Bleeding After Menopause

Causes of heavy and irregular menopause bleeding

Bleeding after menopause and irregular heavy bleeding is a symptom that sends many women to the doctor.

During your fertile years you usually have a cycle of about 28 days. But in peri menopause, it's normal to have wildly irregular cycles. For instance, 21 to 25 days between cycles then sixty days before the next cycle can be alarming be this is not what you're used to experiencing.

You're period is late and you may wonder if you're pregnant. Or you're sitting at your office and you suddenly feel that tell-tale dampness. Once you've gotten used to the irregularity, it's usually not too much of a problem, it's just annoying.

Heavy bleeding, however, is a different story. It's the most distressing symptom that has women running to the doctor.

Other women are bothered by bleeding between periods. This can range from slight spotting to flooding.

Four stages....

You first notice changes in your menstrual cycle. You can no longer use your previous experiences to predict what to expect.

You start to feel anxious, annoyed, concerned, uncomfortable, or frustrated because you don't know what to expect.

You then start checking with other women to see what is "normal". You realize you always have to take precautions and be ready for surprises.

Finally, you reach the point where you just want it to end. The unpredictability and uncertainty of perimenopausal bleeding reinforces your desire to get it over with.

Most women can get through all of these changes as long as they know they are ok. However, some of these normal changes are more than we can take.

Heavy bleeding after menopause can interfere with your life. It can also make you anemic and impossible for you to leave your house. It's true these changes in your body are most likely due to changes in hormone levels, but it's alarming to know you can't be certain that's the case.

You should consult a gynecologist if...

you bleed between periods

your periods come more than every twenty or twenty-one days

your periods last more than 7 or 8 days

your periods come much heavier than they used to

An endometrial biopsy can be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding. This is the easiest and most cost effective way to make sure your bleeding isn't caused by endometrial cancer or hyperplasia.

The biopsy can also indicate if you're ovulating. If it doesn't confirm that the bleeding is caused by hormonal shifts, then you'll need further evaluation.

Cancer is the least common cause for abnormal nonhormonal bleeding. Anatomical problems like polyps and fibroids are more likely causes.

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Bleeding After MenopauseCauses of heavy and irregular menopause bleeding

Bleeding After Menopause

Causes of heavy and irregular menopause bleeding