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What Causes Heavy Vaginal Bleeding In An Elderly Woman?
I am 79 years old and had off and on vaginal bleeding for two weeks. Yesterday and today are heavier - similar to a menstrual period. I had fibroid tumors several years ago and had a D&C. I am worried. Should I consult my MD or get a referral to a gyn? Ann YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 17 May 2019
Hello,
For uterine fibroids need the hormone estrogen to grow. But after menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decrease dramatically, which usually reduces the risk of developing fibroids.
For you, menopause lady to have abnormal vaginal bleeding is very concerning for me. Any enlargement or fibroid needs a thorough investigation to rule out malignancy.
Uterine bleeding in a postmenopausal woman suggests the possibility of malignancy.
The amount of bleeding does not reflect the potential severity of the lesion, serious lesions may produce minimal bleeding.
Endometrial cancer is more common than cervical cancer in elderly patients, the usual presenting symptom is postmenopausal bleeding.
Although an enlarged uterus may be detected, there may be no discernable change in uterine size.
Diagnosis is confirmed by cytology, endometrial biopsy, or curettage. The treatment depends on the patient's overall condition but is most frequently primary hysterectomy.
Please consult your Gyn doctor to get good advice.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Heang Chan Raksmey, General & Family Physician
For uterine fibroids need the hormone estrogen to grow. But after menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decrease dramatically, which usually reduces the risk of developing fibroids.
For you, menopause lady to have abnormal vaginal bleeding is very concerning for me. Any enlargement or fibroid needs a thorough investigation to rule out malignancy.
Uterine bleeding in a postmenopausal woman suggests the possibility of malignancy.
The amount of bleeding does not reflect the potential severity of the lesion, serious lesions may produce minimal bleeding.
Endometrial cancer is more common than cervical cancer in elderly patients, the usual presenting symptom is postmenopausal bleeding.
Although an enlarged uterus may be detected, there may be no discernable change in uterine size.
Diagnosis is confirmed by cytology, endometrial biopsy, or curettage. The treatment depends on the patient's overall condition but is most frequently primary hysterectomy.
Please consult your Gyn doctor to get good advice.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Heang Chan Raksmey, General & Family Physician
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