post menopausal spotting

About 3 years ago I noticed a very small spot on my panties.I called my GP & he said it was probably a ChancreSp? on the ureter. I had my physical soon after &  he said everything looked fine.From time to time I would notice a small spot,but thought it was due to drying of tissues.Some time ago I noticed larger spots & accompanying slight cramps & backache.Exactly the feeling I got when menstrating.This spotting is still small,never enough to go through underwear.Days will go by without anything out of the ordinary. Can this be something benign? Most of the time I feel really well.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. If you are in menopause and having spotting from time to time it should be evaluated.  It can be benign but it could also be an early sign of cancer of the uterus or ovaries or another internal organ, especially if you have cramps and backache.  It might be a good idea to see a gynecologist about this.  There you might have an ultrasound of your pelvic organs and the doctor might want to do an endometrial biopsy, an office procedure where a thin instrument is placed into the uterus and a few cells removed to look at under the microscope. Sometimes doctors recommend a hysteroscopy in which a thin telescope is placed into the uterus to see if there are abnormalities.  This is sometimes done in the office but often done in the operating room as a minor operation using light anesthesia.  It may all be benign but if it has been happening over three years and you are in menopause, it would be a good idea to investigate it a little more.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[Grower]

I saw my doctor yesteday. He did a thorough pelvic exam & Pap test. He swabbed out some of the discharge.He said it was      a normal Physiological discharge. It was bloody & he said not unusual & due to hormones.He said it could even be heavy enough for a "Light day pad".He doen't believe my back pain is related & other pain is from back. I do a lot of exercises,yoga & gardening.
I was estatic to hear this,but my Sister-in-law thinks I should see a Gyn.
I am 67. Guess I didn't say that in other post.Doctor said if I notice any bright red spotting ,to call right away.Any thoughts on this?

[Bekki]

I very much agree with your sister-in-law. I think you should see a specialist. The GYN would know better. I would BET that you are alright, but you want to make sure, for your own peace of mind! I think it is great that you do yoga. I just started yoga myself...(at 53) Stay as active as you can, and  much luck to you. God bless.