Menstrual Bleeding After Menopause | Marla Ahlgrimm

If you’ve made it past menopause, one thing you can absolutely look forward to is a blessed absence of menstrual bleeding. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, some women do experience spotting, and this could mean a serious problem.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains the postmenopausal bleeding is not a normal bodily function. Women who experience even light spotting months or years after their final period should contact their doctor for an exam. While vaginal bleeding after menopause does not necessarily point to a life-threatening issue, it could mean endometrial cancer. This occurs in about 9% of women with postmenopausal bleeding.

Other potential causes are endometrial polyps, uterine lining atrophy, and fibroids.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who are in their 60s and beyond are at the greatest risk of uterine cancer, although this age group is least likely to experience postmenopausal bleeding. Unfortunately, a diagnosis does not always come rapidly. A gynecologist may start with a physical exam. This will look for masses, such as blood clots or fibroids. Women may also receive an ultrasound to determine the thickness of the uterine lining. A postmenopausal woman should have an extremely thin lining since she no longer experiences a menstrual cycle.

Something Marla Ahlgrimm stresses to women who are concerned about vaginal bleeding in their 50s and beyond is that it’s okay to seek the opinion of a specialist. She explains that not all gynecologists are experienced in oncologic issues, such as uterine cancer. If a cause is not definitively pinpointed within 3 to 6 months, it may be time to have a second set of eyes to evaluate the potential problem.

While many women look at menopause as a negative experience, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that it is not. It is perhaps one of the most freeing times in a woman’s life, but it is not without its potential hiccups.