Post-menopausal bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding is an abnormal bleeding that occurs after menopause, a stage in a woman's life when menstrual periods have permanently ceased for at least 12 months. This condition is considered abnormal because after menopause, a woman should not experience any menstrual bleeding.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The causes of post-menopausal bleeding can range from non-serious causes such as vaginal atrophy or endometrial atrophy, to more serious conditions such as endometrial cancer. Other possible causes include polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and uterine fibroids.
Vaginal Atrophy[edit | edit source]
Vaginal atrophy is a condition in which the walls of the vagina become thin and dry due to a decrease in estrogen levels. This can lead to bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse.
Endometrial Atrophy[edit | edit source]
Endometrial atrophy is the thinning of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This condition can also cause bleeding.
Polyps[edit | edit source]
Polyps are noncancerous growths that can develop in the lining of the uterus or the cervix and can cause bleeding.
Endometrial Hyperplasia[edit | edit source]
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the endometrium becomes too thick. This can also lead to bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids[edit | edit source]
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They can cause bleeding, but this is less common.
Endometrial Cancer[edit | edit source]
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus. Post-menopausal bleeding can be a symptom of this type of cancer.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of post-menopausal bleeding typically involves a physical examination, a pelvic ultrasound, and an endometrial biopsy. The doctor may also order blood tests to check for other potential causes of bleeding.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for post-menopausal bleeding depends on the underlying cause. This can range from hormonal therapy for conditions like vaginal atrophy, to surgery for conditions like polyps or endometrial cancer.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD