Medically reviewed by Faith Selchick, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP, OCN, CPHQ
Bleeding after menopause or changes in your period can be easy to dismiss. Here’s when to call your doctor.
A change in bleeding can be one of the most important signs in women’s health. It can also be one of the easiest to ignore.
Bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, heavier bleeding than usual or a period cycle that suddenly changes can all be warning signs.
Many women assume these changes are caused by stress, hormones or aging. Often, they are not caused by cancer. But abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer, also called uterine cancer, which is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States.
That is why it is important to pay attention to bleeding changes, especially after menopause.
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. This lining is called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is often found early because of abnormal bleeding. When it is found early, treatment outcomes are often very good.
Who is at Higher Risk?
Endometrial cancer is more common after menopause, but it can happen earlier. Some other things that may raise your risk include:
- Having an unhealthy weight
- Having diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
- Having polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS)
- Having certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome
- Taking estrogen without progesterone
- Having a family history of uterine cancer
Call your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Periods that are much heavier than usual
- Pelvic pain or pressure that does not go away
These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. The only way to know is to talk with your doctor.
How to Lower Your Risk
You cannot prevent every type of cancer. But health habits may help lower your risk and support your overall health. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Being physically active
- Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Keeping up with routine medical checkups
- Asking about genetic counseling if cancer runs in your family
Listen to Your Body
What makes endometrial cancer different from many other cancers is that the body often signals that something has changed. The challenge is recognizing that those signals are worth paying attention to.
At WMCHealth, we encourage women to talk openly with their healthcare providers about symptoms that are often delayed, minimized or misunderstood. These conversations are not about fear. They are about education, awareness and getting answers sooner.
If your bleeding changes or you have bleeding after menopause, do not wait. Call your healthcare provider and ask what steps are right for you. Visit our website to learn more about gynecologic cancer services at WMCHealth.