What is postmenopausal bleeding?
Postmenopausal bleeding is any type of bleeding after you’ve gone through menopause, which occurs after 12 consecutive months without your period.
While some women may experience bleeding after menopause due to fluctuations in hormone levels, it’s important for Dr. Pam to evaluate you to determine an exact diagnosis. Some causes of postmenopausal bleeding may be serious, such as cancer, and need treatment right away.
What causes postmenopausal bleeding?
In addition to fluctuations in hormones, causes of postmenopausal bleeding include:
- Thickening of the uterine lining
- Vaginal polyps
- Thinning of your vaginal wall
- Vaginal or uterine atrophy
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Certain medications, such as hormonal therapy or blood thinners, may also cause postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.
How is the cause of postmenopausal bleeding determined?
To help determine the cause of your postmenopausal bleeding, Dr. Pam conducts a physical examination and obtains your medical history.
In addition, she may recommend tests such as:
- Hysteroscopy: Internal view of your uterus with a special camera called a hysteroscope
- Transvaginal ultrasound: To view the thickness of your vaginal wall
- Sonohysteroscopy: Imaging that uses a salt-water solution to help measure the size of polyps
- Endometrial biopsy: A sample of your endometrial skin to rule out cancer or infection
- Dilation and curettage: A procedure that scrapes skin samples from your uterus to test for cancer, polyps, or thickening of the lining
While some of these diagnostics and tests may seem unpleasant, Dr. Pam does everything she can to make you feel comfortable, including keeping you informed throughout every step of the process.
What is the treatment for postmenopausal bleeding?
Treatment for your postmenopausal bleeding depends on the cause, but options include:
- Hormone therapy
- Removal of polyps, known as hysteroscopy
- Dilation and curettage to remove thickened areas of your uterine lining
Hormone therapy in the form of pills, creams, or rings are used to treat postmenopausal bleeding that vaginal or endometrial atrophy cause.
If cancer is the cause of your postmenopausal bleeding, you may need a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.
Whatever the cause, Dr. Pam works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
If you’re experiencing postmenopausal bleeding, call the office today or book an appointment using the online booking agent.
