Bleeding after a hysterectomy, during perimenopause, or after menopause
Other than some light bleeding or spotting for up to 6 weeks directly following the surgery, vaginal bleeding should not occur after you have had a hysterectomy. If your vaginal bleeding is heavier or different than what you were told to expect, call your doctor to discuss it. Several conditions can cause bleeding after a hysterectomy, including inflammation, infection, abnormal growths, and injury.
Some changes in vaginal bleeding are normal at the beginning of perimenopause. Your menstrual flow may be heavier, you may have longer or shorter intervals between periods, or you may have spotting. Some women have irregular periods for years during perimenopause.
Remember, it is still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause. Practice birth control if you do not wish to become pregnant.
Menopause is complete when you have not had a menstrual period for 1 full year. Any vaginal bleeding that occurs after you have not had a period for 6 months should be checked by your doctor. Vaginal bleeding after menopause can have many causes, including infection, inflammation, injury, or abnormal growths (such as cancer).
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 29, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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