₦airaland Forum

Medical experts have cautioned women to take any form of bleeding after menopause seriously, describing it as a red flag that could signal underlying health conditions, including cancer.

The female reproductive health experts explained that while many women may dismiss post-menopausal bleeding as a minor issue, it often points to underlying problems that require immediate medical evaluation.

According to them, conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, and even cervical or endometrial cancer could be responsible.

The gynaecologists urged women to seek urgent medical attention once they notice bleeding after menopause, noting that early detection and timely intervention significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, the second Vice President, Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof Chris Aimakhu, explained that menopause typically occurs between the ages of 48 and 54 in Nigeria and marks the permanent end of menstruation.

He noted that while menopause is often preceded by a transition period with symptoms, once it sets in, menstruation should end.

“Bleeding is not supposed to happen after menopause. Before the bleeding finally stops, there is usually what is called a transition period, when a woman experiences symptoms suggesting that menopause is approaching. But once menopause sets in, menstruation should stop completely.

“It is not normal to bleed 12 months or more after the last menstrual period. This is because the hormones that usually regulate menstruation have dropped to very low levels. So, when a woman sees blood after menopause, it is abnormal and must be investigated,” the don said.

Aimakhu, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, listed possible causes of postmenopausal bleeding to include vaginal and cervical infections to polyps, fibroids, and medication side effects.

However, he warned that the most serious culprits are cancers of the cervix, womb, ovaries, or vagina.

“The most serious causes are cancers, including vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the womb, and ovarian cancer. Foreign bodies inside the vagina, such as intimacy gadgets, can also cause bleeding.

“So, whenever bleeding occurs after menopause, it is essential to see a doctor because it is not a normal or primary event,” he added.

Speaking on the danger of ignoring postmenopausal bleeding, the professor said, “It can be very dangerous. Some cancers, especially cervical cancer, which is the most common genital cancer among women, first present with postmenopausal bleeding.

“Unfortunately, many women ignore the symptoms until the cancer has advanced and spread, making surgery impossible. At that stage, only advanced treatments like radiotherapy may be useful. It is always best to seek medical attention early before complications develop.”

Corroborating Aimakhu, a Consultant Gynecologist, Dr. Ayodele Ademola, noted that any bleeding outside menstruation should be seen as a red flag.

He warned that while not all cases are due to cancer, most require urgent evaluation to rule it out.

“We must note that the only normal bleeding that women have is menstruation, which is periodic. Every other source of blood from the body is a red flag. The most common reason why it is a red flag is that it signals the possibility of cancer. This is not to be taken lightly.

“Now, coming back to menopause, we must also acknowledge that there are a few occasions when the ageing effect on the body due to menopause can actually cause a woman to bleed. But even at that, it is not normal.

“Nobody should consider it normal. Occasionally, bleeding post-menopause may be due to these ageing effects, but we must always remember that cancer is still a strong possibility that cannot be ignored,” he said.

Ademola, however, clarified that not every case ends in cancer.

“Whichever the case, all postmenopausal bleeding is considered dangerous until proven otherwise. I emphasize the word “otherwise” because it is not 100% of cases that turn out to be cancer. But the majority are usually due to one form of cancer or another.

“Now, for the few cases that are not cancer, this is why women must not lose hope. They should go for a proper evaluation by a specialist, who will then determine the exact cause of the bleeding,” he said.