Post Menopause Polyp Information

Uterine polyps are a health concern for pre-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women. In fact, women who are post-menopausal are at a slightly higher risk of developing these than menstruating women, because of the age group affected. Uterine polyps are most common in women aged 40 and up, and most cases are benign.

What Are Uterine Polyps?

• Uterine polyps are small bulb-shaped growths that occur in the uterus. They grow from the uterine wall, attached by a stalk, and protrude into the uterine cavity.

Signs and Symptoms

• Some post-menopausal women have no symptoms with uterine polyps, and others experience spotting or light bleeding and abdominal pain.

Causes

• Researches aren't entirely sure what causes uterine polyps, but general research has concluded that they may be triggered by hormonal imbalances caused by a decrease or increase in the hormone estrogen. This imbalance is typical of post-menopausal women.

Diagnosis

• If you are post-menopausal and suspect that you may have a uterine polyp, you must see your physician. Uterine polyps are diagnosed through the use of a transvaginal ultrasound.

Treatment

• One procedure used to remove uterine polyps is a hysteroscopy, where the doctor uses a hysteroscope to give a clear view of the uterus to aid in removing the polyp.