Menopause is when your periods stop due to low hormones and usually happens in women over the age of 45, unless you have had a hysterectomy or other gynaecological surgery to bring on menopause early.
Causes of postmenopausal bleeding
There are many things that can cause postmenopausal bleeding. The most common are:
Polyps, non cancerous growths
Thickened lining of the uterus (known as endometrial hyperplasia), which can be caused by HRT
Inflammation of the lining of the uterus (known as endometrial atrophy)
Thinning and inflammation of the lining of the vagina (known as atrophic vaginitis)
Gynaecological cancer such as ovarian cancer and cancer of the uterus (also known as womb cancer)
What tests would I need?
To investigate what is causing bleeding after the menopause you may have the following tests:
An internal vaginal ultrasound scan
A physical examination including the use of a speculum to examine the cervix
A hyteroscopy to take a look in the uterus and take a biopsy
What are the treatments for post menopausal bleeding?
The treatments you require will depend on what is causing the bleeding.
Polyps can be removed by a Consultant Gynaecologist
Endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial atrophy and atrophic vaginitis may benefit from hormone medicines
Ovarian cancer and Uterine cancer may require surgery to remove the cancer and possibly surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries (hysterectomy).
How do I book a consultation?
You can book a consultation with Evi Bakali via her secretary.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees and for private medical insurance information.