post-menopausal bleeding and swollen breasts

maggiemae · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

I have not had my period in over two years (I'm 54) when suddenly yesterday I began to bleed as if I were having a period. In fact I am still bleeding and have had to use heavy duty tampons. I immediately called my gunecologist's office but can't get an appointment until the end of the month. I know the waiting is going to drive me nuts.

What would explain the combination of bleeding and swelling. I do not and have not used hormones. I exercise regularly and have a very good diet (balanced, not a junk food person, etc.).

Any thoughts on what might be happening?

Jannie · Gold Member Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 427

Considering you have fully entered menopause, you need to have this bleeding checked. Sometimes the bleeding in menopause could be caused by dry vaginal walls and irritation after sex but this would certainly be spotting and not a heavy-tampon bleeding.
There are many possible causes and the sooner you have this checked the better. Some of the most common causes include ovarian cysts, cervical and uterine polyps (benign growths), uterine fibroids (also benign), vaginal infections but it could be cancer as well.
It could be both cervical and endometrial cancer (of the uterine lining) but bleeding is one of the early signs. When detected early, these cancers have 95% cure chances.
This is why it is essential you have this checked real soon. You would have to undergo certain tests like an ultrasound, hysteroscopy and others in order to realize where the bleeding could be coming from.

post-menopausal bleeding and swollen breasts

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