Hormone replacement therapy
HRT
Hormone replacement therapy reduces many of the side effects of menopause. If you have moderate to severe symptoms it may be appropriate for you. If you have undergone early menopause HRT will be recommended until you turn 50, unless there is a health reason to avoid doing so.
Your doctor will be able to help you determine what form of HRT is right for you. The benefits typically outweigh the risks of HRT for most women. You may have HRT in the form of tablets, a patch or gel applied to your skin, a vaginal pessary (tablet) or vaginal creams if your vaginal or urinary symptoms are severe.
Some women have severe symptoms of menopause for more than 10-years you need long term HRT. You should have annual check-ups to assess the risks and benefits of HRT therapy for you.
Postmenopausal bleeding
If you have reached menopause and are having bleeding you should see your doctor. It is not normal to have bleeding or spotting 12 months after your last period. This does not always mean a serious disease, but you should still get checked out. When detected early, most conditions that cause bleeding after menopause can be treated, including cancer.
What causes postmenopausal bleeding?
Postmenopausal bleeding can be caused by:
Thinning or inflammation of the vaginal lining (called atrophic vaginitis)
Thinning of the uterus lining
Polyps on the cervix or uterus. These are not usually cancerous
Thickened endometrium because of HRT
Abnormalities of the cervix or uterus
Cancer of the cervix or uterus (rare)
Bleeding can be investigated through a physical examination, blood test, ultrasound, cervical screening test, biopsy, hysteroscopy or D&C (dilation and curettage) to scrape away and test part of your endometrium. The latter is done under general anaesthetic.
Treating postmenopausal bleeding
The treatment you will need depends on the underlying cause of the bleeding: