Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
Lately, lots of women have begun taking hormone replacements as a source of relief for the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Some may experience light bleeding during the month as a side effect, and believe they may have cause to worry.
It’s true that there are some forms of hormone therapy used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms that may cause light, monthly bleeding. But hormone therapy should not cause heavy flow with clots. If you experience heavy flows with blood clots, then you should know that this type of bleeding is abnormal and should be evaluated by your physician promptly.
Other potential causes of abnormal bleeding during or after menopause include:
– Shrinking or thinning of tissue lining the vagina and uterus due to a decrease in estrogen
– Uterine polyps or fibroids
– Infections of the uterus, such as cervicitis
– Endometrial hyperplasia – a non-cancerous condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows too rapidly
– Endometrial cancer
In addition to a careful history and physical examination, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures may be used to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding in menopausal women. If you have concerns, be sure to get it checked out. It may be a normal side effect, but if it’s not, there’s no reason to experience more uncomfortable side effects than you already are, or to put your body at risk.
