Many women are surprised when they continue to experience bleeding during menopause. It happened to majority of women who are approaching menopause. Such symptoms of prolonged bleeding (lasting for a month or so) usually appear 2-4 years before menopause occurs. This bleeding often occurs because of your body’s declining estrogen levels.
During early menopause, periods become irregular, but bleeding is quite normal. In most cases, there’s no need for concern. Irregular menstrual periods can occur for up to six months in early menopause before the periods stop altogether. Bleeding should not be any heavier than your normal period. However, there are some instances where bleeding is not normal during early menopause, and treatment should be sought.
CAUSES OF MENOPAUSE BLEEDING
Abnormal bleeding in menopause can signal health problem such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. This condition affects 40 percent of women over 40 and 20 percent of adolescents. Any bleeding that lasts more than two weeks or bleeding that requires the use of a pad every hour for more than 24 hours is not normal.
In many cases, abnormal bleeding is caused by a lack of ovulation, while the ovary is still continuing to produce estrogen. This can usually be treated with progesterone medication. Other health problems include benign uterine polyps, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors (fibroids), thyroid disorders and complication in pregnancy (which is very rare). Bleeding in menopause may also occur after sexual intercourse, from the effects of vaginal dryness, brought on by low estrogen levels.
TREATMENTS TO STOP BLEEDING
Once it is determined that your ongoing bleeding is related to perimenopause and not to a more serious condition, there are a number of options that you follow to stabilize the situation. These include:
• If your bleeding is due to the hormonal changes experienced in early menopause (perimenopause), you may use 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, it is advised to use hormone replacements. HRT (hormone replacement therapy) works by delivering a low daily dose of estrogen, in order to combat bothersome symptoms, 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 effects.
• 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. Surgery is the next option; different types of surgeries are used for the treatment according to the nature of the problem. These surgeries include:
1. Hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus.
2. Myomectomy, which is the removal of fibroids.
3. Resectoscopic surgery, which is used to remove fibroids or polyps through the cervix with the use of a resectoscope.
4. Endometrial Ablation, which is a procedure where the lining of the uterus is either removed or destroyed.
PREVENTION
It is advisable to take some changes in your lifestyle 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. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. Taking multivitamin supplement along with the nutritious food is also very good for your health.
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