What Causes Vaginal Spotting After Menopause?

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: This morning I noticed some very light spotting on pantyliner. Should I be overly concerned? I am post menopausal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Little concerned but need proper evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Followings are my comments:

1) Very light spotting is little concerned. It may be due to hormonal imbalance, caused by dysfunction of ovary and improper estrogen level. It is seen among post-menopausal women in few percentage.

However, cervical polyp, endometrial atrophy or hyperplasia, pelvic or vaginal infection should be ruled out through proper investigations. Until then, maintain genital hygiene properly.

2) In this case, I suggest you to undergo some basic investigations to rule out underlying pathology (if any). These include : FSH, estrogen level, thyroid profile, one Trans Vaginal Ultrasound scan (TVS), Pap smear test (to detect cancerous changes) and endometrial biopsy.

3) You must contact with local OBGYN for pelvic examination with speculum and Colposcopy if indicated (depending on test reports). It will be more worthwhile.

Hope, I have answered your query. Wish your good health and take care.

For future query, you can directly approach me through

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (19 minutes later)

I had a Pap smear done in February which came back normal. I also had a lower ab CT scan done in February for another issue, and all organs were fine. Is that good?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do one TVS scan and pelvic examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Welcome back again.

Trans vaginal ultrasound is the primary imaging modality to diagnose endometrial abnormality and cervical polyp. I would prefer to undergo this scan.

If Pap Smear test and CT scan reports are NORMAL, then it is quite fine for gross structure of pelvic organs. However, one pelvic examination is advisable, followed by TVS scan for better prospective.

Hope, it helps for your information. Good luck and take care.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)

I also had a colonoscopy and barium xray done April 2015 and all was fine there too. Thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do following investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Welcome back again.

OK that's fine. You had done above said investigations to rule out gastrointestinal pathology. However, you should undergo TVS scan and hormone profile to find out endometrial abnormality or uterine pathology (if any). It will be more worthwhile.

Hope, it helps for your information. Review with test results.

Regards,

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee