Spotting

[Toomanysquishmallows]

good morning, I was wondering if anyone had any advice , I’m 50 and I’m on the mini pill due to heavy periods . I have been having a lot of spotting on and off . The problem I’m having is , I also seem to have some degree of vaginal atrophy, and I can’t work out which of the two is causing the problem. Any advice would be appreciated.

The heavy periods might have come to the point where you need more progesterone, like a Mirena coil. Either way, if the spotting hasn’t been seen by a GP I’d suggest that first, just to check it’s not anything else.

With VA we can sometimes experience some spotting due to vulval skin splits or vaginal microtears. Having sex can increase friction on thinner tissue and also cause some bleeding. Perimenopause can lead to periods being all over the place, including some spotting.

It would be best to see your doctor and discuss any VA symptoms you have, maybe have an examination, and if diagnosed topical oestrogen should help thicken and strengthen the tissue. If your doctor has any concerns regarding the spotting, they might refer you for a scan.

Thank you both so much , the menopause really isn’t fun !