Many women mistakenly consider postmenopausal bleeding to be the norm and are in no hurry to see a doctor. Against the background of the extinction of reproductive functions, these secretions are organic or dysfunctional in nature. Meanwhile, you “need to sound the alarm” when there is heavy blood loss, as well as in case of discharge of blood with pus, mucus, and an unpleasant odor. These signs may indicate the development of serious diseases and even oncology, therefore, they require immediate medical attention.
Postmenopausal Bleeding Nature
The appearance of bleeding during the period of postmenopause should greatly alert the woman. The ovaries no longer function during this time, therefore, postmenopausal bleeding can normally occur only if hormone-containing drugs are used. All other cases indicate the development of a pathological process in the genital area of a woman.
Dysfunctional bleeding in postmenopausal women can have such postmenopausal bleeding causes:
- hormonal disorders;
- the formation of fibroids;
- polyps;
- vaginitis;
- hyperplastic processes in the endometrium;
- impaired functioning of the endocrine system.
In addition, this condition may indicate the presence of ovarian or uterine tumors. Postmenopausal bleeding can be triggered by atrophy of muscle fibers, as a result of which the mucous membranes become very thin and have a high degree of trauma.
Postmenopausal Bleeding Workup
Since there are various causes of postmenopausal bleeding, it is necessary to determine for what reason they arise in order to prescribe adequate treatment. Initially, during the diagnosis, the doctor examines and interviews the patient. In addition, the amount of blood and the presence of impurities are necessarily evaluated. A doctor will most likely prescribe the following types of studies to find out postmenopausal bleeding causes:
- blood coagulation;
- hormonal research;
- hysteroscopy;
- blood chemistry;
- biopsy;
- diagnostic curettage;
- ultrasound procedure;
- tomography.
The use of numerous research methods allows in the very shortest time to determine the presence of the disease. Then, competent treatment is prescribed. You need to seek help in a timely manner and immediately discuss any alarming symptoms of postmenopausal bleeding with a specialist.
Treatment Methods of Postmenopausal Bleeding and Cramping
Treatment of bleeding after menopause largely depends on the cause that provoked it. Hemostatic medications are mainly prescribed first. After conducting a comprehensive diagnosis and obtaining results, the doctor determines how to treat postmenopausal bleeding causes. In particular, it is carried out:
- drug treatment;
- surgical intervention;
- complex correction.
Often patients need surgery, after which a long recovery period is required. If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, then medications are prescribed to normalize the production of hormones. In addition, drugs are required to improve blood coagulation.
In the presence of uterine fibroids, an operation is performed to remove existing lesions, in particular, resection or ultrasound ablation. Resection implies the removal of fibroids, and ultrasound ablation means the removal of the tumor using ultrasound. Embolization may also be used. This operation involves the introduction of certain substances that block the access of blood to the uterus, as a result of which, after some time, the fibroids resolve on their own.
If the doctor diagnosed endometrial hyperplasia (the most common cause of postmenopausal bleeding), then surgery is performed by burning or destroying endometrial tissues with a laser.
To remove polyps or with significant growth of the endometrium, a curettage is indicated. In the presence of adenomyosis, resection of the affected area of the uterine tissues is indicated. If the neoplasm is malignant, then complete removal of the uterus can be carried out. Can stress cause postmenopausal bleeding? Such cases are known in the medical practice but the nature of the stress should be constant and difficult.
What to Do With Severe Postmenopausal Bleeding?
It is very important to know how to stop bleeding after menopause since significant blood loss can lead to dangerous complications and a sharp deterioration in well-being. With a sharp appearance of a large amount of blood, you must immediately call an ambulance. This the first thing you must do ever.
The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the cause of this condition. With severe postmenopausal bleeding, you need to take a horizontal position before the ambulance arrives. It is best to lie on your side and squeeze your legs under you. Below the navel area, you need to put a cold heating pad, a napkin with ice cubes or a bottle of water. With severe pain, take an anesthetic, it will soothe the pain.
With postmenopausal bleeding, compliance with bed rest and taking medications as prescribed by the doctor are indicated. In a hospital, an examination and curettage are carried out. In the absence of visible causes of bleeding after menopause, hemostatic agents are prescribed.
Existing diseases are treated with the medication or surgical method, it all depends on the causes of the postmenopausal bleeding.
