Menopause Spotting

Spotting Can Be Embarassing

During the peri-menopausal years (the years which lead up to menopause), your monthly  bleed will continue to occur but the chances are that you will notice a few changes.  As your  hormone levels decrease, you will notice that your  periods become more erratic.

What Is  Menopause Spotting?

Experiencing spots of blood – of various shades of red - between your monthly menstrual cycles is known as spotting.  During menopause this may be normal, as one of the first symptoms is irregular and erratic periods. This is due to the body slowing down and eventually stopping its production of estrogen and as the body experiences so many changes, it is going to behave differently until it adjusts to its new situation.

It is only when a woman goes for one year with no bleeding – menopause spotting included – that the arrival of menopause is confirmed.  If at any time during those twelve months she exhibits any signs of spotting at all, then the count will have to begin again from that date.  It is a good idea to keep a diary of how long it is from the last signs of a bleed, so that the time of entering menopause is as accurate as possible.

How do I Know What is Normal?

Just like periods and menopause every woman varies with the timing of her monthly cycle.  Some women can pinpoint to the exact day when they will begin bleeding and others may vary several days from month to month.  In exactly the same way, each experience of menopause varies from woman to woman.  For some, menopause spotting just prior to a period may be normal, while others will have no warning signs at all and their period will begin suddenly.

Perhaps you have periods regularly for a few months and then have no periods for the next few months, before starting normally again a month later.

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With regards to menopause spotting, blood show and what is normal, experiencing any sign of bleeding when you are not close to your monthly cycle, is not usual and should be reported to your doctor.  It is difficult to recognize sometimes as periods become more erratic close to menopause, but in any case, spotting when your period is not due should be taken seriously.  It may be nothing to worry about, but it is always preferable to err on the side of caution.

If your periods become so heavy that you must constantly change your tampon or sanitary towel, report this too.  On the other hand, if you find that the flow has become especially light and you always had quite a heavy flow previously, mention this to your doctor.

When Can I Expect  Spotting To Stop?

One Day The Spotting Will Be Over!

Once you have been without a period for twelve months you have gone through menopause and should have no furthersigns of bleeding.  If you notice a bleed or spotting after you have gone through menopause, tell your doctor.

Spotting is completely normal during menopause, but it should be worth noting that it can on rare occasions be a sign of something more serious.  Such as:

• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic infections
• Ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer.

To summarise, if you notice anything unusual, tell your healthcare professional and get it checked out.  Chances are it is nothing to worry about, but it is always better to check out any changes sooner rather than later.