Onset of menopause in females varies but ranges between 45 years to 55 years of life. Menopause is associated with cessation of normal menstrual cycles. However some females may complain of bleeding after menopause, which can be associated with wide range of factors. Minor bleeding may not be a cause of concern; however excessive bleeding and discomfort can often be associated with severe complications.
What Causes Bleeding after Menopause
There are several factors that are responsible bleeding after menopause. These factors include,
- Fibroids or polyps in the uterus or the vagina may be associated with bleeding.
The bleeding is often fresh blood and the bleeding depends upon size of the fibroid or the polyps. - Malignant conditions like cancer of the cervix or uterine cancer can result in bleeding. Bleeding is fresh and often associated with severe pain in the abdomen.
- Uterine infections can often result in irritation of the cervix and vagina and result in bleeding. In such cases the bleeding is often scanty but is associated with severe irritation and pain in the pelvic region.
- Prolapse of the uterus or bladder prolapse may also be associated with post menopausal bleeding due to repeated irritation of the tissue.
The bleeding in this case is scanty, but is often associated with a pulling sensation and protrusion of the uterus from the vagina.
Symptoms Associated with Bleeding after Menopause
The bleeding after menopause is often fresh blood, which can be heavy or scanty in nature. The other symptoms associated with bleeding after menopause includes pain or a pulling sensation in the pelvis. Constant irritation of the vagina, painful sexual intercourse and blood in urine are some other symptoms that can be associated with Bleeding after Menopause.
Apprehension and Anxiety are common especially in cases of severe and heavy bleeding. In cases of infection, systemic symptoms like fever, malaise may be observed. Severe bleeding may be associated with anemia and feeling of tiredness.
How to Stop Blood Loss after Menopause
In serious cases associated with bleeding including uterine fibroids, malignant tumors and prolapse surgical intervention is mandatory. Prolapse however can be treated with simple pelvic strengthening exercises, provided it is a grade I prolapse. There are some natural remedies and dietary tips which can be beneficial,
- Reduce the intake of avocados, olives, nuts and seeds. These foods have an estrogen blocking property and may result in excessive bleeding.
- Avoid spicy foods which can also alter the estrogen levels in the body. Similarly foods like onions, pineapple, cabbage, broccoli and corn have estrogen blocking properties.
- Increase the intake of dairy products, flaxseeds, soy foods, cherries and apples.
- Pulsatilla and Sepia are two homeopathic remedies which have profound influence on the female reproductive tract. These homeopathic drugs help in reducing the frequency of bleeding and also alleviate other symptoms associated with the condition.
