Menopause is one of the biggest transitions your body goes through during your lifetime and, along with all the changes, come a lot of questions as to what is normal and what isn’t.
How do I know if my bleeding during my period is normal?
While your period may become irregular during perimenopause, you should be aware of, and on the lookout for, the following changes in your period and see a healthcare professional if you experience the following:
• Very heavy bleeding
• Bleeding that takes place more often than every three weeks
• Bleeding lasting longer than what you are used to
• Bleeding after sex or between your periods
You should report any bleeding after menopause to your doctor or healthcare provider as this is abnormal.
What causes my abnormal bleeding?
There are many causes of abnormal bleeding, but the most common ones are polyps, endometrial atrophy (where the endometrium becomes too thin), and endometrial hyperplasia (where the lining of the uterus thickens. This may lead to cancer, so should be diagnosed and treated early).
Polyps are:
• Usually noncancerous (benign) growths
• They attach to the uterine wall or develop on the endometrial surface
• Irregular and heavy bleeding
• Polyps inside the cervical canal or on the cervix may cause bleeding after sex
What can I do about abnormal bleeding?
The best thing you can do about abnormal bleeding is to get the cause of the bleeding diagnosed as soon as possible by a trusted healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may order tests, ultrasounds and biopsies (where a bit of tissue is removed to be tested).
What treatments are available for abnormal bleeding?
The treatments for abnormal bleeding will depend on the cause. These range from medication to surgery (which may include a hysterectomy). You should discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
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