Bleeding post menopause

[notaflyingmonkey]

So I'm 53 and been through the menopause, and it's been 14 months since I last had a period. I went to the GP last week about something completely unrelated, and when she asked me how I had been generally, I mentioned that I'd just had a period. She told me I needed a scan to check it out, and I kept saying I'm fine, really, just mentioned it in passing, cba with the faff. She then pointed out that it can be a symptom of uterine cancer, which I hadn't known, and so agreed to the scan. I've mentioned this to friends who are menopausal, or post, and like me, none were aware of this.

I've just had my scan (thank you NHS for moving so swiftly), and uterus all looks fine, but I have a 4cm ovarian cyst. I know nothing about biology (to my shame), but I'm fairly sure that I shouldn't be producing follicles as I am post-menopause? So of course I get home and google overian cyst post menopause, and it turns out that in itself can be a cancer.

FFS. I can't decide if I am better off being blissfully ignorant, or better to be informed.

Just to say, I posted here to share the info about what bleeding can be a symptom of, for anyone else like me who was unaware.

But also if there are other women who have been through this to maybe share outcomes.

I really wouldn't. Although you are 14 months without a period, you might have an old cyst from when you were ovulating. I had one which was there for 2 years and gradually disappeared. They ought to be able to tell from the scan what kind it is. The rule is if it's under 5cm they scan now and then to see what's going on.

wouldn't worry.

thanks Polly. She did say that the GP will probably send me back for a scan in six weeks or so.

I feel like I'm falling apart!

It's quite usual for a GP to advise a scan for post-menopausal bleeding.

I agree with Polly. I really wouldn't worry. The reason why GP act quickly is because NICE guidelines for post-menopausal women have been consulted on and time frames are improved for us. It's a preventative measure & I'm finding more & more that my GP has become very aware of post-menopausal women and their health.

I've got two fibroids that will hopefully shrink & disappear now that I'm post-menopausal.

As I have binned my course of HRT, in which my GP offered support, he felt my pelvic area for any lumps/bumps. Sending me for a bone density scan.

I've also had two ovarian cysts and they were left alone. I've had a uterine biopsy also and all came back good.

Good luck, OP.

My experience was similar, had never realised that post-menopausal bleeding was a thing (seems obvious now) and it was cancer. All dealt with successfully but I felt very naive and think we should have more awareness.

Hi @SkivingAgain,

Pleased to hear you've come through the cancer.

Historically, The Change & the gunk coming with it was seen as women's problems.

I for one feel it's a new dawn in the NICE have taken this to consultation and women can feel better informed. Peers I know always champion HRT as a way of dealing with menopause and all would be well.

In a much more informed world, I think the beauty we have now is that HRT brings additional medical benefits, but I don't see it as a treatment as menopause is not an illness.

You would have been unaware you had cancer and OP would have been unaware she has an ovarian cyst were it not for improved pathways of primary care. The fact that post-menopausal bleeds are seen as a primary care need is good news.

Ten years ago, bone density scans on the NHS were offered to 75+. A decade on, women are able to have them at 50.

Is the bone density scan offered routinely to over-50's in England? I am 55 and haven't been offered one, but live in Wales.

Hi pixie,

My GP ordered me one as I was a heavy smoker for 30 years. And because I have chosen not to take HRT.

pixie No they are not.
You might be lucky to get one if you have a family history of osteoporosis or you break a bone that makes it possible you have osteo.
Otherwise, no. You can pay for them privately.

It's quite usual for a GP to advise a scan for post-menopausal bleeding.

mc errr...no it's not! Quite the opposite in fact.
Any bleeding post meno must be regarded as cancer unless shown otherwise.
RCOG guidelines. GPs must follow the 2-week rule- scan asap.

Thanks to all those who have shared their experiences. I am staggered at how invisible the menopause makes us, and how little so many of us know about it really.

This is worth a look:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08ndjfw/kirsty-wark-the-menopause-and-me?ns_mchannel=email&ns_source=pan_solus&ns_campaign=PAN_SOT_17_AnArtLoversGuide_FAC&ns_linkname=BBCTwoScotland_KirstyWarkTheMenopauseAndMe_FactualHealthAndWellbeing_KirstyWarkTheMenopauseAndMe&ns_fee=0

Hi Polly,

A scan is usual for post-menopausal bleeding. Which is what I said. In the two-week timeframe as you stated.

Sorry Mc- must have had a senior moment :)

Haha. I have had one of those today too.