Spotting During Menopause

Spotting during menopause can be scary and confusing. Just when you think you’re finished with periods, your body throws a curve ball and you wonder if you should buy heavy flow pads or panty liners!

On this page I've broken it down into spotting during menopause and spotting after menopause. There are different things to look at for spotting within each time period.

I've also included natural treatments and in the right hand column you'll find what tests your doctor may refer you for.

Spotting During Perimenopause

Spotting during menopause can be scary and confusing. Just when you think you’re finished with periods, your body throws a curve ball and you wonder if you should buy heavy flow pads or panty liners! On this page I've broken it down into spotting during menopause and spotting after menopause. There are different things to look at for spotting within each time period.

I've also included natural treatments and in the right hand column you'll find what tests your doctor may refer you for.

As always if you have questions or comments fill out the form below and join the conversation!

Fluctuating hormones can explain irregular periods. Sometimes you have short heavy flows and at others, short light periods. You may even experience more frequent periods that have barely any flow. This is normal as estrogen levels begin an up and down pattern. In many cases spotting can simply be a light period.

Causes of Perimenopausal Bleeding

It can also be a benign cause like:
  • Fibroids
  • Birth Control Pills
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Non-cancerous growths in the lining of the uterus called polyps

    • Or it could be caused by:

  • An infection
  • Pregnancy

    • Another cause of spotting during menopause is due to vaginal dryness. As estrogen levels begin to fluctuate the vaginal wall lining begins to thin and become less elastic and dry. This dryness can cause the lining to easily become inflamed or broken, especially during sexual activity.

    Comforting Statistic: If you are one of those women who experience spotting or bleeding after 12 consecutive months without a period, you make up about 20-30% of post-menopausal women. Nice to know you aren’t alone!

    Spotting After Menopause

    Most of the time postmenopausal bleeding is due to hormone fluctuations. However, as these should balance out during the five years after the secession of your last period it could be caused by more serious conditions. Consider any spotting after menopause to be a concern and see your doctor.

    Causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding

  • Thinning of the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia of the uterus, though not cancerous, should be treated and monitored by your primary health care provider.
  • Polyps are noncancerous growths that can develop on the
  • Hormone replacement therapy may cause spotting. You may need to have your naturopathic or medical doctor check your hormone levels to ensure you are getting the right dose.
  • Infection of the uterus or cervix.
  • Certain medications, eg. blood thinners.
  • Certain types of cancer.

    • If you are concerned about abnormal bleeding during the menopause transition see your health care provider. Better to find out what it is than to spend time worrying about what it could be!

    Natural Treatment for Spotting During Menopause

    Once serious conditions have been ruled out, natural methods of treating spotting during menopause can be used.

    Of course the reason for abnormal bleeding will determine which natural treatment is appropriate.

  • Vaginal Dryness-See Natural Relief for Vaginal Dryness Natural Relief for Vaginal Dryness

  • Fluctuating hormones causing irregular periods-See Phytoestrogens: Nature’s Back Up Plan for Menopause

    Chasteberry is a herb with well documented hormone balancing benefits.

    Black Cohosh is another herb with well-researched efficacy.

  • Fibroids-Are usually caused by too much estrogen and too little progesterone but they may also be caused by imbalances in blood sugar. See Phytoestrogens: Nature’s Back Up Plan for Menopause and Syndrome X and Diet and Types of Blood Sugar Problems

    B Complex helps clear excess estrogen from your body.

    As a preventative, exercise can also help clear excess estrogen from your body. Consider a nice brisk walk with your dog for at least 30 minutes every day.

  • Heavy Bleeding-Can have a variety of causes. If it isn’t one of the reasons listed above you may find taking nutrients that help strengthen blood vessel walls helpful.

    Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant and Our Experts top pick for helping strengthen blood vessel walls.

    Vitamin E and Vitamin C with bioflavonoids can also be added to your vitamin regime for their protective ability on vessel walls.

    Homeopathic Remedy Sabina is a remedy I take when I have a particularly heavy flow. It’s very effective. Ask for 200X strength.

    Chasteberry-is a herb with well documented hormone balancing benefits, especially if you are experiencing irregular periods.

    Dong Quai-is a Chinese herb used for irregular periods or scant flows. There are specific Chinese formulations created for menopausal women.

    Phytoestrogenic Foods-Always the best choice for balancing hormones, protecting the body from disease and maintaining optimal health.

    Natural progesterone cream with 2% progesterone. If you find the above solutions aren’t enough you may want to try a natural progesterone cream. Talk to your doctor about the formula that is right for you.

  • Physical Therapies may also be helpful.

    Acupuncture in particular, redirects the flow of chi energy creating hormonal harmony and balance.

    Return to Home Page from Spotting During Menopause

    Return to Signs and Symptoms from Spotting During Menopause

    Have A Comment You'd Like to Share?

    Feel like you want to rant or rave about menopause and mid life? Well, go ahead share it!

    Enter Your Title

    Share Your Menopausal Thoughts! [ ? ]

    Author Information (optional)

    To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

    Your Name

    (first or full name)

    Your Location

    (ex. City, State, Country)

    Submit Your Contribution

    Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


    (You can preview and edit on the next page)


    Copyright 2007 Menopause-naturally.com

    SBI
    SBI!

    • Investigation of Abnormal Bleeding

    Knowledge is Power!

    Tests your doctor may want to run:

  • Vaginal Examination

  • Pap Smear

  • Blood Tests for hormone levels, anemia, thyroid function

  • Pelvic Ultrasound

  • Transvaginal Ultrasound

  • Biopsy of endometrial cavity (quick procedure, often done in doctor's office.)

  • D&C-Dilation and Curettage or hysteroscopy allows the physician to take a sample of uterine lining.

  • Hysteroscopy also takes a sample of uterine lining. It is a thin fiber optic scope inserted into the uterus through the cervix.



    See Your Doctor Immediately When:

  • Heavy bleeding is accompanied by large clots. Heavy bleeding is defined when you need to change a pad or tampon every 30-60 minutes.

  • Long periods of more than five days that happen more than once.

  • Continual spotting between periods or after intercourse.

  • Spotting or bleeding accompanied by severe pain.

  • If you have a fever with the bleeding.

  • If you begin to bleed over six months after what you assume is your last period, see your doctor and let her know.
    Dear Wise Women

    Currently Phytoestrogens: Nature's Back Up Plan for a Healthy and Happy Menopause is in production. To ensure you get your copy and the bonus gifts sign up for our Menopause Naturally enewsletter.

    It's free and brings you up-to-date information or weathering the menopause storm.

    Sign up for Menopause Naturally Here. Just Enter your E-mail Address
    Enter your First Name (optional)
    Then

    Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
    I promise to use it only to send you Menopause-Naturally eNews.