When you’re in postmenopause,
your menstrual period has been gone for longer than 12 consecutive months
. At this stage in life, your reproductive years are behind you and you’re no longer ovulating (releasing eggs). The menopausal symptoms you’ve experienced in the past may become milder or go away completely.
What are the signs and symptoms of postmenopausal bleeding?
- vaginal dryness.
- decreased libido.
- insomnia.
- stress incontinence.
- increased urinary tract infections.
- weight gain.
What is the most common cause of postmenopausal bleeding?
In most cases, postmenopausal bleeding is caused by issues such as
endometrial atrophy (a thinning of the uterine lining), vaginal atrophy, fibroids, or endometrial polyps
. The bleeding could also be a sign of endometrial cancer—a malignancy of the uterine lining, but only in a small number of cases.
Why am I having a cycle after menopause?
What causes postmenopausal bleeding? The most common causes of bleeding or spotting after menopause include:
Endometrial or vaginal atrophy
(lining of the uterus or vagina becomes thin and dry). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (estrogen and progesterone supplements that decrease some menopausal symptoms).
What does it mean if you start bleeding years after menopause?
Bleeding after menopause is not normal
, so take it seriously. Go directly to your ob-gyn. Polyps also can cause vaginal bleeding. If your ob-gyn discovers these benign (noncancerous) growths in your uterus or on your cervix, you might need surgery to remove them.
Is postmenopausal bleeding an emergency?
Simply put,
women who experience post-menopausal bleeding should seek medical attention immediately
. Early detection of abnormal cells or cancer increases the survival rate.
What tests are done for postmenopausal bleeding?
Examples of tests used to diagnose the cause of postmenopausal bleeding include:
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
: This procedure involves dilating or widening the cervix to obtain a larger tissue sample. It also involves using a special tool called a hysteroscope to see inside the uterus to identify any potential growths.
What color is menopause discharge?
Generally speaking, healthy discharge is
white, cream, or clear
. It’s not too thick and can even be a little watery. It doesn’t have a strong odor and doesn’t cause irritation. You can have so little that you don’t even notice it until you see it on your underwear.
Why am I bleeding after not having a period for 10 years?
Causes of postmenopausal bleeding
The most common causes are:
inflammation and thinning of the vaginal lining (atrophic vaginitis) or womb lining (endometrial atrophy) – caused by lower oestrogen levels
. cervical or womb polyps – growths that are usually non-cancerous.
Can periods come back after 2 years?
Some people may experience periods that start as they expect, then stop and start again
. Occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are not unusual and can be due to lifestyle factors and hormones fluctuations. In some cases, irregular periods can be a sign of hormone imbalances or an underlying health condition.
What does white discharge mean after menopause?
Discharge after menopause
The vagina tends to lose its moisture after the menopause due to lower oestrogen levels. You will still produce small amounts of discharge after menopause. However, if you are experiencing yellow-white discharge,
it is possible you have an infection
.
Does menopause cause vaginal odor?
Fluid changes
Some people may notice watery discharge or a vaginal odor during menopause
. This is due to the vagina’s changing acidity level — also known as pH — following a decline in estrogen levels.
How do I get rid of brown discharge after menopause?
Thick endometrial tissue can cause bleeding and abnormal spotting. Doctors may recommend
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to adjust the levels of the hormones and treat the issue
. They may also consider surgery to remove thickened cells or perform a hysterectomy.