Services
GYNAECOLOGY
POST-MENOPAUSEAL BLEEDING
What is post-menopausal bleeding?
Post-menopausal bleeding is bleeding that occurs after a woman has reached menopause. Menopause is the phase a woman enters once her menstrual periods have stopped for over a year.
Post-menopausal bleeding may be caused by:
- - Hormone replacement therapy
- - Uterine polyps
- - Endometrial hyperplasia
- - Endometrial cancer
- - Endometrial atrophy
- - Cervical cancer
What are the related symptoms of post-menopausal bleeding?
Women who experience post-menopausal bleeding may not notice any related symptoms. Depending on the cause of bleeding, however, related symptoms may include:
- - Vaginal dryness
- - Decreased libido
- - Stress
- - Insomnia
- - Urinary tract infections
- - Weight gain
How is post-menopausal bleeding treated?
Treatment for post-menopausal bleeding depends on what causes the bleeding. Dr Vatharajh may recommend the following:
Oestrogen therapy:
This therapy is recommended to treat vaginal and endometrial atrophy. This may be prescribed in the form of a pill, vaginal cream, vaginal ring or a vaginal tablet.
Progestin therapy:
This therapy is used to treat endometrial hyperplasia and may be prescribed in the form of a pill, shot, vaginal cream, or intrauterine device.
Hysteroscopy:
This procedure may be used to remove polyps, remove thickened parts of the uterine lining which may be caused by endometrial hyperplasia.
Hysterectomy:
This is a procedure done to remove a part or all of the uterus to help treat endometrial or cervical cancer. Hysterectomy may also be recommended for people who are diagnosed with a precancerous form of endometrial hyperplasia.
Dilation and curettage:
This is a procedure which involves Dr Vatharajh using a curette to remove polyps or thickened areas of the uterine lining.
Dr Rochelle Vatharajh is a family-friendly Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
based at Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban.
