Whether it’s a harmless side effect or an indicator of serious medical issue, Dr. Megan Cassidy explains why it’s important to visit your gynecologist if you experience post-menopausal bleeding.
Summary: Bleeding after menopause is common but never normal. It may indicate benign conditions like fibroids, hormone changes, or side effects of menopause hormone therapy, but it can also signal serious issues like cancer. Early medical evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and peace of mind. Always consult your doctor about unexpected bleeding.
It has been a year or more since you’ve experienced your last menstrual period. Suddenly, you look down and notice red spotting in your underwear. While a year ago, this sight would have been familiar and expected, bleeding after menopause is concerning.
Is this sudden spotting an emergency or just a strange occurrence you can safely ignore?
If you experience post-menopausal bleeding, we advise you to call or see your doctor. While some post-menopause bleeding is harmless, it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and, as always, early detection saves lives.
With that said, every woman and every body is different. Bleeding or spotting on its own is not necessarily an emergency. In this blog, we’ll respond to the common myths associated with blood spotting in postmenopausal women. Continue reading to learn why you might be experiencing bleeding and what it could mean for your health.
Myths about Bleeding After Menopause
Myth #1: Post-Menopausal Bleeding is Always a Sign of Cancer
Most of us have heard at least one second-hand horror story about a woman who gets a period after menopause. That story almost always ends with a diagnosis of uterine cancer or other cancers of the reproductive organs.
Remember, however, that stories get told and spread for a reason. A cancer diagnosis is an extreme and, thus, emotionally memorable conclusion to the story. That’s why it makes an impactful cautionary tale. However, not every woman who experiences bleeding after menopause has cancer.
While bleeding after menopause can be a symptom of some cancers, it is not the only (or even the most common) cause of bleeding.
More common, less serious causes of vaginal bleeding after menopause include:
- Uterine fibroids. Non-cancerous tumors that can affect up to 75% of women in their lifetime, before, during, or after menopause.
- Uterine polyps. A typically benign overgrowth of endometrial tissue, often caused by hormonal factors.
- Menopause-related hormone changes. Hormonal changes during and after menopause can cause a thinning of the uterine lining. This thin lining can break down and bleed easily.
- Side effects of menopause hormone therapy. MHT, including estrogen replacement, frequently causes some vaginal bleeding as a side effect. It’s most common when beginning MHT or after making changes to dosage or delivery method.
With that said, post-menopause bleeding is a symptom of cancer in 10-15% of cases. It is always a good idea to call your doctor or schedule an appointment if you experience unexpected bleeding. An examination by a trusted medical professional could save your life.
Myth #2: Bleeding After Menopause is Normal
While the cause behind bleeding may ultimately be benign, bleeding after menopause is never normal. It’s always best to see your doctor and learn the medical cause behind the bleeding.
In most cases, your doctor will perform a physical exam. If you see a gynecologist, they will likely perform a pelvic exam, too. If you are on menopause hormone therapy (often referred to as hormone replacement therapy or HRT), your doctor may choose to monitor your side effects or adjust your dosage.
Your doctor may also order a painless ultrasound imaging procedure. That can help determine if you’re experiencing fibroids or polyps or if further testing is necessary.
Depending on the findings, your doctor will then discuss your next steps. They can be as simple as scheduling a follow-up ultrasound. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from seeking the care you deserve.
Myth #3: Menopause Hormone Therapy Is Definitely the Cause of my Post-Menopausal Bleeding
While MHT side effects can be the cause of post-menopausal bleeding, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. First, because a side effect may be a sign that your medication needs to be changed or adjusted. Second, because you may be experiencing bleeding due to other factors.
It’s always wise to report side effects when taking a new medication. That way, your doctor can monitor your symptoms and adjust your dosage or delivery method if necessary. If you have scheduled a follow-up appointment after starting MHT, do your best to keep that appointment. It’s a key component of proper medication management.
With that said, heavy bleeding is not a side effect of MHT. If you feel faint, are soaking through pads or tampons, or are experiencing abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately.
Myth #4: If the Bleeding Stops, I Don’t Need to See a Doctor
Menopause is a dynamic time in a woman’s life. Your body is constantly in flux, with shifting hormone levels causing a range of symptoms. A symptom you experience one day may disappear the next. That does not necessarily mean the underlying cause is gone.
Even if the cause of your symptoms is non-life-threatening, you can still enhance your comfort with medical intervention. Likewise, if the underlying cause is life-threatening, you’ll be glad you took efficient steps to address it.
Addressing Bleeding After Menopause: Knowledge Is Power
The bottom line is that vaginal bleeding after menopause is common but not normal. While it doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer, it may indicate another problem.
In the worst-case scenario, early detection of a serious medical issue can save your life. In the best-case scenario, seeing your doctor will provide answers and peace of mind.
At Virginia Physicians for Women, our gynecology team are experts at addressing menopause-related concerns. Whether or not you’re experiencing post-menopausal bleeding, we’re eager to help you achieve comfort after menopause. Connect with a VPFW gynecologist today to prioritize your health and get the compassionate care you deserve.
To make an appointment with a gynecologist at one of our Richmond, VA, OB/GYN locations, call VPFW at 804-897-2100 or message us to schedule online.