What Is Postmenopausal Bleeding?
Postmenopausal bleeding refers to vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 months or more after your last period. Regardless of the amount, whether light spotting or heavier bleeding, it’s considered abnormal. Always get the cause checked out by a gynecologist experienced in treating uterine issues.
At Hysteroscopy Center of New York, Dr. Felix Cohen and his team of experts understand that postmenstrual spotting is concerning. This team of board-certified OB/GYNs offer a collaborative, team-based approach and patient-centered treatment. With three convenient locations in New York City, these doctors identify the cause behind your bleeding after menopause, no matter if it’s caused by a hormonal, benign or more serious condition.
What Causes Bleeding After Menopause?
While menopause is a normal, healthy process in every aging woman’s life, postmenstrual bleeding isn’t. Bleeding after menopause happens for a number of reasons, such as:
- Uterine and endometrial ingrowths, like endometrial polyps or fibroids
- Side effects of hormone therapy
- Endometrial or uterine cancer, which is rare, but may be the reason behind your spotting
Because the symptoms for postmenstrual bleeding overlap with other gynecological conditions, you must consult an experienced gynecologist in NYC. At Hysteroscopy Center of New York, Dr. Cohen performs a thorough examination to determine the precise cause of your bleeding.
How Does Dr. Cohen Diagnose Postmenopausal Bleeding?
During your consultation, Dr. Cohen first reviews your medical history in detail. He asks about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. He may ask about the amount of your bleeding and whether it recurs. He may also ask about the heaviness of your flow. After this discussion, he determines the steps to determine your diagnosis and possibly the postmenopausal bleeding treatment. A typical diagnostic procedure includes:
- Pelvic exam and Pap smear. Your NYC gynecologist performs a pelvic exam to check your vagina and the cervix. A Pap smear may follow to check for cervical cell changes. If you’re suffering vaginal bleeding after menopause, your Pap smear should show some abnormalities.
- Transvaginal ultrasound. Dr. Cohen or his staff then performs a transvaginal ultrasound imaging test to get images of your uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy. If necessary, your gynecology expert collects a small tissue sample from the lining of your uterus, which is sent to a lab to check for pre-cancerous or malignant cells. He does this step to cover all the possible reasons for your postmenopausal bleeding.
- Hysteroscopy. Dr. Cohen inserts a thin, lighted scope, called a hysteroscope into your vaginal, through your cervix and into your uterus, allowing him a clear view. This hysteroscopy procedure is an advanced way to get precise, direct, real-time images from your uterine cavity. These are clearer images, compared to those from an ultrasound.
- Postmenopausal bleeding treatment. Dr. Cohen uses a see-and-treat approach to detect and remove polyps or fibroids, when appropriate, which the hysteroscopy makes possible in one procedure.
“I’ve seen many middle-aged women who are scared and confused about their health,” says Dr. Cohen. “So I do everything in my power to calm them down, discuss with them the risks and the possible complications behind postmenopausal spotting and then do what I do best — a quick and accurate diagnosis that often leads to the best postmenopausal bleeding treatment.”
What’s the Best Postmenopausal Bleeding Treatment?
The best postmenopausal bleeding treatment for you depends on the cause of your bleeding. If you have endometrial polyps or fibroids causing your bleeding, then Dr. Cohen recommends an in-office hysteroscopy for treatment. For more serious causes, Dr. Cohen and his staff hold affiliations with nearby hospitals, such as Mount Sinai, NYU Langone and Lenox Hill to ensure a continuity of care.
While clinical studies show that 80 percent of women undergo a hysteroscopy without anesthesia, Dr. Cohen and his team offer general or local anesthesia and effective pain management to ease your discomfort. They manage your postmenopausal bleeding treatment all through your recovery, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Postmenopausal Bleeding
Why am I bleeding after menopause?
The cause of your bleeding after menopause is often benign endometrial polyps or fibroids. Cancer is rare, but always visit a gynecologist to get a clear diagnosis if you experience postmenopausal bleeding.
Do I need a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a highly effective procedure for diagnosing and even treating abnormal uterine bleeding. It’s an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that provides clearer images than an ultrasound.
Does postmenopausal bleeding mean cancer?
Not necessarily. Most cases of bleeding during postmenopause are caused by benign conditions rather than endometrial cancer. Clinical studies suggest that only a small percentage —nine to 15 percent — of women who experience postmenopausal bleeding have cancer.
Can postmenopausal bleeding stop on its own?
Yes, vaginal bleeding after menopause may stop on its own. When postmenopausal spotting occurs because of vaginal or uterine thinning, it often resolves quickly on its own.
How common is postmenopausal bleeding?
Postmenopausal bleeding affects four to 10 percent of postmenopausal women. While common, it’s never considered normal. When bleeding occurs, consult with an experienced gynecologist in NYC for evaluation and a specific diagnosis.
Can stress cause bleeding after menopause?
No. While stress may affect the hormones and menstrual cycles in premenopausal women, stress isn’t a direct cause of bleeding after menopause.
What does a hysteroscopy cost?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Cohen discusses the procedure and its cost, which is often covered by your insurance plan.
Does the time after my last period affect the chances of postmenopausal bleeding?
Yes, the time since your final menstrual cycle and your age affect your chances of experiencing post menopause bleeding. While it may be normal to experience vaginal spotting during your first months of menopause, any bleeding that occurs after a full year without a period is never normal. You should have it checked with an experienced gynecologist like Dr. Cohen.
Why Should I Trust Dr. Cohen for Postmenopausal Bleeding Treatment?
Dr. Cohen understands how concerning postmenstrual spotting is. His goal is to diagnose the reason behind it as quickly and comfortably as possible. He offers patient-centered care, guidance and the support you need.
The board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists at Hysteroscopy Center of New York provide expert care with state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and often treat the cause of abnormal uterine postmenopausal bleeding. If you experience postmenopausal bleeding, schedule a consultation today either virtually if you’re remote or in Midtown Manhattan, Queens or Columbus Circle.