Period After Menopause ?

[Dewil]

I am 53 and have not had periods since I was 50---all of a sudden--whamo! Here it is? Is this a sign of some major problem?

[Parariza]

Here is some info you might find helpful:

"changes in bleeding are normal as you near menopause. There are also other common causes of bleeding in the years after menopause. The decline in your body's estrogen levels can cause tissues lining the vagina to become thin, dry, and less elastic. Sometimes this lining can become broken or easily inflamed and bleed. It can also become injured during sex or even during a pelvic exam.

Once you've reached menopause, though, you should report any bleeding that you have to your hcp. Uterine bleeding after menopause could be a sign of other health problems. Other things that can cause abnormal bleeding include:

* fibroids
* the use of birth control pills
* a hormonal imbalance
* non-cancerous growths in the lining of the uterus "

"postmenopausal bleeding may be caused by:

* hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy
* hormone problems
* atrophy of the vagina, which is thinning and drying of the lining of the vagina
* polyps (small growths) in the uterus or on the cervix
* hyperplasia (enlarged cells) of the lining of the uterus
* infection of the cervix
* cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
* some types of ovarian tumors
* anticoagulants (blood-thinner medicines)."

"most of the time there is a reasonable explanation for a post-menopausal bleeding event, but any kind of irregular bleeding — particularly if you haven’t had a natural period for over a year — warrants investigation by your healthcare provider — just to rule out anything serious."

[sabrina]

Usually bleeding after a year off is a sign there might be trouble. I was period free for almost 18 months then had a period, and my boss/doctor a gyn wanted to do a procedure called an endometrial biopsy. I didn't, and I am OK still. No periods since then. If there is a history of uterine or cervical cancer in your mothers family, abnormal bleeding should be seen to by her doctor. It is still a good idea to mention it. You never know. I didn't have the procedure, and I am fine, but, I know that every other women that we have had that had those same symptoms was given the procedure.
It can be done in the office, or at the hospital. To ease her mind, I would recommend she see her gyn.

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