Specifically, the research found that it is not uncommon for women to have prolonged bleeding of 10 or more days, spotting for six or more days and/or heavy bleeding for three or more days during the transition.
It's normal to have irregular vaginal bleeding in the years leading up to menopause. But if you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, it's time to see your healthcare provider. It could be the result of a simple infection or benign growths.
From your early 40s and into your 50s, during perimenopause, you may find that your periods change and become erratic as your ovaries slow down and oestrogen levels start to fluctuate. It can be very common for your cycle to become highly unpredictable and periods to be heavier and longer.
Although it's normal for periods to change as you near menopause, you should still talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) about bleeding changes. Abnormal bleeding sometimes can be a sign of health problems. It's especially important to tell your ob-gyn if you have bleeding after menopause.
Bleeding after menopause is not normal, so take it seriously. Go directly to your ob-gyn. Polyps also can cause vaginal bleeding. If your ob-gyn discovers these benign (noncancerous) growths in your uterus or on your cervix, you might need surgery to remove them.
Postmenopausal bleeding is never normal
Whether it's light spotting or a heavier flow, vaginal bleeding after menopause can signal potential health problems. “It should always be brought up with your provider,” said Gina M. Mantia-Smaldone, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Postmenopausal bleeding could be caused by uterine polyps or fibroids, thyroid abnormalities, bleeding disorders or thinning of the lining of the uterus, called atrophy.
Specifically, the research found that it is not uncommon for women to have prolonged bleeding of 10 or more days, spotting for six or more days and/or heavy bleeding for three or more days during the transition.
Underlying health conditions that can cause long periods include uterine fibroids, endometrial (uterine) polyps, adenomyosis, or more rarely, a precancerous or cancerous lesion of the uterus. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder.
If abnormal bleeding is affecting your quality of life during perimenopause or in the menopausal years, be sure to mention it to your gynecologist. Also be mindful of any excessive bleeding that saturates a pad per hour for 24 hours, or bleeding that lasts longer than two weeks.
According to University of Michigan researchers, 91 percent of women aged 42–52 surveyed reported heavy menstruation for 10 or more days during their transition to menopause. This phenomenon occurred one to three times within a three-year period.
Having long periods frequently can indicate one of several potential conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. A doctor can help diagnose and treat these conditions. Often, taking hormonal birth control pills or switching the type of hormonal medication can help people find relief.
Commons Indicators for the End of Menopause
Women may find that they are sleeping better and feeling healthier overall as their hormone levels even out. This can also lead to improvements in mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Brown spotting after menopause is typically a sign of blood mixing into the discharge. While fresh blood is red, it turns brown or black as it oxidizes and leaves the vagina. The color may be lighter or mixed with other colors if the woman has an infection, such as a yeast infection.
If you're entering perimenopause or menopause, birth control can help manage menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy – When heavy periods are caused by a hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may reduce bleeding.
You can't stop your period, but you can take steps to take care of yourself when it's hanging around. Call your doctor if you've had your period for more than 7 days or if you have symptoms of a medical condition that could be behind your bleeding.
Late Stage. The late stages of perimenopause usually occur when a woman is in her late 40s or early 50s. In the late stages of the menopausal transition, women begin missing periods until they finally stop. About 6 months before menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly.
Menopause is divided into three basic stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. During this time, the ovaries begin to atrophy which causes a decline in the production of the hormones that stimulate the menstrual cycle; estrogen and progesterone.
Passing blood clots or a sudden gush of blood when you're not on your period is common among people with a menstrual cycle. They can be caused by hormonal changes from menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine growths, or thyroid issues. Clots are most common when period blood is at its heaviest.
If you've gone through menopause, you shouldn't have any menstrual bleeding. Menopause means you haven't had a period in at least one year. If you have any bleeding -- even if it's only spotting -- you should see a doctor. They'll want to rule out serious causes, like cancer.
Can postmenopausal bleeding stop on its own? Yes, it can stop on its own if the cause is atrophic vaginitis. However, it will not stop on its own if the main cause of the bleeding originates from polyps.
This time of life can bring a host of symptoms that are often directly related to stress, and postmenopausal bleeding is no exception. Sudden bleeding or spotting is often a message from your body; it's asking you to slow down and take a closer look at your life, and how you are taking care of yourself.