Postmenopausal Bleeding
If you’ve completed menopause — meaning you’ve gone without a period for more than 1 year — you shouldn’t have any menstrual bleeding. Even a little spotting is not normal after menopause.
If you have postmenopausal bleeding, make an appointment to see Dr. Portera as soon as possible. It could be caused by a number of health problems, some of which are serious.
Here are the most common causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding:
Polyps These are growths, usually noncancerous, that can develop in the uterus, on the cervix, or inside the cervical canal. They might cause bleeding.
Endometrial atrophy (thinning of the endometrium) The endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, can become very thin after menopause because of lower estrogen levels. This may cause unexpected bleeding.
Endometrial hyperplasia In this condition, the lining of the uterus becomes thick, and bleeding may occur as a result. Obesity may be the cause of the problem. Some people with endometrial hyperplasia may have abnormal cells that can lead to endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining).
Endometrial cancer (uterine cancer) Bleeding after menopause can be a sign of endometrial cancer.
Other causes Hormone therapy, infection of the uterus or cervix, use of certain medications such as blood thinners, and other types of cancer can cause postmenopausal bleeding.
Determining the Cause of Postmenopausal Bleeding
Possible testing may include:
Transvaginal ultrasound: During this test, an imaging device is inserted inside the vagina so the pelvic organs can be viewed to look for anything unusual.
Endometrial biopsy: A thin tube is inserted into your uterus, and a tiny sample of the uterine lining is removed. It’s sent to a lab to look for anything unusual.
Saline-infused sonogram: Saline is placed in the uterus through the cervix with a small, thin tube to see if there are any masses within the uterine lining.
Hysteroscopy: During this test, Dr. Portera uses an instrument with a light and small camera to examine the inside of the uterus and look for problems.
D&C (dilation and curettage): This is a surgical procedure that allows Dr. Portera to remove tissue from the uterus lining, so it can be sent to a lab for analysis.
Contact us
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Center for Urinary and Pelvic Disorders
6215 Humphreys Blvd.
Suite 110
Memphis, TN 38120