Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Menopause (Expert Forum)
Bleeding Mid Cycle
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Bleeding Mid Cycle
by eilee, Jun 08, 2008 03:55PM
I am almost 51 and have some been missing occasional periods. My Dr. said I am entering menopause as my FSH has started to increase.
Yesterday I started seeing dark blood on Day 12. I am still bleeding today and it has turned bright red. It's more like a period than just spotting. I even have some period-like cramps. I've never before had mid-cycle bleeding, so I'm worrying that something is horribly wrong - i.e.some type of cancer. I had a normal PAP in February.
I remember my Dr. once saying that shorter periods are a normal part of menopause (i.e.18 days), but mid cycle bleeding was reason for concern...So now I'm worried that something horrible is going on.
Seeking reassurance.
Yesterday I started seeing dark blood on Day 12. I am still bleeding today and it has turned bright red. It's more like a period than just spotting. I even have some period-like cramps. I've never before had mid-cycle bleeding, so I'm worrying that something is horribly wrong - i.e.some type of cancer. I had a normal PAP in February.
I remember my Dr. once saying that shorter periods are a normal part of menopause (i.e.18 days), but mid cycle bleeding was reason for concern...So now I'm worried that something horrible is going on.
Seeking reassurance.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Jun 23, 2008 08:05PM
, Jun 23, 2008 08:05PM
There are many types of abnormal bleeding patterns as menopause approaches. Most of them are not due to cancer. We have women get checked to be sure they don't have a bad problem. That involves taking a small sample of the uterine lining out of the uterus with a thin catheter. This is called an endometrial biopsy. It causes a mild cramp and gives very good information on the health of the uterine lining. Pap smears don't usually tell what is going on inside the uterus. Just on the cervix or "neck of the uterus".
While it is unlikely that anything is going to be horribly wrong, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor and get to the bottom of the problem.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
While it is unlikely that anything is going to be horribly wrong, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor and get to the bottom of the problem.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
