Menopause Update:

Dealing with Bleeding & Discomfort

Some women can't wait for menopause to come.  It signifies the end of what seems like a lifetime of "monthly monsters".   (Thus, some men can't wait either)

But, some women also can't wait for menopause to go just as fast as it came.

However, just because menopause has come and gone does not mean that the 'coast is clear' for women.   Some women are afflicted with continued bleeding on a periodic basis.

As menopause takes place, a woman's menstrual periods frequently become irregular. Once menopause ends, there shouldn't be any bleeding at all.

If there is abnormal bleeding after menopause, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists indicates the following as possible causes:

• Having noncancerous polyps.
• Endometrial hyperplasia, a condition characterized by excess growth of the uterine lining.
• Thinning of uterine lining.
• Taking hormone therapy.
• Endometrial cancer.

These are some of the more common causes of post-menopausal bleeding and are ususally treatable and correctable.  Therefore, if the start of your post-meonpausal era is marked with unusual bleeding, know that it is atypical and should be examined by your physician.

Furthermore, the National Women's Health Information Center says that some women may be helped by the following suggestions:

• Keep cool by avoiding spicy foods and hot beverages, caffeine, stress and being in warm temperatures.
• Use a vaginal lubricant to treat dryness.
• Get plenty of exercise (but not too close to bedtime).
• Eat a healthy diet, avoiding junk food.
• Get plenty of rest. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool, and avoid a daytime nap.

Supplementation may also be helpful.  For information on a very helpful and inexpensive product, follow the link on the bottle below.