Question:
Post-Menopausal Bleeding

I have been on Activella (HRT) for a while and have been post-menopausal since Dec. 2001. My last period was in May, 2002. I had my surgery in August, 2002 but was taken off of my Activella before the surgery. My doctor didn't put me back on it right away because of the fear of clots. Anyway, I began 2 weeks of breakthrough bleeding in Sept. In Oct. I had a heavy period for three weeks and now in Nov. I am just at two weeks of very heavy bleeding. Thank God I have a dr. appt. today, but has this happened to any other menopausal women who have had this surgery? Please share. I feel ready for a hysterectomy if we can't get this stopped soon.    — Brenda O. (posted on November 18, 2002)

November 18, 2002
Dear Brenda...I'm not having exactly the same problem, but I just wanted to lend the hand of support. I'm sure the docs will have the right answer for you. You can't be going through life with that kind of heavy bleeding all the time. I'm sure it must be exhausting and scary, too. I'm having some weird problems with my cycle since surgery. I'm 49 now, so peri-menopausal I believe. Since surgery my cycle has been arriving every 21 days or so, when previously it was like clockwork at 28 days. It is heavy and with lots of cramps and a SEVERE backache for the first two days. I'm seeing my GYN next week. I don't know if it's the surgery or that I'm finally starting to go through menopause. Hang in there, Brenda. I hope you don't need the hysterectomy, but if it will resolve this awful problem, perhaps it may be the way to go. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 18, 2002
I am sympathetic as I have had HEAVY cycles since surgery (as had the 1st person who answered your question!) Keep in mind that fat cells store estrogen and when you are losing fat you are releasing that EXTRA estrogen into your system--that COULD be what is causing the cycles that you had thought were gone--good luck, I hope the Dr. figures it out!!!!
   — Arlene J.

November 23, 2002
I'm 54, past menopause and had post-op bleeding, but coincidentally I also had uterine dysplasia, a precancerous condition that is fairly common. While waiting for a D&C I hemorrhaged for 10 days, yikes! The D&C fixed it quite nicely though, and lucky for me no cancer was found. So you may not need that hysterectomy, but I know what you mean, that bleeding is no fun! Good luck!
   — Chris T.