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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Menstruation -Menopause?
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.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Feb 20, 2008 02:45PM
, Feb 20, 2008 02:45PM
To: jg548
At 47, menstrual changes can certainly be due to menopause approaching. But that is not the only reason. Hormonal problems and imbalances, thyroid problems, or mechanical problems such as fibroids and uterine polyps are common other things that can cause you to bleed abnormally. Iron deficiency is another.
The best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor. It isn't urgent, but if your next visit isn't scheduled within the nest 3 months, it's a good idea to go in and have things checked. Blood tests for iron and hematocrit determine anemia and blood count, FSH will determine if you are near menopause, TSH is a screen for thyroid disease. An exam may be helpful in finding the cause. Your doctor might also order an ultrasound or look at the lining with an endometrial biopsy. That is an office test that tells if the lining is normal or abnormal.
Those things will likely yield an answer, or make it clear what the next steps are.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
The best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor. It isn't urgent, but if your next visit isn't scheduled within the nest 3 months, it's a good idea to go in and have things checked. Blood tests for iron and hematocrit determine anemia and blood count, FSH will determine if you are near menopause, TSH is a screen for thyroid disease. An exam may be helpful in finding the cause. Your doctor might also order an ultrasound or look at the lining with an endometrial biopsy. That is an office test that tells if the lining is normal or abnormal.
Those things will likely yield an answer, or make it clear what the next steps are.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Member Comments (2)
by mariaridendal, Feb 29, 2008 02:15PM
To: Machelle Seibel,MD
Here is one for you, I am 44 w/only one overy and some major cramps,some less. bleeding is only 4 days but since my heartattack, there are months that I go more then that w/major cramps lasting three or more days.
