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What Causes Vaginal Bleeding During Menopause?
Question: I am post-menopausal ... I have been bleeding ( little more than spotting) since the latter part of December. I do use the vivelle patch. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
It is likely a side effect of the estrogen, but it needs evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Spotting can be a side effect of any form of hormone replacement therapy, especially in the first three months of use.
However, if you never had spotting before and have been on Vivelle for some time, you really should see your gynecologist for evaluation. Postmenopausal bleeding can unfortunately be a symptom of uterine cancer, and especially because you are on estrogen therapy, it must be ruled out. An ultrasound of the lining of your uterus and/or a minor diagnostic procedure called an endometrial biopsy will arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
So in summary, any postmenopausal bleeding really needs a medical evaluation to rule out a malignancy. In most cases however it just turns out to be a side efect of the medication. In that case, your doctor may recommend stopping or changing your hormone replacement.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If I can be any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
It is likely a side effect of the estrogen, but it needs evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Spotting can be a side effect of any form of hormone replacement therapy, especially in the first three months of use.
However, if you never had spotting before and have been on Vivelle for some time, you really should see your gynecologist for evaluation. Postmenopausal bleeding can unfortunately be a symptom of uterine cancer, and especially because you are on estrogen therapy, it must be ruled out. An ultrasound of the lining of your uterus and/or a minor diagnostic procedure called an endometrial biopsy will arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
So in summary, any postmenopausal bleeding really needs a medical evaluation to rule out a malignancy. In most cases however it just turns out to be a side efect of the medication. In that case, your doctor may recommend stopping or changing your hormone replacement.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If I can be any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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