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I have not had a period for 3 years so I am post-menopausal. Suddenly November 2nd I had a bleeding that lasted for 8 days. Started with bloody streaks and progressed to dark bleeding that was as heavy as a normal period. I had an ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound that showed 2 cysts on my left ovary and an abnormal thickening of the lining in the uterus. The bleeding has started again as of November 29th. I am waiting for an appointment with an OB/GYN. I am thinking I have something pretty serious going on. My doctor doesn't seem to think this is anything to worry about but after losing my Stepdad in July/09 and my Dad was given 3 months to live as of October ... both due to cancer ... I can't help but wonder. Does anyone have some insight into my issues?
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Hello Anonymous,
Intermittent spotting after menopause is not normal and must be evaluated by your physician. Causes can range from thinning of the tissue that lines the uterus to endometrial hyperplasia, which occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes thick.
Regards,
December 7, 2016 - 9:42amMaryann
This Comment
Thank you, very informative information....
November 18, 2016 - 9:52amThis Comment
Anon,
Welcome to EmpowHer! And thank you so much for your question. Let's see if we can help you figure out what might be going on.
First of all, please know that you are doing everything right! As soon as you noticed something different, you made a doctor's appointment and you are following up. Should there be anything seriously wrong, you are on it early and thoroughly, and that is exactly what you should be doing.
Second, there are quite a few reasons that women can have vaginal bleeding after menopause, even monthly "periods" like you seem to be having. J. Glenn Bradley, MD, an editorial adviser for OBGYN.net, says this:
"There are many causes of postmenopausal bleeding, and the most common is hormone replacement therapy. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy very often may develop PMB because the uterine lining is very sensitive to estrogen, which promotes growth of the endometrium, just as it does in the normal reproductive cycle that was operative prior to menopause. Lack of estrogen, on the other hand, may cause atrophy of the lining, and in this condition, the blood vessels of the uterine lining become so fragile because of estrogen lack that they spontaneously break and then bleed.
"Polyps and fibroids are common benign growths that develop in the uterine cavity. The former is most often associated with irregular light spotting, staining or actual light bleeding. The latter may also present this way, but in fact may be associated with much heavier bleeding.
"Overgrowths of the uterine lining are called "hyperplasias", may be the cause of abnormal post-menopausal bleeding, Some specific types are associated with a malignant potential. About 20 % of true post-menopausal bleeders may have cancer of the endometrium (the uterine lining)."
Here's more from Dr. Bradley:
http://www.obgyn.net/displayarticle.asp?page=/women/articles/bradley/banter_0803
Anon, you didn't mention how old you are, or whether you are on any Hormone Replacement Therapy?
And when is your ob/gyn appointment?
December 1, 2009 - 9:27amThis Comment
im 49 i took the depo shot 9 years went off of it in 09 i had heavy bleeding for 4 months straight the bleeding after depo started in nov of 09and ended feb of 2010 i had not had a period in 3 years had one 2 weeks ago after sex bleed like light to med for 11 days i had precancer cells 13 years ago then had them froze i went to the oybgn last wed he did a biopsy of my cervix and a pap also my sister works in a lab she drew my blood she said the blood test came back high levels in my fsh,im worried outta my mind that it might be cancer, my doctor says it still might be my depo that caused me not to have periods for 3 years i know my cervix was very painful after sex and during the exam im not sure if im having a watery discharge or if its just urine my bladder leaks alot, please help me and tell me other thing can cause this thanks in oklahoma
September 1, 2012 - 6:48pmThis Comment
im 49 i took the depo shot 9 years went off of it in 09 i had heavy bleeding for 4 months straight the bleeding after depo started in nov of 09and ended feb of 2010 i had not had a period in 3 years had one 2 weeks ago after sex bleed like light to med for 11 days i had precancer cells 13 years ago then had them froze i went to the oybgn last wed he did a biopsy of my cervix and a pap also my sister works in a lab she drew my blood she said the blood test came back high levels in my fsh,im worried outta my mind that it might be cancer, my doctor says it still might be my depo that caused me not to have periods for 3 years i know my cervix was very painful after sex and during the exam im not sure if im having a watery discharge or if its just urine my bladder leaks alot, please help me and tell me other thing can cause this thanks in oklahoma
September 1, 2012 - 6:48pmThis Comment
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your reply. I should have put the information that you requested in my original posting but never thought of it.
I am 47 and I have never taken HRT's. The doctor is still waiting for the OB/GYN office to call them with a date.
Deb
December 1, 2009 - 4:14pmThis Comment