Abnormal Bleeding During Menopause

Abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding is often mistaken for early or infrequent menstrual cycles. This type of bleeding can come from a number of health problems, mainly dealing with irregular hormonal levels and concerns in the uterus, ovaries or vagina. Spotting is actually a small amount of blood that comes out sporadically. This blood comes from the uterus or vagina and can be pink, brown or red in color. It sometimes signals health problems, but it is also associated with the menstrual flow. In this case spotting is just "old blood."

Facts

Bleeding in the stage leading up to menopause is a normal occurrence in most cases although, it can spell out problems in some. Perimenopause is the two to eight year transitioning period leading up to menopause. During this time, you will still have a menstrual period, although it may change in volume, duration, and length. Perimenopause is also known as menopause transition; this stage will last until one year passed the ending of your menstrual cycle, when you are said to have entered menopause. Irregular bleeding and spotting are a normal part of perimenopause, due to the declining estrogen levels, that are responsible for normal menstrual functioning. All bleeding during menopause is considered abnormal until properly investigated.

Causes

Abnormal bleeding in menopause can signal health problem such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. (Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)is defined by Medline Plus as abnormal bleeding from the vagina, that is not due to a physical cause. Also according to Medline Plus, this condition affects 40 percent of women over 40 and 20 percent of adolescents. This bleeding occurs in women who are in their reproductive years, which includes women who have entered the stages of perimenopause (menopause transition). Other health problems include benign uterine polyps, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts. Bleeding in menopause may also occur after sexual intercourse, from the effects of vaginal dryness, brought on by low estrogen levels.

Treatments

If your bleeding is due to the hormonal changes experienced in early menopause (perimenopause), you may be given the option of using low-dose estrogen oral contraceptives. These contraceptives work by normalizing estrogen levels, in order to bring about a normal monthly cycle. If you are passed this stage in menopause, and have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months, you may be offered to use hormone replacements. The most widely prescribed treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT works by delivering a low daily dose of estrogen, in order to combat bothersome symptoms stemmed from decreased levels, such as hot flashes, and night sweats. In women who have not had a hysterectomy, HRT will be given in combination with progesterone, for the same desired affects. If the bleeding is due to any cause outside of hormonal imbalances, proper medical treatment for the condition may help reduce or stop the bleeding.

Prevention/Solution

There are no known ways to prevent menopausal bleeding or cramping. Although taking action before menopause may help alleviate symptoms later. Exercising regularly and walking at least 20 minutes a day can help you to strengthen your bones and increase your general well-being. It is also important to eat nutritious foods, especially those high in calcium, since during this time you are at a higher risk for thinning bones.

Reference Sources

Peter Chen M.D., "Dysfuncitonal Uterine Bleeding"Medline Plus

Womenshealth.gov," Perimenopause" U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Mayo Clinic," Uterine Polyps" Mayo Clinic

Women's Health Zone, "Bleeding During Menopause" Women's Health Zone