Bleeding after menopause or “postmenopausal bleeding” (“PMB”) can be defined as the resumption of vaginal bleeding at least 6 months after a woman experiences her last menstrual period
.
Can hormones cause a period after menopause?
Menopause hormone therapy can result in light bleeding or bleeding that’s as heavy as a normal period
. If your bleeding concerns you, see your doctor.
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.
What are the signs and symptoms of postmenopausal bleeding?
- vaginal dryness.
- decreased libido.
- insomnia.
- stress incontinence.
- increased urinary tract infections.
- weight gain.
Can you still have a period at age 55?
Any woman still experiencing a menstrual cycle in her late 50s and 60s should see a doctor
. However, it’s important to note that each woman’s reproductive system is different. Just as each young woman starts menstruating at a different age, menopause comes at a different age for each woman.
Can stress cause post menopausal bleeding?
Stress –
both physical and mental stress can impact whether or not bleeding after menopause happens
just like it can impact a normal menstrual cycle.
Can post menopausal bleeding stop on its own?
During menopause, women may experience a return of vaginal bleeding. They may spot for a day or a week, and then bleeding may go away.
When bleeding stops, it’s natural not to think about it again
.
Can fibroids cause bleeding after menopause?
You can experience bleeding even after you’ve gone through menopause if you have fibroids
. This symptom is most common in women taking HRTs, because the added hormones allow the fibroid to continue to grow.
How common is bleeding 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.
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.
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 is the last stage of menopause?
Postmenopause is a term to describe the time after someone has gone through menopause. 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).
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.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids after menopause?
- heavy bleeding.
- frequent spotting.
- anemia from significant loss of blood.
- menstrual-like cramping.
- fullness in the lower belly.
- abdominal swelling.
- lower back pain.
- frequent urination.
What color is postmenopausal bleeding?
Brown spotting after menopause is typically a sign of blood mixing into the discharge. While fresh blood is red, it turns
brown or black
as it oxidizes and leaves the vagina. The color may be lighter or mixed with other colors if the woman has an infection, such as a yeast infection.
