Bleeding during menopause is a normal but worrisome event for many women, because its duration and intensity do not have a specific pattern. These bleedings can vary from a few days of spotting to longer periods, and hormonal changes are the most important factor. However, not all bleeding is normal and some of them can be a sign of another problem. In this article from your doctor, we are going to answer your questions about how long menopausal bleeding lasts and what it is like. Stay with us.
Duration of bleeding in premenopause
In perimenopause, the first symptom of menopause is that the bleeding pattern is completely messed up and periods may become shorter, lighter, longer or even heavier. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone cause these irregularities, and due to irregular ovulation, sometimes the uterine lining becomes too thick and causes longer bleeding.
Some women have only scattered spotting instead of a normal period. These bleedings can last from a few days to about a week and usually have a variable pattern. However, if bleeding continues for more than 7 days or recurs between periods, the exact cause should be investigated.
In perimenopause, the bleeding pattern is completely disrupted and periods may become shorter, lighter, longer or even heavier.
Duration of bleeding in menopause
During menopause, bleeding gradually becomes lighter, shorter and more irregular, and you may experience spotting for just a few days or periods that are spaced out. The common pattern is that the bleeding decreases and the intervals between them become longer, but sometimes you may not have a period for several months and then suddenly start bleeding again, which is still normal.
At this time, the body is trying to adapt to the decrease in hormones, and this causes irregularity and occurrence of menopause symptoms. This stage may last for several years. However, if the bleeding lasts longer than usual or becomes more intense, it is better to investigate the cause.
English text: It is not normal to bleed or spot 12 months or more after your last period. Bleeding after menopause is usually a sign of a minor health problem but can sometimes be an early sign of more serious disease. Farsi translation: Bleeding or spotting after 12 months from the last period is not normal. This type of bleeding is usually caused by a minor and treatable problem, but sometimes it can be an early sign of a more serious illness.
Bleeding after complete menopause
After 12 months without any period, you enter full menopause and from this point on, any type of bleeding is abnormal and should be investigated. Some causes such as vaginal dryness or thinning of the uterine wall can cause superficial bleeding for a day or two, but even these cases need to be evaluated.
If bleeding continues for several days or is accompanied by pain, odor, or abnormal discharge, it should be checked. In rare cases, this type of bleeding can be a sign of more serious problems such as endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
Stage of bleeding
Cause of bleeding
Premenopause
Fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone and irregular ovulation cause irregular, prolonged or heavy bleeding.
Premenopause With prolonged bleeding
Excessive thickening of the lining of the uterus due to irregular ovulation leads to longer bleeding.
Premenopause with spotting
Hormonal changes cause interruption of normal periods and sporadic spotting.
Menopause (transition period)
Reduce Gradual changes in hormones cause lighter, shorter and longer bleeding periods.
Menopause with long intervals
The body is adjusting to the drop in hormones and may go without a period for a few months and then bleed.
After complete menopause (after 12 months)
Any type of bleeding is abnormal and It can be caused by vaginal dryness, thinning of the uterine wall, or more serious problems.
Bleeding after menopause with warning signs
Bleeding accompanied by pain, odor, or abnormal secretions requires investigation due to the possibility of more serious diseases. is
How long does menopausal bleeding last in case of hormone replacement therapy?
HRT usually causes spotting or light bleeding during the first few months of treatment. These bleedings are usually short and last from a day or two to a few days. The body is adapting to the new hormones and this process is considered natural.
If the HRT is a combination of estrogen and progesterone, bleeding usually occurs monthly and is similar to light periods and does not last more than a few days. But in continuous combined methods, bleeding often stops completely after a few months. Only at the beginning of the treatment, you may have a few scattered spots.
But if the bleeding continues for more than 6 months with HRT or its intensity is abnormal, it is necessary to adjust the dose or investigate the cause. Some women respond better to a certain type of treatment and may need to change the method.
English text: 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. Have spotting for six days or more or heavy bleeding for three days or more. target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news.umich
How long does menopausal bleeding last if IUD is used?
If women use an IUD during perimenopause or near menopause, their bleeding pattern will be affected by the type of IUD. A copper IUD usually causes heavier and longer bleeding. This can become more intense when the hormones themselves are unstable.
In contrast, the hormonal IUD usually makes bleeding shorter and lighter. After a few months of use, many women only have short spotting for a few days or even their bleeding stops completely. Therefore, the duration of bleeding with this method is usually less than the normal state of perimenopause. If bleeding is excessive, prolonged, or accompanied by severe pain despite the presence of an IUD, it should be checked that the IUD has not moved or that there is no problem such as a polyp, infection, or fibroid.
When is menopausal bleeding abnormal?
If the bleeding lasts more than 10 to 14 days, is heavy, has large clots or repeats between two periods, it is a sign that it is abnormal. Even if the reason is a simple issue, it is better to do a detailed evaluation so that a serious problem is not overlooked. Bleeding after 12 months of complete cessation of period is also always abnormal. Even if it's just a very mild spotting, it should still be checked to avoid menopause side effects.
The body should no longer bleed during menopause, so the appearance of any amount of blood requires medical evaluation. Also, if the bleeding is accompanied by symptoms such as pelvic pain, weight loss, severe fatigue, or abnormal odor and discharge, it should be investigated more quickly. These cases are usually related to problems other than menopause and should not be ignored.
Conclusion
How long menopausal bleeding lasts depends on where you are from premenopause to full menopause. Some bleeding is normal and just a result of hormonal changes, but some are signs of more serious problems that need to be taken seriously. The key is that your body is your best guide; If something is different, long, or worrisome, it's best to check it out. Finally, menopause is a natural process, but its naturalness does not mean ignoring the symptoms. Knowing the right patterns will help you notice unusual changes earlier and go through this stage more calmly.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Any bleeding after 12 months of complete cessation of periods is abnormal. In other words, if a full year passes without any menstrual bleeding and after that any type of bleeding or spotting occurs, it is not normal and a medical examination should be done, even if the bleeding is mild or short-term.
The length of bleeding during menopause is affected by hormonal changes. Decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone cause irregular ovulation, and as a result, the lining of the uterus sometimes becomes thicker, which causes longer bleeding. In addition, other factors such as hormonal fluctuations, fibroids, polyps, stress, overweight, contraceptive methods and even medications can change the duration of bleeding.
No, premenopausal or menopausal bleeding does not necessarily always need treatment. Because natural hormonal changes can cause irregularity and short-term spotting. Usually, short and light bleeding, without severe pain or abnormal symptoms, does not require special treatment and the body gradually adapts to the reduction of hormones. However, if the bleeding is prolonged, heavy, frequent, or accompanied by pain, odor, or abnormal discharge, or if it occurs more than a year after the last period, a medical examination should be performed, as it may be caused by problems such as polyps, hyperplasia, or endometrial cancer.
No, bleeding or spotting after 12 months of the last period is not normal. After this period, you are in full menopause and any bleeding should be investigated, even if it is short and light. Such bleeding is usually caused by problems such as vaginal dryness or thinning of the uterine wall, but sometimes it can be a sign of more serious diseases such as hyperplasia or endometrial cancer and requires immediate medical evaluation.
It is normal between the first 3 to 6 months and usually short-term. With hormone therapy during menopause, light spotting or bleeding is fairly common, especially during the first few months of taking the medication. This spotting usually lasts for a few days and often decreases as the treatment continues and the hormone dose is adjusted.
Yes, fibroids usually get smaller after menopause. and are less active, but in some cases can cause mild to moderate pressure or bleeding. If the fibroid remains large or grows abnormally, there is a possibility of bleeding or pelvic pain and requires medical evaluation.
