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What Causes Light Vaginal Spotting And Uterine Cramps While On HRT?
Question: Hi, I am a 59 year old women who went through menopause at 50. I am on HRT, but recently started experiencing uterine cramping and very light spotting. It is painful most days at least part of the day. It has been happening to some extent for the last 4 months or so. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Please Fix an early appointment with your Gynecologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Health Care Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
I have read your notes. This symptom is of concern in this age group
Since you are on HRT, the first possibility is -
- thickening of lining of uterus ( endometrial hyperplasia). This thickening is also caused by high levels of estrogen and by being overweight.
The other causes of such spotting are:
- inflammation of the thin lining of vagina (atrophic vaginitis)
- thinning of the lining of uterus ( endometrial atrophy)
- vaginal infection. From your notes it is clear that you do not have infection.
- polyp ( cervical or endometrial). Polyps are growths from the lining of uterus.
- In 10 % of women presenting with this symptom it could be due to cancer of uterus.
Therefore it is important that you have internal examination , ultrasound of uterus and ovaries, Pap smear and endometrial biopsy if need be (biopsy of lining of uterus) to find out the cause for this bloody discharge
So please fix an appointment with the Gynecologist. It is important that you fix an appointment with the Gynecologist at the earliest.
Remember that in 9 out of 10 women the cause is not serious. It is only in 1 in 10 women that the cause is serious.
I hope this helps. If you have further concerns, do write to me. I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama
Please Fix an early appointment with your Gynecologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Health Care Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.
I have read your notes. This symptom is of concern in this age group
Since you are on HRT, the first possibility is -
- thickening of lining of uterus ( endometrial hyperplasia). This thickening is also caused by high levels of estrogen and by being overweight.
The other causes of such spotting are:
- inflammation of the thin lining of vagina (atrophic vaginitis)
- thinning of the lining of uterus ( endometrial atrophy)
- vaginal infection. From your notes it is clear that you do not have infection.
- polyp ( cervical or endometrial). Polyps are growths from the lining of uterus.
- In 10 % of women presenting with this symptom it could be due to cancer of uterus.
Therefore it is important that you have internal examination , ultrasound of uterus and ovaries, Pap smear and endometrial biopsy if need be (biopsy of lining of uterus) to find out the cause for this bloody discharge
So please fix an appointment with the Gynecologist. It is important that you fix an appointment with the Gynecologist at the earliest.
Remember that in 9 out of 10 women the cause is not serious. It is only in 1 in 10 women that the cause is serious.
I hope this helps. If you have further concerns, do write to me. I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I know that I do have fibroid tumors and I am overweight and my estrogen is wonky.
I am not as concerned about the spotting, it is infrequent and very light. I am bugged by the constant cramping. I will make an appointment on Monday and I Thank you for your help.
I am not as concerned about the spotting, it is infrequent and very light. I am bugged by the constant cramping. I will make an appointment on Monday and I Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Uterine cramps can occur due to fibroids/ polyp or rarely uterine cancer
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Being overweight, high estrogen levels are some of the risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer. Spotting however insignificant it may seem to you is an alarming sign. Uterine cramps can occur due to fibroids, endometrial polyp or rarely due to cancer uterus.
Take Ibuprofen 400mg twice daily after meals for 2-3 days if the cramps are too painful.
Please see the doctor at the earliest so that a correct diagnosis is made.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Regards,
Dr Rama
Uterine cramps can occur due to fibroids/ polyp or rarely uterine cancer
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Being overweight, high estrogen levels are some of the risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer. Spotting however insignificant it may seem to you is an alarming sign. Uterine cramps can occur due to fibroids, endometrial polyp or rarely due to cancer uterus.
Take Ibuprofen 400mg twice daily after meals for 2-3 days if the cramps are too painful.
Please see the doctor at the earliest so that a correct diagnosis is made.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Regards,
Dr Rama
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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