Vaginal Bleeding—Menopause

Also called: Change of life

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops. It usually occurs naturally, most often after age 45. Menopause happens because the woman’s ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for one year. Changes and symptoms can start several years earlier. They include

A change in periods – shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between
Hot flashes and/or night sweats
Trouble sleeping
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Trouble focusing
Less hair on head, more on face

Some symptoms require treatment. Talk to your doctor about how to best manage menopause. Make sure the doctor knows your medical history and your family medical history. This includes whether you are at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, or breast cancer.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health

Cancer treatment — early menopause (Medical Encyclopedia)
Deciding about hormone therapy (Medical Encyclopedia)
Menopause (Medical Encyclopedia)
Types of hormone therapy (Medical Encyclopedia)
What is Menopause? – NIH (National Institute on Aging)

Also called: Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Uterine Bleeding

Menstruation, or period, is a woman’s monthly bleeding.Abnormal vaginal bleeding is different from normal menstrual periods. It could be bleeding that is between periods, is very heavy, or lasts much longer than usual. It also includes bleeding that happens before puberty or after menopause. Causes can include

Uterine fibroids or polyps
Hormone problems
Hormone pills, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (menopausal hormone therapy)
Cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus or vagina
Thyroid problems

Bleeding during pregnancy can have several different causes. It is not always serious, but to be safe you should contact your health care provider right away.

Pelvic exams, blood tests, imaging tests, and other procedures can help your health care provider diagnose the problem. Treatment depends on the cause. Treatments may include medicines, hormones, and surgery.