Can You Still Menstruate When You're Going Through Menopause?

Menstruation is a monthly cycle marking your ability to reproduce. One menopause begins you will no longer have a menstrual cycle, so you will no longer be able to bear a child.

Bleeding in Menopause

• Bleeding can occur during menopause, although it is not part of menopause. It is usually a symptom of uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, uterine atrophy, vaginal dryness, ovarian cysts or uterine cancer, which can all occur in menopause.

When Is Bleeding Normal?

• In the stage leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, you will still have a menstrual cycle. This stage will continue from two to eight years. It is quite normal to experience an irregular cycle at this time.

Diagnosis

• Causes of bleeding in menopause are diagnosed by a physician and should never be self-diagnosed. The physician will perform an ultrasound to look at the overall reproductive system, order a blood test for analysis of hormone levels and also go over your family history to see how likely it is you have specific medical conditions that may cause the bleeding.

Treatments/Prevention

• Treatments depend on the cause of bleeding. If you have abnormal uterine growths you may be given hormone replacements to minimize them or stunt their further development. Your physician will decide on any other treatment based on the diagnosis.

A Final Word

• Any bleeding in menopause is considered abnormal and needs to be investigated so that the cause can be determined.