Knowing that after menopause, you should not see any bleeding allows you to be vigilant. Any postmenopausal manifestation should be consulted with the gynecologist immediately. Most of the causes for it can occur are polyps and endometrial cancer. However, all the reasons must be studied and treated in time.
Menopause is characterized and defined basically by the total absence of menstruation. Knowing this, any modification represents a warning signal our body sends us that something is wrong. In this way, we would avoid many gynecological problems. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will clarify all your doubts about bleeding after menopause: Is it normal? In addition, in the following article, we explain all its possible causes.
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Bleeding after menopause is normal.
Menopause is one of the women’s life stages and is defined as the absence of menstruation for at least 12 months. Precisely this concept or definition allows clarifying the doubt concerning postmenopausal bleeding.
In particular, any manifestation after menopause is considered abnormal and needs immediate medical evaluation medically. This type of bleeding is called postmenopausal metrorrhagia and occurs after a year without seeing menstruation. That is, bleeding after menopause is NOT normal.
On average, menopause occurs at approximately 51 years with an expected value or interval between 45 and 55.
Causes of bleeding after menopause
Knowing that bleeding after menopause is abnormal, the reasons this happens must be defined. The vast majority of cases are due to a gynecological problem that must be treated to prevent future complications. Here we explain the causes of bleeding after menopause :
Uterine polyps
The polyps are the first cause to think about when bleeding occurs after menopause. They are generally defined as non-cancerous tumors formed precisely in the endometrium. This is the layer that covers the internal uterus or cervix. Although this tumor growth is not related to cancer, it should be treated immediately. Most bleeding from polyps occurs after sexual intercourse.
Endometrial reduction
Reduction of the endometrium is the second reason related to the presence of bleeding after menopause. This means a decrease in the thickness of the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus; medically, it is defined as endometrial atrophy, and this layer of the uterus presents abnormal bleeding.
Hyperplastic endometrium
Endometrial hyperplasia is the other cause related to abnormal bleeding after menopause. This means an increase in the thickness of the lining of the uterus. The last cause to mention is endometrial cancer, and this is the most common related to the female reproductive system, which is also influenced by certain risk factors for endometrial cancer:
- Menarche or onset of menstruation at an early age.
- Menopause at an older age.
- Advanced age.
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Use of estrogen medications for an extended period.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Obesity.
- Smoke.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Arterial hypertension.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer accounts for 13% of cancers diagnosed in women in Spain [1]. The most common age for endometrial cancer to appear is between 55 and 59 years, after menopause.
Other causes
In addition to the cases described above, many others are associated that are characterized by bleeding after menopause :
- Hormonal treatment.
- Infection in the cervix.
- Other types of cancer.
Irregular bleeding in menopause: diagnosis
The gynecologist will carry out the complete physical evaluation and the interrogation in addition to requesting some studies to make the diagnosis concerning the bleeding that occurs after menopause, paraclinical such as:
- Endometrial biopsy: where a small sample of endometrial tissue is obtained and examined microscopically in a laboratory.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This allows images of the organs within the pelvis to be obtained through sound waves. It will enable determining the thickness of the endometrium and the characteristics of the uterus.
- Hysteroscopy is another of the diagnostic methods used. It is done by introducing an instrument with a camera through the vagina and the cervix to visualize the inside of the uterus.
How is bleeding after menopause treated?
The treatment will depend on the cause, and below we explain what treatment each of these conditions receives. Read on and find out how bleeding after menopause is treated :
- In the case of polyps, the ideal treatment is their surgical removal.
- On the other hand, if it is related to endometrial atrophy and endometrial hyperplasia, it is medically treated with some drugs.
- Finally, endometrial cancer is legally treated with surgery applying total hysterectomy.
Regardless of when the bleeding occurs after menopause, it is essential to go to the gynecologist immediately; in this way, innumerable severe complications for women’s health can be avoided.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Bleeding after menopause: Is it normal? – All Causes, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.