You should always be concerned about postmenopausal bleeding. Menopause marks the end of menstruation, so experiencing uterine bleeding after menopause is not normal. Bleeding after menopause can be a sign of a serious condition like fibroids, vaginal atrophy, or even endometrial cancer. Early detection can significantly improve the outcome of treatments for any underlying conditions, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
When to Be Concerned About Postmenopausal Bleeding
Not all cases are serious—postmenopausal bleeding will stop on its own if it’s due to benign causes like vaginal dryness or minor trauma. However, if you’re bleeding after menopause, you should seek medical attention. Waiting for it to end, or waiting until your next scheduled appointment to get help is not a good idea. Bleeding after menopause is usually a sign that a serious issue needs to be addressed.
Here are three situations when you should visit the emergency room:
- Heavy bleeding accompanied by pelvic pain or pressure
- Bleeding along with fever, dizziness, or fatigue
- Problems urinating or feeling the constant urge to urinate while experiencing postmenopausal bleeding
At the hospital, you will be examined by a doctor and could undergo various tests to determine what’s wrong. Your visit could include a pelvic exam, blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound to visualize your reproductive organs, and possibly a biopsy to collect tissue samples for further evaluation. Treatments will vary depending on what’s causing the bleeding.
Common Causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding
Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Vaginal atrophy is the thinning and inflammation of the uterine wall tissues and is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women. It’s characterized by symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort or pain during intercourse, and spotting or bleeding after intercourse.
For mild to moderate cases, the primary treatments include non-hormonal vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. Lubricants offer short-term relief, while moisturizers have a longer-lasting effect on vaginal moisture and pH. It’s important to choose products that are similar to vaginal secretions in terms of pH and composition.
Endometrial Polyps
Endometrial polyps are abnormal uterine lesions (growths in the inner lining of the uterus) and their exact cause is unknown. They are most commonly reported in women between ages 40 and 49. In asymptomatic women, endometrial polyps may not require any treatment, and they could even go away on their own. In other cases, endometrial polyps can be treated with an incisionless surgery to remove them.
In a study done on women experiencing unusual bleeding, polyps were discovered incidentally after examination. It’s always a wise choice to call your physician and set up an appointment if you are experiencing any postmenopausal bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that can occur in the uterus. They are more prevalent in Black American females, affecting over 80% of this group by age 50. After menopause, fibroids typically shrink due to decreased estrogen levels. However, they can still cause symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pain during sex, pressure on the bladder or bowels, and lower back pain. While fibroids are almost always benign, they can impact your quality of life and may require treatment.
Endometrial Cancer
The best case scenario when in a dire situation like this, is to find the cancer early. This improves chances of having it treated successfully. One way endometrial cancer is caught early is through early detection screenings, or through women reporting symptoms like vaginal bleeding. Of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, 90% of them reported bleeding before their diagnosis. Postmenopausal women experiencing bleeding are typically referred for further testing to rule out the possibility of endometrial cancer.
Total Point Emergency Room in Dallas, Texas
When you’re in need of emergency care for a women’s health issue, you need a team with both compassion and expertise. Heavy uterine bleeding postmenopause is a scary thing to experience, and you should visit an emergency room to receive care immediately. Total Point ER is an emergency medical facility that believes in keeping our Dallas community healthy by offering you the best care possible. Visit us today so we can help restore your health.
Image by Benjamin Balazs from Pixabay on 5.28.2024 | used under the creative commons license