Health Tips

During early menopause, periods become irregular, but bleeding is quite normal. In most cases, there’s no need for concern. Light spotting may also occur. However, there are some instances where bleeding is not normal during early menopause, and treatment should be sought.

Irregular menstrual periods can occur for up to six months in early menopause before the periods stop altogether. Bleeding should not be any heavier than your normal period. In most cases it will be even lighter than normal.

If you begin to bleed again, after you have not had any bleeding for the previous six months, you should seek medical treatment, as this is not normal. The only time this may be normal is if you are just beginning estrogen treatment. If this is the case, your doctor can give you more information as to what you can expect in terms of bleeding.

Any bleeding that lasts more than two weeks, or bleeding that requires the use of a pad every hour for more than 24 hours is not normal. Also, women who are at a higher risk for uterine cancer should seek medical assistance to determine if any bleeding is normal or abnormal.

If you are experiencing abnormal bleeding during early menopause, your doctor can perform several tests in the office to determine what’s causing the bleeding. In many cases, abnormal bleeding is caused by a lack of ovulation, while the ovary is still continuing to produce estrogen. This can usually be treated with progesterone medication.

Other causes of abnormal bleeding are:
1. Fibroids, also known as fibroid tumors, in the uterus
2. Polyps in the lining of the uterus
3. Adenomyos, which is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the wall of the uterus
4. Thyroid disorders
5. Complication of pregnancy – which can occur during the early stages of menopause. This is rare.

If abnormal bleeding cannot be controlled with progesterone treatment, surgery is the next option. There are several different surgeries that can cure abnormal bleeding. These surgeries include: Hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, and possibly one or both ovaries as well; Myomectomy, which is the removal of fibroids through an incision in the abdomen or through a laparascope; Resectoscopic surgery, which is used to remove fibroids or polyps through the cervix with the use of a resectoscope; and Endometrial Ablation, which is a procedure where the lining of the uterus is either removed or destroyed.

If you know that you’re experiencing early menopause, and you’re bleeding, you should consult with your doctor to ensure that the bleeding is normal. Every woman is different. Your doctor will be able to determine if your bleeding is normal or not. She can give you further information on your options for treatment.