Susan
Post-Menopausal Bleeding – What You Can Do
Whether you have experienced Post Menopausal Bleeding in the past or you are experiencing it now, there are a number of things you can do to help. Read on to find out more about some of the options available to you.
Endometrial hyperplasia
Often, the uterine lining will thicken after menopause and cause an unusual bleed. This can be the result of endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that is very treatable. But if it doesn’t clear up on its own, you may need to see a specialist.
The main symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia are irregular bleeding and heavier menstrual periods. If the uterine lining becomes too thick, it is possible that the lining will become cancerous.
The most accurate way to diagnose endometrial hyperplasia is to perform a tissue sample. This is usually done through a hysteroscopy, in which a doctor removes a tiny piece of the lining. Then, the sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. If there is cancer, the tissue will show abnormal glands. A pathologist will study the cells to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of abnormal bleeding.
Women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. They also have an increased risk of having a more severe form of the disease.
In most cases, treatment for endometrial hyperplasia consists of hormone therapy. This includes progestins which are taken either as oral medication, vaginal cream or an intrauterine device. The goal of this treatment is to stop the growth of the endometrium.
If the hyperplasia doesn’t go away, you may need surgery. In addition to removing the uterus, the ovaries and Fallopian tubes are removed. This surgery can help prevent womb lining cancer.
Endometrial hyperplasia can also be diagnosed through ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound scan can be performed to determine the thickness of the uterine lining. If the uterine lining is more than four millimeters, you may have hyperplasia.
Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia can involve the use of estrogen, tamoxifen, progesterone, or both. The best option for you depends on the type of endometrial hyperplasia you have. If you have atypical hyperplasia, you may be eligible for a hysterectomy. If you have complicated hyperplasia, you may need more frequent monitoring. Depending on the type of hyperplasia, you may be able to delay the hysterectomy until after you have had children.
Hormone replacement therapy
Depending on your age, menopausal symptoms can be a big deal. Aside from physical symptoms like fatigue and depression, menopausal hormone therapy can help ease a number of them. It can also prevent bone loss. However, it can also come with its own set of drawbacks. If you’re considering taking it, speak to your doctor and see if it’s right for you.
Regardless of your age, it’s important to know that there’s no shortage of HRT options. For example, some women can take hormone-only therapy after a hysterectomy. Others can take it with progestin, a synthetic version of the female hormone. Combined hormone-progestin therapy is often referred to as EPT.
The best way to determine what type of therapy is right for you is to ask your GP or specialist. They’ll be able to recommend the best options for your needs. Alternatively, you can seek advice from a pharmacist. It’s important to understand the benefits and potential risks of hormone-replacement therapy before making a decision. The benefits usually outweigh the risks. During the course of a menopausal transition, your doctor will want to rule out any serious causes, such as cancer, before prescribing a treatment.
For some, menopausal hormone therapy is the right choice. It’s a way to treat symptoms such as hot flushes and vulvovaginal atrophy. But it doesn’t offer much in the way of protection against osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. In addition, it’s hard to stick with the regimen for long. Moreover, the side effects are sometimes worse than the benefits.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that not every woman needs hormone-replacement therapy. For some, a cyclical regimen with estrogen-only therapy for the first 14 days and progestin for the second 14 days is all that’s needed. The only downside is that it can cause withdrawal bleeds.
The other big advantage of a cyclical regimen is that it’s easy to switch to the next month’s prescription. There are some other benefits to cyclical HRT, including fewer occurrences of the dreaded menopausal emesis. But, there’s no evidence to suggest that a cyclical regimen offers a more effective cure than a non-cyclical one.
Over-the-counter preparations
During menopause, hormone levels drop and a woman’s periods may go by the wayside. For women who have been having periods for years, this can be a scary transition. But, there are some natural ways to manage the symptoms. A few studies have found that herbs can be useful, though a lot of research is still needed.
Some of the most popular over-the-counter preparations for post-menopausal bleeding include creams and ointments made from a variety of herbs. While some studies have found these products to be effective, others have shown no statistically significant effect.
There are also prescription drugs available for women with vaginal dryness. A skin patch, IUD, or hormonal implants can help reduce the symptoms. Other treatments include antibiotics and surgery. If these don’t work, women can try hormone replacement therapy.
Some studies have also found that herbal supplements can help reduce the number of hot flashes a woman experiences. Some of these supplements are available over the counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
One of the most popular herbal preparations for menopausal symptoms is black cohosh. The herb can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to reduce the number of hot flashes a woman has. This is one of the few herbs that has been studied extensively.
Other preparations for post-menopausal symptoms that are popular are vitamins and herbal products. Many of these products are promoted as “natural,” but they actually contain synthetic hormones. Some are derived from soy, while others are made from plant extracts. There are also over-the-counter lubricants that can help ease the symptoms of vaginal dryness.
The most important thing to know about these preparations is that they can’t cure your menopausal symptoms. But they can make your symptoms a lot better. This is especially true if you suffer from vaginal atrophy, which causes a thin lining that is more prone to infection. A good doctor can help you decide what is best for you. And remember, it’s never too early to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
The name of the game is to find the product that works for you. It’s best to talk to your doctor about your options, so you can get the relief you need.
Surgery
Usually, bleeding after menopause is not a serious problem, but it can be a sign of a serious health condition. Women who experience abnormal vaginal bleeding should seek medical treatment immediately. This type of bleeding can be caused by several different conditions. However, one of the most common causes of bleeding after menopause is cancer.
Cancer is a serious condition. It can affect the uterus or cervix. The most common type of cancer that occurs after menopause is endometrial cancer. This form of cancer begins in the uterine lining. It can be treated with surgery or chemotherapy.
Getting tested for cancer is important. The early detection of cancer increases a woman’s chances of survival. It is also a good idea to get checked for cervical and vulvar cancer. Pap smears can be performed to detect cervical cancer.
If a woman experiences postmenopausal bleeding that does not go away, she should get a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound. In addition, a doctor may recommend a biopsy to look for polyps. A biopsy is when a doctor takes a sample of the lining of the uterus. This sample is then sent to a lab for examination.
Uterine polyps are overgrowths of tissue or blood vessels in the uterine lining. They are non-cancerous growths, but they can develop into cancerous ones. In some cases, polyps can be removed by an ob-gyn.
Women who use estrogen-only hormonal replacement therapy increase their risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia. This thickening of the lining of the uterus can be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
Uterine fibroids can also cause vaginal bleeding. These tumors can be removed during a hysterectomy.
Endometrial atrophy is another common cause of postmenopausal bleeding. This condition occurs when the lining of the uterus thins after menopause. If the lining becomes too thin, it can result in endometrial cancer.
During an ultrasound, a doctor can see whether the lining of the uterus is thick. This is a sign of cancer, but it does not always mean that the uterus has cancer.
Other types of symptoms that could indicate cancer are spotting or unusual bleeding. If the spotting persists, the condition is serious and needs to be investigated.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
