Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Vaginal Spotting During Menopause?
I went thru menopause about 10 years ago. Recently I began spotting and today it is a full period with cramps and heavy bleeding. Is this something I should be concerned over or does this happen to some women my age. I have never had children and someone told me that could be why.
Fri, 23 Mar 2018
Hello,
Normally after the last period, a woman in menopause should not have any bleeding (also called postmenopausal bleeding - PMB). The literature says that even a small amount of bleeding, or spotting, is a reason to consult with your gynecologist. The need to see a specialist is mostly to rule out malign conditions. About ten percent of women experiencing PMB are diagnosed with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.
A transvaginal scan, measuring the thickness of the endometrium, could help in orienting the diagnosis: If it is less than four millimeters, then it is very unlikely for the woman to have endometrial cancer. If the thickness is more than 4 mm, then the diagnosis has to be confirmed by biopsy. Other examinations could include hysteroscopy, saline infusion sonography or MRI.
Therefore, my advice is to contact a gynecologist in order to find the cause of your bleeding. In 90% of cases, the causes of PMB are benign, but you need to check out the possibility of cancer as a cause for bleeding and this is why it is imperative a consultation with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ervin Toçi
Normally after the last period, a woman in menopause should not have any bleeding (also called postmenopausal bleeding - PMB). The literature says that even a small amount of bleeding, or spotting, is a reason to consult with your gynecologist. The need to see a specialist is mostly to rule out malign conditions. About ten percent of women experiencing PMB are diagnosed with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia.
A transvaginal scan, measuring the thickness of the endometrium, could help in orienting the diagnosis: If it is less than four millimeters, then it is very unlikely for the woman to have endometrial cancer. If the thickness is more than 4 mm, then the diagnosis has to be confirmed by biopsy. Other examinations could include hysteroscopy, saline infusion sonography or MRI.
Therefore, my advice is to contact a gynecologist in order to find the cause of your bleeding. In 90% of cases, the causes of PMB are benign, but you need to check out the possibility of cancer as a cause for bleeding and this is why it is imperative a consultation with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ervin Toçi
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....