopause, going without her menstrual period for more than one year, she should not experience any menstrual bleeding at all, not even spotting. If there is any bleeding there could be something wrong, therefore; it is important that an appointment is scheduled right away with the obstetrician gynecologist (ob/gyn) or healthcare provider.
Some of the conditions the provider will want to check for include:
Polyps – or growths, typically noncancerous, developing usually on the cervix, in the uterus, or inside the cervical canal.
Endometrial Atrophy – where the tissue lining the uterus becoming thin as a result of diminished levels of estrogen.
Endometrial Hyperplasia – where the uterus lining thickens, usually as a result of too much estrogen combined with too little progesterone. Bleeding could result from this.
Endometrial Cancer
Anytime there is bleeding after menopause is could possibly be an indication of endometrial cancer, hormone therapy, infection of the cervix or uterus, a result of certain medications such as blood thinners and other types of cancer.
The healthcare provider will examine the patient and likely order further testing such as an ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, or D&C depending on the circumstances.
Anthony C. Quartell, MD & Associates serves Livingston, N.J. Millburn, N.J., Verona, N.J., West Orange, N.J., and surrounding areas.
