Duration and forecast | Bleeding after the menopause – These are the causes

Duration and forecast

Depending on the cause of the postmenopausal bleeding, both the duration and prognosis can vary greatly. Often the causes of such bleeding are harmless. Postmenopausal bleeding can occur once or repeatedly, sometimes at irregular intervals.

Every postmenopausal haemorrhage requires a gynaecological examination. In the case of myomas or polyps, bleeding usually subsides after appropriate treatment. If the bleeding is caused by a malignant uterine tumour, the prognosis depends on the stage of the tumour. The earlier a tumour of the uterine lining is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.

Other possible symptoms

Bleeding after menopause, which is caused by changes and atrophy of the mucous membranes, can also cause vaginal dryness, discharge and itching in the vaginal area. This is known as vaginitis senilis, an inflammation of postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency. Overproduction of uterine lining or hormone therapy that causes bleeding can cause accompanying symptoms associated with elevated estrogen levels.

The mucous membranes become thicker, release secretions, and the breast and bones are built up and increase in tissue. Benign growths such as polyps or uterine fibroids can cause other symptoms in addition to bleeding, depending on their size. Large fibroids in particular can cause pain and displace other organs in the uterus due to their size. A uterus myomatosus can cause digestive problems such as constipation and problems urinating. Malignant changes, such as cervical cancer or cancer of the uterine body, can cause discharge, pain, discomfort when going to the toilet and urinating, and can cause lymphoedema (water retention in the lymphatic system) and congested kidneys (urinary retention in the urinary tract).

This is how the diagnosis is made

Since bleeding after menopause can have various causes, a thorough diagnosis is important. First of all, it is important to describe existing complaints to the gynaecologist in detail. In addition to the gynaecological palpation and examination with a speculum, a transvaginal ultrasound examination can be helpful to look at the lining of the uterus. The treating physician then decides individually whether further diagnostic measures are necessary.