Post menopausal bleeding on holiday

[Chatpete]

I'm slightly freaked out and looking for advice/reassurance.
I'm in Europe on holiday, in the heatwave, over sixty and I have started bleeding! It started with some faint traces when I wiped (sorry if TMI).
I know anything like that needs to be checked out by the GP and have made an appointment for when I'm back in a couple of weeks. But since then, the bleeding appears heavier, I now have some cramping and I have had to go out and buy pads (not something I ever thought I'd need again). I'm not on any HRT etc.
Should I be worried?

I had something similar a couple of years ago. It is most likely nothing terrible but you are very sensible to have made an appointment.
Sometimes, my doctor said, ovaries just decide to have one last hurrah before they give up. Nobody really knows why. I hadn't had a period in over a year when it happened to me. It could also be a fibroid which is easily dealt with, or a polyp which is also easily removed.

You have done everything you can for now. Be assured that a short delay in seeing a doctor won't matter and that the statistical likelihood is that it is benign. I know that doesn't help as your mind naturally focuses on the worst.

Hope you are able to get some enjoyment from your trip and wishing you all the best. ❤

@DrSeuss Thank you! I'm sitting here trying to be brave and logical and your kind reply has made me a little tearful, you are the voice of reason I needed today.

If it gets worse, you are in Europe and can go to get healthcare (I understand you'd prefer to wait, but if it becomes heavy, you can go now, and depending where you are, the care might well be much quicker).

@Pistachiocake Thank you for your reply.
Good advice and you're right, I know I can access health support here (and it's good) but it just feels a step too far at the moment, I'd prefer to see my own GP if possible.

Ive had a few health issues in recent years and holiday in Europe several times a year. Although I have proper insurance and GP says ok to travel I always keep some cash for a quick flight home. I know if I am in Greece I can be home in a day. Not ideal if its an emergency (i would probably sought local care) but if certain conditions I have reach a certain point i would get myself home. See how you go and maybe make that decision as long as you're not bleeding really heavily and it doesnt look like an emergency. I always think if it reaches the point its domineering my holiday I may as well get home and sorted/mind put at rest. Its my way of coping with the worry and deciding I can take control if I really want to. Never done it yet and would never do it if i thought it was a serious medical emergency...no-one wants to be at 35000 feet and be seriously ill!! (Am also ex Cabin Crew so seen that 1st hand a few times).
I havnt had a period since June 21 and am mid 50s. I had some bleeding 2 years ago and ended up with scans and hysteroscopy as I had thickening of the womb lining. They took biopsies and gave me the all clear and discharged. No bleeding since until.....
I read your post because a month ago whilst on holiday in Greece I had some vvvv light spotting, only noticeable when wiping and some mild period type pain...the horrible dull ache I used to get when due on. Roll forward 4 weeks and this week in work I had the same except this time I wore a liner and it was more noticeable. Im putting off going to GP because im scared of Internals but will probably man up next week and drop an online request in.
As long as you dont get uncomfortable with pain and it isnt heavy, try to relax and get seen when home. Alot of the time its hormones going a bit beserk but it does need investigating.
Hope you can enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Firstly, try not to worry. There are a number of reasons the bleeding could have started. Could be a cyst which has been irritated or a polyp.
It happened to me recently and after investigating it turned out to be from atrophy/severe dryness. Which has come back during the hot weather here but I now have treatment for it.
It really was that simple and I was in bits. Sometimes if the vaginal walls get especially dry/irritated it kicks of bleeding, and that means some cells come away so you get that period pain bleeding.
Secondly, when you see your GP they may want you to be tested. If you hear anything about being seen in an urgent gynae clinic. Again, do not I repeat do not panic!
I did the first time I went a few years back. Now…. not so much. A lovely consultant said ‘think of it as a VIP MOT’ so that’s how I think of it.
It probably feels more ‘panicky’ because you are away. If you get any other symptoms eg temperature/fever then it would make sense to get some help, but if not, try not to worry and get some reassurance when you get back.
Like I said, so many things it could be which are just annoying or irritating.
And enjoy your hols!

@Traceyatnumber32isaloudgobshite @PetulaGordeno Thank you both for sharing your experiences. I am feeling a lot calmer.
DH has offered to get us home earlier if I want. I'll see what the next few days look like.
So pleased I posted!

Now relax, sit back and enjoy your hols. It will all get sorted when you get home. Promise. And it will be a simple outcome and you will be fine.

@PetulaGordeno Thank you.