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Post-Menopausal vs. Menopausal

Well by the sound of it, I have been in “post-menopause” for three years now. (No periods for just over four years). I started perimenopause in my late 30’s and I am now 46. However, last week I started spotting which is odd since I haven’t had any kind of period for so long. I am not sure what this means. Any ideas?

-Deanna

 

Answer:

 

Thanks Deanna, and yes, you are indeed post-menopausal.

 

Most women expect that once menopause is over, they are free from the burdens of their monthly visitor. In reality, post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after the end of menopause) actually happens to 20 to 30 percent of women. Most of the time, the bleeding is nothing serious, but it should be checked out by a doctor because it is still considered to be abnormal until a doctor can prove otherwise. This is just to make sure that the bleeding is not the result of a more serious problem.

 

There are many possible causes of post-menopausal bleeding:

·        Stressful situations

·        Spontaneous change in hormones

·        Recently came off HRT

·        Drastic weight-loss/fat reduction

 

Since I am not a doctor and do not know of your personal situation, I cannot tell you exactly why you are experiencing bleeding after menopause - visit a health care professional and they will be able to determine the cause and any relevant treatments.

 

There are a number of procedures your doctor may use, to determine the cause for your bleeding after menopause:

·        Pelvic exam

·        Pap smear

·        Office endometrial biopsy - it is like a deeper pap smear that sweeps the inside of the uterus to be tested - causes minimal discomfort

 

The results of your test will determine what treatments (if any) need to be prescribed. Usually the bleeding is nothing to worry about and the doctor will just ask you to monitor the condition and it might go away on its own.

 

To set your mind at ease, visit your doctor. It’s better to be informed than unknowing.

Published Monday, July 31, 2006 2:29 PM by Editor

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Comments

 

Carrie Bradshaw said:

Thanks for the question.  I came here to ask the same thing.  I am 53 and having what would be, for me, a normal period after having none for about 20 months.  I'm hoping this is only temporary.
August 1, 2006 10:56 AM
 

Cookie Anagnoson said:

Imagine my surprise!  I too, am 53, and having a "period" after 3-4 years of not having any. I was happy to read that this is is not that unusual; all the other articles I have read have scared me silly. Just to be sure, I'm heading to my gynecologist next week!
August 2, 2006 10:52 AM
 

Sandra Campbell said:

I am 44 and haven't had a period since June 05. I consider myself to be post menopausal. My question is this: does your blood pressure increase? I haven't changed diet and I still excersise routinely.
Thank you, Sandra Campbell
September 20, 2006 10:49 AM
 

Rosalee Johnson said:

I just turned 46 I have been going through menopause since I was 38 I haven't had a period since 2001. I have never taken any thing for the hot flashes I no longer have the night sweat where I use to have to change all through the night. I deal with the hot flashes by just letting them come and go. The worst thing for me is waking up all through the night 3-4 times everynight . I am scare of medication for menopause. My sister in law had a stroke from her menopause medication. I don't know how much more of this interrution of sleep I can take. this is not the question you  ask but this is the frist time I look this up.
September 23, 2006 3:36 AM
 

LaVonna said:

Do you know if a woman still goes through menopause if they had a hysterectomy in there late 20s I am now 48 have bee on hrt since my late 20s.  I feel angry, emotional, headaches, vaginal dryness, and not sleeping. thanks so much
September 25, 2006 5:43 PM
 

Editor said:

Hi Sandra. Thanks for the question.

There’s been a fair amount of talk about the relationship between menopause and heart disease but high blood pressure, or hypertension (another cardiovascular condition), seems to receive less attention. Estrogen has been found to help protect women from the risk of cardiovascular disease, but when estrogen levels begin to decline with the onset of menopause that risk begins to increase.

So yes, it’s possible that your blood pressure could increase when you go through menopause. There are some basic lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, including regular exercise (which you seem to have in hand), healthy eating and not smoking. Of course, your doctor’s the best resource for monitoring your blood pressure and, if necessary, advising what treatments might be in order. And definitely consult your doctor before changing your diet or exercise routine.
September 26, 2006 4:18 PM
 

Editor said:

Rosalee, I’m sorry about your sister-in-law. Your concern is understandable.

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the subject of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and HRT has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in some (particularly older) women. But in short-term use they also offer benefits for many women experiencing severe symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and only you and your doctor can determine the best option for you.

However, HRT isn’t the only treatment available. Besides relying on the benefits of a balanced diet (always a good choice) and regular exercise, some women have benefited from one of several natural menopause remedies, including:
• soy and other foods with phytoestrogens (chick peas, flax seeds…)
• black cohosh
• red clover
• dong quai
• evening primrose oil
• wild yam
• relaxation exercises
• avoiding caffeine (this is a big one if you’re waking up during the night)

Consult your doctor before you try anything new – there are risks involved with any treatment – but hopefully, you’ll find yourself getting a full night’s sleep soon!
September 26, 2006 4:19 PM
 

Editor said:

Hi LaVonna, thanks for your question – I’m sure you’re not the only one who would like to know the answer.

Whether you go through menopause later in life after an early hysterectomy depends on whether your ovaries were removed or not. If the uterus is removed but not the ovaries, your ovaries will still produce hormones until the usual time or close to it.

Removal of both ovaries along with the uterus causes the immediate onset of menopause (surgical or induced menopause), which means it’s unlikely that you’d experience a new bout of menopausal symptoms later in life, particularly if you’re already on HRT. Of course, I'm not a doctor, and although your symptoms are commonly associated with menopause there may be another cause so it's a good idea to consult your health care professional to eliminate the possibility of any underlying problems.
September 26, 2006 4:20 PM
 

Antoinette Fox said:

Well, it sounds by the topic, I am in the right place.  I am 46 and as of 3 months ago have not had a period, although last week, when I wiped I noticed a smear of fresh blood - not enough to wear protection but none the less there it was an old rememberance of what use to be every 28 days.  I feel fine, sometimes tired and I too have experienced hot flashes.  i haven't had them in a few weeks now and no more spotting, am I going through menopause?  if so, and I know you are not a physician, but, any suggestions on vitamins or dietary menus?  I recently lost 20 lbs and now have started getting healthier, putting on 15 lbs - I don't want to get all wacky due to this.  How long before you really go through the real thing?
November 1, 2006 3:09 PM
 

Norma Smith said:

What are some of the possible causes of bleeding after not having had a period in over a year?  I have read the advice of seeing a doctor about it, but am without medical insurance and don't want to run up big bills if there are no serious reasons to be concerned.  I am 49 and have been post menopausaul for at least a year or better.  Is there any chance of becoming pregnant?
November 6, 2006 1:19 PM
 

Editor said:

Unpredictable bleeding is normal as you near menopause; however bleeding after you’ve been in menopause for over a year may be a sign of another health problem. I would advise seeing your doctor for a pelvic exam, as uterine bleeding could be a sign of one of the following:

 

  • In post-menopause, broken or inflamed vaginal tissue – due to dryness and thinness.
  • An injury due to sex or something else.
  • Cells or growth in the uterine lining that may be non-cancerous.
  • Uterine fibroid tumors
  • It may indicate a hormonal imbalance – especially if you’ve changed medications recently.
  • You may experience bleeding if you’re still taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Uterine bleeding post-menopause can sometimes be totally harmless, but I definitely recommend this doctor’s visit will be well worth the medical bill – it’s better to be safe after all.

November 7, 2006 1:03 PM
 

Angela B said:

I am 31 years old, and have had a total hysterectomy 2 -3 years ago due to endometriosis. I have been without periods ever since. However yesterday I started spotting. I know the causes and reasons for bleeding after regular menopause, but what about for surgical menopause.  Is it possible the endo returned and is causing this? What could it be? I cannot reach a doctor right away and would like to know at least some of what I am dealing with before hand.

April 7, 2007 3:30 PM

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